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Friendly But Not Necessarily Friends

Clients expect information, quick follow up, an industry expert, and a good deal...but not necessarily your friendship.

Trusted Adviser

advisor When I look back at those parts of my career that involved providing professional services, I shudder at the amount of time, energy and money that was devoted to such activities as networking, schmoozing, making nice, doing lunch...and so on.

No, I'm not a curmudgeonly recluse...I really do enjoy people.

But I prefer socializing with people whom I have things in common and whose company I truly enjoy.

I have done more business networking...aka socializing with prospects, clients and contacts..than I can remember, or even care to admit.

Not Necesarily Best Friends

As a provider of professional services, I saw my role as a trusted adviser to my clients, not necessarily their best friend. friends

These 2 roles are not always interchangeable.

In marketing personal and professional services, of course it's important to be friendly to everyone we meet.

It's also important to remember that being a friendly...and even helpful...trusted adviser does not always mean being a best friend.

In seeking a trusted adviser, I expect information, quick follow up, an industry expert, and a good deal, period.

For friends, I prefer socializing with people whom I have things in common and whose company I truly enjoy.

Posted by Larry Easto on 09/03/2009 05:46 AM

Comments (8)

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8 Comments on Friendly But Not Necessarily Friends

SEP

It's interesting how social networking has clouded the professional/personal role. I Have had clients with whom I've clicked who want to be facebook friends. As facebook is a place where I share "personal" information, I would prefer not to mix the professional with the personal until after the transaction closes. At that point, I welcome them to my personal world....

Thanks!

Diane

Good Post Larry. Absolutely 100% on the money.

Larry, So true. i think Realtors cross that line a bit too often. Yes, we are privy to all of their personal information and do get to know our clients quite well during transaction process, but would you expect your attorney or doctor to be your New Best Friend? I think not. WE all need to be reminded of this. Thanks!

Thank you for posting this! Nothing can be more irritating than trying to be someone's best friend you don't even know- I hate it when sales people do that to me- Perhaps the "used car salesman" style of smoozing works for some, but the relationship most serious buyers or sellers really want is one that is straight forward and businesslike.

Your proctologist does not need to be your best friend to do his job right? Wouldn't that be a bit unnerving? Hey Buddy!

Good post, Larry. I agree with Diane that the professional/personal boundaries are blurred by social networking. For me, a "friend" is someone to whom I've extended my trust. The rest are acquaintences. Some are "friendly acquaintences" but acquaintences nonetheless.