I wasn’t expecting a 5 a.m. voicemail filled with rage, expletives, and legal threats. But there it was—waiting for me, right after I had finished my morning routine.

I pressed play, and a clipped, furious voice rang through my speakers:

“I don’t know who you are, or how you’re getting my email address, but you’re some kind of fraud. I’ve never visited your website. I have no idea who the f** you are, and you’re spamming, so I’m going to take this to the fullest extent of the law. I would never visit this marketing site, ever, ever. Never even signed up for sh*t, yet you have my personal email address. Then when you go to unsubscribe, it keeps bringing you back, and I keep getting your emails. I don’t know who you are, Jill Celeste; you’re not my friend, and if you think this is spiritual, you are jamming yourself with karma. You better watch yourself on soliciting private emails, you f***ing piece of garbage. I have never been interested in marketing. I have never clicked a f***ing ad of yours, so how have you gotten my private address? I’m having you investigated. Do not solicit my phone number at all. I will prosecute you, whoever you are, whatever you are. How f**ing dare you!”

Her voice dripped with vitriol. It scared the crap out of me—not just because of the threats, but because she was so mad about receiving an email from me that she grabbed her phone at 5 a.m. to call and scream.

Had I done something wrong?

No. I checked my email system, and she had opted in herself—signed up for a free resource, confirmed her email, and even opened other emails. I had done nothing wrong.

But that didn’t stop her from finding my phone number and calling me at 5 a.m. to spew her anger.

And that’s when I realized: I needed stronger boundaries.

Why Boundaries Around Client Access Matter

I had naively made myself too accessible.

As a marketing mentor, I wanted to be available to my clients. My contact information was all over my website, emails, and social media. But that morning, I learned an important truth:

If you don’t set up boundaries, you will get stepped on.

Some people will feel entitled to your time, energy, and even your personal information. It’s up to you to protect your space.

That’s exactly what I did.

• I secured a PO box so I didn’t have to share my home address.
• I set up a Google phone number instead of using my personal one.
• I turned off Facebook Messenger to stop random people from messaging me.
• I tightened my email access so only trusted clients and team members had my direct contact.

This experience taught me a powerful lesson: Boundaries are not just about protecting your time. They are about protecting your mental well-being.

How to Create Boundaries Around Your Contact & Access

If you’re an entrepreneur, you do not have to be available 24/7. You do not have to let clients—or strangers—access you whenever they want. Here’s how to set better boundaries:

1. Use a Business Phone Number

• Get a Google Voice or business phone number instead of using your personal one.
• That way, you can set specific hours when you receive calls and texts.

2. Remove Your Personal Address from Emails

• Email marketing laws require you to include an address—but that doesn’t mean it has to be your home address.
• Instead, use a PO Box or virtual business address.

3. Limit Direct Access

• You don’t have to be available on every platform.
• Turn off Facebook Messenger (or set up auto-replies).
• Be selective about where you list your contact info.

4. Set Expectations with Clients

• If clients know when and how they can reach you, they won’t expect instant access.
• Add clear boundaries in your contracts, onboarding emails, and FAQs.

5. Use Automated Systems to Protect Your Time

• Set up auto-replies for common questions.
• Use scheduling links instead of back-and-forth emails.
• Create a contact form instead of listing your direct email.

Protecting Yourself is Not Selfish—It’s Smart

That 5 a.m. voicemail was a wake-up call—literally and figuratively.

Now, if an angry stranger tries to reach me? They won’t find my personal number. They won’t wake me up. They’ll be met with kind, automated systems that protect my time and energy.

And I do not feel guilty about that.

Your boundaries matter. If you’re struggling with clients demanding too much access, it’s time to put your well-being first.

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MORE RESOURCES:

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