(Hint: You Don’t Have One)
By Samantha Newton, HR Consultant, Ethical Practice Advocate & unapologetic HR Queen
Why Listen to Me?
Because I’ve been in the trenches.
I’m not here waving a clipboard, shouting from corporate towers, I’ve supported everyone from trauma-informed coaches to sound healers, reiki masters to yoga teachers, when their work got messy and personal. I’ve been called in when the refund requests land, the collaborations explode, the burnout hits, and the policies don’t exist. I know what happens when practitioners try to hold everyone else without structure to hold themselves.
I’ve also rebuilt that structure, without stripping away your soul. That’s the difference.
So no, I’m not here to tell you to “get more organised.” I’m here to help you stay in this work, with less resentment, more protection, and way more peace.
Your business is one flu, funeral or flatline away from falling apart, unless you’ve planned for the worst.
Let’s not sugar-coat this, I wouldn’t be the HR Queen if I did. Emergencies happen. Life derails. And if you’re not planning for it, you’re gambling with your livelihood.
Life will throw you curveballs. One day, you might wake up too ill to work. Or something might happen in your family. Or you simply hit a wall and can’t go on.
The question is…
What happens to your clients?
Your income?
Your business?
If you don’t have a plan, you’re not resilient, you’re at risk. Most wellness practitioners are their business. If you go down, everything stops. No admin. No cancellations. No refunds. No communication. Just silence.
What Emergency Planning Looks Like
1. Nominate a Business Buddy
Someone you trust to contact clients and access key information in case of an emergency. Share limited logins. Create a simple SOP (Standard Operating Procedure).
2. Document Your Basics
What are your core systems? Booking software? Payment platform? Client contact info? Write it down. Secure it. Update it monthly.
3. Add a Clause to Your Terms
Let clients know what happens in the event of serious illness, bereavement or burnout. This protects you and manages their expectations.
4. Financial Buffering
Even a few weeks’ operating costs can be a lifesaver. Build a buffer. It’s not indulgent, it’s responsible.
Why This Isn’t Morbid, It’s Mature
Sole Traders, Listen Up
You are your business. If you fall ill, everything pauses. Without a contingency plan, your clients are confused, your income stops, and your reputation suffers. This isn’t paranoia, it’s preparedness. Build now, so you’re not scrambling later.
Emergency planning isn’t about being negative. It’s about being grown-up. You already care deeply about your clients. Imagine how much more held they’ll feel knowing you’ve taken the time to plan for the unexpected.
A Story You Don’t Want to Repeat
Real talk, this actually happened to someone I supported.
A trauma-informed coach I worked with ended up hospitalised unexpectedly. She hadn’t delegated access to her booking system. Clients showed up to Zoom calls that never happened. One left a scathing Google review. It took her six weeks to recover her credibility, longer than her health.
Don’t let that be you.
What to Action Today
- Choose and brief your Business Buddy
- Create an emergency handover document
- Update your T&Cs with a contingency clause
- Back up your client data securely
- Build a savings plan for sick or burnout leave
Miss Managed, HR without the sugar-coating
A behind-the-scenes look at the real people issues no one else dares talk about. My no-fluff HR newsletter that gives you grounded advice, sharp strategy, and stories straight from the frontline.
Core Insights, leadership, culture & cutting through corporate noise
My newsletter for the bold, brave and ready-to-lead — where I cut through buzzwords and corporate waffle to help you build grounded, human-first workplaces.
Always happy to connect, collaborate, or simply have a great conversation.
Don’t hesitate to reach out.
Warm regards,
Samantha Newton
Let’s Get Your House in Order
You didn’t come this far to be undone by a cancellation policy or a boundary breach. If you’re still managing client expectations via vibes and voice notes, it’s time to upgrade.
Here’s what working with me gives you:
- ✅ Peace of mind
- ✅ Real templates that work (not fluff)
- ✅ A practice you can grow without collapsing under it
Trying to run a people-facing business without proper boundaries and agreements is like running barefoot through brambles. You’ll keep going, but you’ll bleed for it. Let me help you walk through it in boots, with a map, and a torch.
Book your free 15-min HR SOS call, because if you’re going to do meaningful work, you need meaningful protection.
Not ready for a call? Grab my free Boundaries & Burnout Audit Checklist, quick, honest, brutally helpful. It’ll show you what’s leaking energy in your business, and what to do about it.
Got a horror story or boundary win to share? Message me, I love hearing what’s really going on behind the scenes. Connect on Foyht or LinkedIn and let’s talk about making your practice not just sustainable, but brilliant.
Your energy is sacred.
So is your business.
Guard both.
Connect with Samantha Newton on Foyht & start building a practice that’s as boundaried & brilliant as you are.
Main – Photo by Pixabay
About the Author: Samantha Newton
