Are YOU “Out of Bounds” with your Clients? Feng Shui Queens NY.
As a Feng Shui Consultant in New York, I am always careful not to cross any “boundaries” with my clients. Often times after a Feng Shui Consultation we will keep in touch and it’s not at all unusual for us to become friends.
It is, in fact, one of the nicest parts of this lovely art of Feng Shui.
Still, there are boundaries. I sometimes wonder if I asked a client/friend for something if I would be “crossing the line.” I don’t want to do that so I simply Don’t ASK.
My thinking has changed a bit over the years and most particularly due to a recent incident. Years ago I had a contact from someone who worked for the hit TV show “Crossing Over” with John Edward. If you’ve read some previous posts, I am a huge fan of his. It had crossed my mind to ask my client if she knew of any way I could obtain tickets—I had tried unsuccessfully for almost two years.
I somehow never felt it was the right thing to do. We did, however, become friends and still are today. We will email, speak on the phone and meet for lunch or dinner when possible. Today I would likely have no problem asking her but then it was still a “Professional” relationship.
An email she sent one day almost sent me off my chair. She’d asked what I was doing and what I’d been up to….and included in the last sentence “If you ever want tickets to the show, just let me know.” She didn’t know I had been trying for SO long and when I accepted her incredible offer she asked me why I hadn’t simply ASKED…..
Some of you that also read my posts probably know one of my favorite things to do is go to attend concerts. I book as many as I can reasonably afford and then I book more. This year I tried to make Very Careful selections for the Summer. I chose Gordon Lightfoot, my all time favorite Jackson Browne, Crosby, Stills and Nash, Fleetwood Mac (yes, they all played together again!) and Bonnie Raitt.
Again, I was WAY over my limit. WAY, WAY over : ) Then it was announced that Huey Lewis and the News were going to be playing. Goodness, if you have ever seen them you would never forget the ENERGY they generate! And if you haven’t, I can promise you that you won’t sit down.
I have been working on a project FOR someone for a long time. It’s BUSINESS. But I know they have access to tickets from the place having the concert…..Dare I ask my Boss?? Much as I like to think I’m an independent “agent” I am really an employee.
One morning, I took a chance and emailed my ‘boss.’ A few days later I came in to a message that said “Carole, your Huey tickets are burning a hole in my pocket.” I was THRILLED. I couldn’t thank him enough and when I spoke to him, I realized something---he was HAPPY to have gotten me the tickets, just as my Feng Shui Client had been. I had really created my own “boundaries.” People that you have helped along the way are only too happy to help you right back….if you give them a chance.
Overstep your boundaries---I dare you!
http://www.LongIslandFengShui.com
**Carole Provenzale has been a Certified Feng Shui Consultant since 1997 and is the Founder of Feng Shui Long Island &; New York providing on site Feng Shui Consultations for New York City (Manhattan), Brooklyn, Queens and Long Island for Homes, Apartments, Businesses, Corporations, Renovations and New Construction. http://www.TheFengShuiVoice.com
So when are you going to John Edwards? That should be fun. I wouldn't mind seeing that live myself.
Carole - You just never know until you cross that boundary just how much someone will do for you if you just ask. Think you can get another ticket to that Huey Lewis and the News concert? :)
Carole, it is a delicate balance in ask and you shall receive and boundaries. I have leaned towards the former as I have gotten older and just see where life takes me. My philosophy. Go for it!!
Congrats on the Huey Lewis tickets! They do put on one heckuva show - that's for sure!
As for crossing boundaries ... I like to think it's a give and take. Most of us will do more than what is actually 'required' of us in any situation. So if the time comes that there is something that they can do for you that is a little 'above and beyond' the supposed relationship ... just ask. I always preface the question with, "Please don't put yourself out, but if it's at all possible ..."
Hi Carole-I think it is great that you go to all these concerts. I haven't been to a concert in years. I love the music of all of the ones you mentioned. I am so happy you got those Huey Lewis tickets. Have fun. Have a great week <SMILE>
Excellent post Carol. Some of our clients we really do become friends with and do lunch, hang out etc. Others we keep in touch with but just to well.......keep in touch.
But, when you click with folks it is fine and good to let the relationship continue.
Inteeresting post. The hubs and I are very similar in that we are always willing to help, but assume we would be a "bother" if we asked for any in return. There is a fear of the "obligation factor" even though we don't feel it towards those we have helped. Difficult to "allow" others to be HELPFUL PEOPLE (in the words of Feng Shui! =o)
Carole, Many of my clients become friends but I'm with you it has been hard for me to ask.
This is a very touch topic. I think I would drop some hints, but I am not sure I would come right out and ask! Enjoy those concerts.
Carole..Go for it..Life is to short not to enjoy it...Thank you
Helpfulhannah
Carole ~ What a wonderful story to share! Ask and you shall receive ... it really works. Especially when your intentions are honorable, as yours are. John Edwards is an amazing man -- would you consider writing about the show after you've met him? I hope you have a blast at those concerts! I saw Fleetwood Mac back in the late 60's when they were starting out in San Francisco. Crosby Stills & Nash were one of my favorites too.
Carole you are so right. If we don't feel it is right we don't ask and they are probably wondering why we don't. We are going to see the Doobie Brothers and Bad Company at Bethel Woods on Saturday. They have some great concerts up this way this summer but scheduling them in is a challenge never mind the funds to go! Enjoy yourself at all your musical events this year.
Hi Carole, Sounds like you really love your music. Great post - ask and you shall receive, as long as you aren't asking all the time.
Carole - Great advice ! It is similar to getting out of a comfort zone. Typically when people try new things, their business can grow or just things can happen as a result. Is like asking someone out for a date. If you dont ask, it will never happen ! Hope all is well !!! ~ Chris
Bill, John Edward was a while ago, when he was doing the show "Crossing Over." What an experience!
Donna, The concert was Friday...it was phenominal! I just think people not only don't mind, they are HAPPY to do a favor for you--
Gary, I like your philosophy. I gladly do things for others and am happy when something makes them happy and it works two ways. Too bad it took me so long to discover that.
Carol, You must have seen them, they are Energy! I think you have the absolute right idea, people are only too happy if we only ASK. Most of my life I haven't but I think I might change that :)
Sharon, I wish you could come! I started going to concerts when I was 13 and it's the one thing I never "grew out of."
Missy, I love those special friendships and they happen more often then I ever would have thought. I enjoy doing things for others--turns out they feel the same way.
Cheryl, You couldn't have said it better! And DO ask, people like to make us happy if they can help! I love Carol's approach above.
Marchel, Relationships change. I am SURE you'd help someone with something if you could and you'd be thrilled to get them something they want....they feel the same!
Joan, Go ahead, I dare you. You just might make someone's day, they are really HAPPY to help.
Hannah, Life IS short. I figured it couldn't hurt but didn't realize it made him feel good to do me this favor---
Maureen, I love concerts. I did see John Edward already, I was in the audience of one of the "Crossing Over" shows he did and he did start to read me....Some specific details but someone in the back "grabbed" it.....I don't know if anyone would believe it. I do have an old VHS copy of thow (that part was edited) but it shows a close-up of my daughter! It was amazing.
Paddy, I saw the Doobie Brothers last year at Jones Beach...you're in for a fun concert! People are only too happy to help and I should have asked sooner. Enjoy!!
Sandy, I do enjoy almost all types of music, that's what makes the choices so difficult. I wouldn't be asking all the time but honestly saw it made this person happy to help out and started to think of things differently.
Chris, Too cute, i like the way you relate it to a date but you're absolutely right! You never know and it can't hurt to ask..... :)
Dear Carole,
It is all about balance and trusting your instincts. Like they say "Ask and you shall receive..." I am glad it worked out for you & that you got to see John Edwards. I love him too. He is amazing!!
Betina
I have wanted to go to see him in person for a long time, but it has not worked out yet. I am glad the universe made a way for you to experience his show in person. You have to do a follow up post to let us know how it went.
I have wanted to go to see him in person for a long time, but it has not worked out yet. I am glad the universe made a way for you to experience his show in person. You have to do a follow up post to let us know how it went.