Other companies build websites, widgets and tools we build relationships. We know that there are thousands of companies to choose from what differentiates us from the clear one in a thousand choice is our commitment to relationships. We don’t live in a 9 to 5 world so we don’t run a 9 to 5 business. Steve Cooper of Forbes Magazine wrote an excellent article on tearing down the walls between private and business and we support his approach.
Here is an excerpt from the article: Why You Should Friend Business Associates On Facebook
Up until recently I have tried to keep my business and personal lives separate. When requests like this were made in the past, I would typically refer them to my LinkedIn profile and inform the person that I keep my Facebook circle very personal while all of my social media exchanges for business take place on LinkedIn and Twitter.
Recently I have had a change of heart (and mind), and I’m tearing down the wall. One of the most cherished aspects of being an entrepreneur is having the ability to make the choices I want to make. For me, that means working with people I like, respect and trust. If I can’t trust a person enough to see what I’m up to on the weekends through Facebook, I’m not sure I want to expand my business relationship with that person either.
Referencing one of my favorite movie’s of all time, The Godfather, which is chock-full of wisdom, I disagree with Michael Corleone when he says to his brother, “It’s not personal, Sonny. It’s strictly business.” To me, there’s nothing more personal than my business. I have spent more hours and sleepless nights trying to grow my business than any other endeavor in my life. I cherish all the relationships the journey of entrepreneurship has provided up to this point; and what makes them great is the quality of people I have chosen to work with.
If I am to lead by example, I have to allow people to see who I really am—and Facebook provides the clearest window into my personal life online. I get to share my major life events with friends, family and business associates and I get to see theirs as well. This passive relationship provides a deeper understanding into who we are and what we’re about. I think this is a tremendous benefit when doing business with a person.