Yesterday, I noticed that someone had entered my website using the search string “how to ask friends for business”. Now, as a business development professional for over 19 years, you’d think that I’d have great answers to that question. But for some reason, it’s always been a bit tricky for me to ask friends for business, which is crazy considering many of my prospects have converted into friends over time. {Which, incidentally, IS the goal of proper relationship-building. Yet, it doesn’t always serve me well, when I then become hesitant to ask those prospects-turned-friends for real business!}
Awhile ago, my article was published on this topic: Client or Personal Friend? How to create boundaries between business and personal relationships.
Right now, the economy is still in flux and there are no guarantees that Q1 2010 will bring sunnier days. Having the ability to respectfully ask your friends for business is especially key in tough times. I’d very much like others’ opinions on the subject. Please feel free to send me a direct email, or to post your comments on this site.
