Wow, you're so much different on the WF. How do you mix business with pleasure?

19 replies
Warriors,

I am not quite sure how to handle this.

From the start, I have considered the WF a place to come and "hang out" , let off some steam, ask/answer questions, or just have a good time with some online friends.

But I ran a WSO a few months ago and now I have clients who frequent this forum.

I do some coaching via email and I got this response last night:

"Alan,

You are so much different on the warrior forum then you are through the email..."
So I am wondering if I should change my WF presence. Should I go totally professional here? Should I keep my "in your face" attitude ? Should I stop the joking around with friends? Should I stop being so opinionated and be more politically correct and less controversial?

Anyone else run into this issue before?

What did you do?

Respectfully,
Allen Graves
#business #mix #pleasure #wow
  • Profile picture of the author tommygadget
    I have never seen this, so I cannot comment personally. My piece of advice, for what it's worth is to do what you've been doing and be yourself. Anything else would be a lie.

    TomG.
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  • Profile picture of the author Allen Graves
    Thanks Tommy...

    But the fact is, I am both of those people.

    I am totally professional and proper when I need to be.

    I am also a big silly-monster when I'm not "on the job."

    I guess I am just wondering if it is possible to be both at the same time or if I should choose one and stick with it when I am here????

    AL
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    Every day I check the obituaries. If I don't see my name there, then I know it's going to be a good day!
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  • Profile picture of the author Leanne King
    Allen, I recently joined your site because I enjoyed your posts here . I love your newsletter, your site, and your posts here. I think you are a good mix of professional and yourself. No changes required


    Leanne
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  • Profile picture of the author Kelly Verge
    Allen,

    In my past corporate life, I chose to never drink in front of clients. It wasn't because I didn't drink - it was that I didn't want a multi-million dollar relationship riding on alcohol-induced behavior. I didn't fault those who drank, I just didn't go there.

    I suppose that since you (we) potentially could potentially be seen by your customers here, you should always be aware of that and not cross any lines. Or you could choose to remain 100% professional.

    Given the nature of our business and our customers, here I prefer a happy medium. I joke and kid, but always try to do it in a non-vulgar, friendly way. That's my real name over there, and Internet Marketers aren't the only ones who could find me here...
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    • Profile picture of the author Steven Wagenheim
      Allen, I don't have your problem because I'm the same old ornery SOB here
      or with my clients LOL.

      All kidding aside, if you're yourself, whatever that self is, you'll be fine.

      Once you try to "force" your behavior, that's when you start to run into
      trouble because you stop feeling comfortable with who you are and
      suddenly, life becomes a drudge.

      Just be who you've been. As long as you're not mean, rude, or nasty, your
      clients will love it.
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    • Profile picture of the author Ron Kerr
      I find that trying too hard to be professional makes my writing (of any type) stilted and bland.

      With your knowledge you can easily blend the professional with the personal and end up sounding more "real" than something that might come out of textbook.

      Or, if that doesn't work, there is always alcohol.
      Signature
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  • Profile picture of the author globalpro
    Allen,

    I don't think you need to change what you do and who you are, unless it give people the impression that there are two Allens. You can be personal and professional at the same time.

    What does trouble me (this is not directed at you) is there are a few here that I know from being on their newsletters and from other forums, that seem to be two different people. One person here and one person somewhere else. Makes me think they are putting up a facade somewhere and which one is the real person.

    The thing to consider is, what would your wife, family, friends, etc. think if you acted one way around them and another way other places and would you do them proud.

    Kind of like as a kid when you were doing something away from home, and the thought comes to mind, "What would my parents think?".

    Personally, if you 'act' the same way with your clients as you do here, there shouldn't be a problem. I enjoy and appreciate your interaction on WF.

    Thanks,

    John
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  • Profile picture of the author TiffanyLambert
    Was it an insult?

    Doesn't sound like it - just maybe an observation.
    I'm not sure if I'm the same or different but it's all ME in one way or another.

    Don't change a thing.
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  • Profile picture of the author Steven Carl Kelly
    Be yourself. You cannot be happy if you constantly try to conform to what you believe others dictate that your persona should be.
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  • Profile picture of the author Ben_Curtis
    Allen,
    Of course I don't have your problem, because I have not achieved your success, but I wonder: if it's all you, why can't you be all of it? Serious, silly, if of course nothing in the silly category would reflect negatively on your professional persona. We enjoy who you are.
    Regards~
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  • Profile picture of the author Matt MacPherson
    Be yourself. If people don't like you for who you are then (speaking for myself) I wouldn't want them as friends OR clients. It's probably better to sell your personality anyway. I mean, think about it. If these people are buying your WSO's for coaching, then they are probably familiar with your already established presence. That's what they want and expect. Give it to them mate.

    Regards,
    Matt
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  • Profile picture of the author Allen Graves
    Cool.

    Thanks, everyone.

    AL
    Signature
    Every day I check the obituaries. If I don't see my name there, then I know it's going to be a good day!
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  • Profile picture of the author Kim Standerline
    Just be yourself Allen

    If your personality is shining through then that is what is attracting people to you
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    • Profile picture of the author radhika
      Alan,

      It is not wrong to have both professional and funny side same time. (Simply we don't behave same with our kids and our co-workers. right?)

      He doesn't sound offensive. He sounded more like impressed of your WF profile

      .
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  • Profile picture of the author Amy Bass
    I think the more the personality the better. I know I do not enjoy working with people who do not have a sense of humor.
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  • Profile picture of the author Mark Brock
    Originally Posted by Allen Graves View Post

    Warriors,

    I am not quite sure how to handle this.

    From the start, I have considered the WF a place to come and "hang out" , let off some steam, ask/answer questions, or just have a good time with some online friends.

    But I ran a WSO a few months ago and now I have clients who frequent this forum.

    I do some coaching via email and I got this response last night:



    So I am wondering if I should change my WF presence. Should I go totally professional here? Should I keep my "in your face" attitude ? Should I stop the joking around with friends? Should I stop being so opinionated and be more politically correct and less controversial?

    Anyone else run into this issue before?

    What did you do?

    Respectfully,
    Allen Graves
    Your customers are happy customers right?

    When you spend time here at the forum you aren't specifically here to deal with these customers are you?! You want to come here to learn and "hang out" with people you like and respect yourself.

    My advice - Just relax and keep doing things the way you have been!

    There's nothing wrong with being 100% professional when dealing directly with your customers, but if you happened to meet one of them one the street; or better yet when you were drinking at a bar, what would you do then?

    I'm betting it wouldn't matter that you acted differently, as long as you continue to be polite to them there shouldn't be a problem.

    By the way - I do know that the Warrior Forum is different to a bar, but my point is that the way you act here should reflect why it is you came here and spend time here!

    As long as you don't offend your customers it shouldn't matter that you act differently!

    Take care buddy,

    Oh; and have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year as well!

    Mark
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    AWOL

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    • Profile picture of the author Bryan Zimmerman
      I hope you don't change your personality on here. Besides the fact your a Bucs fan (hold on I'm getting sick) I get a kick out of reading some of your posts and comments.

      Dolphins heading to the playoffs!
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  • Profile picture of the author ecoverartist
    Allen,

    I like you just the way you are. I was just talking to a fellow Warrior last night about how it can sometimes feel overwhelming, coming to the forum and feeling like you have to know everything in order to post anything (which is obviously not true!)

    Some Warrior here once told me my blog was drier than a sand martini with two chokecherries. Whoever you were - thank you for making me loosen up and let out my fun side.

    So you see, you can be both and it won't harm your relationship with your clients. If it does, you have to wonder if you could've really worked with those clients on a long term basis anyway!
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  • Profile picture of the author Sheryl Polomka
    As the legend Billy Joel says "I like you just the way you are"!

    I have always found you professional but at the same time 'pretty cool' so just keep on being yourself.

    Let's face it, it doesn't matter what you do you will never please everyone - just be yourself!
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  • Profile picture of the author James Schramko
    Just 'be'

    There is no need to play a character. People are drawn to REAL people.
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