097. Resetting Expectations when You are Overwhelmed

John shares why it’s so important to communicate and reset clients’ expectations when you are feeling overwhelmed and not hitting deadlines.This episode is sponsored byTave. Get your free 60 day trial by going to lightdarkco.com/taveIf you’re listening the week this comes out, you probably realized it’s later than our usual Monday morning release. That has everything to do with today’s topic. Overwhelm.2021 was insane for many of us. 2020 reschedules, on top of all the 2021 couples. Plus more pandemic, working in dangerous conditions, and just plain exhaustion.The last few months in particular have been a struggle. They’re busy months, sicknesses, lots of work, holidays, emotional stress, deaths in the family, editing program issues, covid effecting those around us.I used to stress myself out about meeting deadlines and expectations that I had set with my clients, my family, and myself. I still do at times. I would get in my head and tell myself that they would be so disappointed in me and leave terrible reviews.With everything happening the last few months, I’ve had to revisit some of the deadlines and move them out. Much like releasing this episode on a Thursday instead of Monday.It has been freeing this fall to revisit expectations and move forward with new ones.When you see that you’re going to miss a deadline, reach out before you pass it.Be humble and explain what’s going on. Not making excuses, just explaining.Set new deadlines that you can definitely deliver on.Offer a gift or discount as a thank you if you want.The perfectionist in my soul would have died with the amount of late deliveries, missed deadlines, and overall “Not perfection” that was a majority of 2021.So set expectations for your couples, try your best to meet them, and if the world throws all the curveballs at you, revisit those expectations and agree to new ones. Your clients will feel respected and cared for even if they are bummed that their photos aren’t ready yet.Enter the Giveaway before February 1, 2022. More info at lightdarkco.com/giveawayFind John atallheartphoto.cominstagram.com/allheartphotoallheartphoto.com/educationWhat am I loving?Podcast - Black Shutter Podcast by Idris Talib SolomonWe record each episode LIVE in our Facebook group and we would love to connect with you there. You can join at Light + Dark Photography Podcast Group on Facebook.Follow us at www.instagram.com/lightdarkcowww.instagram.com/allheartphoto