Ever found yourself knee-deep in a “quick tweak” that somehow turned into a full rewrite worthy of a Booker Prize?
We’ve all had those clients.
The ones who reply weeks later and expect you to pick up exactly where you left off. Or the ones who send over “just a few quick tweaks” that somehow turn into a full blown rewrite.
Sound familiar?
It’s something we talk about with clients all the time. No matter what industry you’re in, coaching, design, marketing, consultancy, or anything service based, managing client expectations can make or break your workflow.
And with April being Stress Awareness Month, we wanted to shine a light on one of the biggest and most underrated ways to reduce stress in your business. Getting your legal documents in place.
Because here’s the thing.
Yes, having a contract is important. But having the right contract, one that actually fits your services, your processes, and how you work with clients, makes all the difference.
A good contract sets healthy boundaries. It protects your time. It removes the emotional weight of having to justify your decisions when things get messy. It helps you say, “That’s outside our agreed scope” without sounding awkward or apologetic.
Take revision limits, for example.
So many small businesses struggle with endless rounds of edits. But when you’ve got something in writing, like one round of amendments within 7 days of receiving the draft, everything feels easier. You have a clear reference point. Your client knows what to expect. And if they want more, you’ve got a framework to charge fairly for it.
Other ways to help manage this, and your stress levels:
- Add revision terms clearly in your proposal, onboarding email, or statement of work
- Remind clients of the timeframe when you send your draft
- Use automated nudges to follow up on feedback
- Use supportive and collaborative language like “We’ve built in time for one round of refinements so we can keep things moving smoothly”
These simple steps all help to prevent delays, scope creep, and unnecessary stress.
And let’s be honest. When you’re running your own business, anything that reduces overwhelm and helps you feel in control is worth its weight in gold.
If you’re feeling the pressure or dealing with tricky clients, take a moment this Stress Awareness Month to check in on your contracts. Are they protecting your time? Do they reflect the way you actually work? Are they specific to your industry and service offerings?
If not, it might be time for an update. Or to stop relying on that freebie you downloaded three years ago. Worse still using something that you copied from elsewhere hoping that it will do!
Want a contract that works for you, not against you?
We have contract templates that can be purchased from our website and which are tailored to different industries and services, with the clauses you actually need. No jargon. No fluff. Just protection that makes your working life easier.
And if your business is a little more niche or you need something specific, we also offer bespoke contract drafting. That way, you get documents that are built around the way you work.
K&K Legal Consulting offer a discount on items in their Legal Store to L&D Free Spirits members. To find the discount code, log into the site and head over to Insider Deals.
