Why do you only correspond by email?

I was asked (on the phone!) to add a business phone number to an advert the other day “because it looks weird not to have one” and I replied “it’s critical for my sanity that my number is not included”. And that’s why really! Without boundaries small business owners are on a fast track to frazzlement! Where we make those boundaries depends on our personalities and circumstances, and for me not have a business phone number is the main way I protect myself from feeling overwhelmed.

I have anxiety: Under pressure I clam up. Go slow. Get agitated or cross. Panic attacks are managed by reducing these situations, keeping them few and far between. The thought of being constantly available, having to be my best self without preparation, or return calls (another thing to do ) fills me with dread. It’s a very negative feeling that I don’t want to cultivate.

My hands are full: On the field my head is in planting plans, seed successions, vole damage mitigation, or my hands are full of flowers when I’m in floristry mode. And mum to three boys is pretty full-on too!

But obviously we don’t want it to be hard for you to buy our flowers! Instead of a phone number we’ve invested in automating how we sell, so that it’s easy to take orders and wedding bookings through our website.

I respond quickly to messages and emails. It is great to have these to look back at to reassure myself about what has been said, details, preferences etc. (A real help with my anxiety) I’d want to do this after a phone call anyway, so just corresponding by email saves me a ‘step’.

Respecting my reasons is really appreciated. Working this way is practical and nurturing, it enables me to be my best at work; focussed, creative, with attention to detail. I remember reading the advice of a business coach who advocated setting up your business to work for you, not copying everyone else, and it’s advice I’ve really embraced.

What boundaries do you have to maintain a work/life balance?

-Harriet x