I hired someone recently to help create marketing content for my Certification Accelerator programs (where I help folks create certifications).

When we were messaging back and forth about getting started she said to me:

“I’ve got your back”

I’m not kidding when I say I almost burst into tears! (And I am NOT someone who cries easily…)

I could feel it. She is ‘in’ it with me. She is engaged and really cares about the work we are doing together. I have total faith that she is going to bring her best to the table.

And it occurred to me… what an amazing gift to offer to our clients!

To say – and mean – that we’ve got their back. In whatever way makes sense for what it is we do and what we offer.

If I can be real with you for a moment – and potentially controversial in saying so…

There is a lot of discussion in our online world about setting firm boundaries and clear expectations. And I am ALL for this when it comes to creating healthy relationships and an enjoyable business.

And yet – there are also times when those boundaries can get in the way.

We stick so firmly to “how it should be” that we aren’t able to meet our clients where they are. This can be especially true in moments of struggle or when things aren’t working out.

To be clear, I do not at all mean to do anything and everything your clients ask for and bend over backward for them at all times. Heck no… been there, done that, got the t-shirt. It almost sucked the life out of me.

But there is something about being willing to go the extra mile when needed. To bend our own rules when things are tough. To be willing to jump into the mess with our clients and help them figure it out. <– THAT is a true gift for any client.

Let’s not let boundaries get in the way of caring! Of doing the best work we can for our clients (within the scope of what they’ve hired us to do.)

Let’s perhaps even look for ways where we can bring a little more “I’ve got your back” into the mix.

I’m curious what comes up for you here. Have you experienced working with someone who ‘has your back’? Does this make you go ‘hmm’ when it comes to how you are showing up for your clients and where you may be able to bring a bit more of this to the table?

It certainly has me thinking as well…

At the end of the day we are all human – and one of the greatest gifts we can give to our clients is showing we care.