Although I usually write about compliance issues related to bookkeeping, payroll, sales tax, 1099 filings, or share information from business contacts that I feel is important for my clients, today’s blog will be a bit more personal and from the heart.
Many times in business, it seems we feel we need to portray ourselves as “professional” or potential clients may not want to use our services because they feel we aren’t an expert in our field. I remember this topic of discussion a few years ago where the question was should you let people you know in business (customers, vendors, or prospects) become friends on your personal Facebook page. If you did, they’d see your pictures and life outside of business. There were people on both sides of the fence. Those who said “No” were concerned about maintaining their professionalism in their relationships with them because they’d see them as they were in real life. those who said “Yes” would remind everyone that people do business with those they know, like, and trust.
At first, I was concerned about having people see my personal profile because I talk about my kids, their activities, post messages about my everyday life, and of course I’m tagged in photos and posts from others. My concern was not that I had anything to hide, but more that clients or others in my business relationships wouldn’t want to see my personal “stuff”. Therefore, I was going to recommend people to my business page http://www.facebook.com/AffordableBookkeepingandPayroll because that is where I share all of my business tips, blog posts, etc. I still do recommend that page because it is important, but if someone sends me a friend request to my personal page, many times I’ll accept their request, especially if we have many contacts in common. I’ve built some closer business relationships because of it.
I enjoy knowing my clients and business associates on a more personal level. And not only do they see my personal life, I see theirs too. I’ve learned about who they are through their sharing of photos, posts, important events in their lives, etc. I’m glad I’m developing relationships.
Do you think you should be “friends” with clients and other business associates? Let me know what you think.
Candy
