I’m all for going with the flow when it comes to both my life and my business. Sometimes though, life just kind of happens and throws everything for a loop.
What happens when your life infiltrates and starts to affect your business?
This past week I had a bit of a family emergency. Nothing that required me to drop everything right this instant to attend to things. But it was something big enough that made me cancel some upcoming work events, delayed a current project or two and put a hold on taking on some new clients. It all made me wonder though…
How much of your personal life do you share with your clients?
When communicating with a couple of clients this week, I mentioned that I wasn’t able to do anything with them this week or next. That wasn’t quite enough information so I usually had to clarify that I had some family stuff going on. That still didn’t seem to be enough information and at this point, I typically had to explain that my father had a stroke (or two), was scheduled to have surgery back east and I needed to remain available in case I needed to fly out to him.*
Of course, once I clearly said what happened, there were quick apologies and well wishes for my father. Usually from there were were able to move on to figuring out how we can work together in the future. It wasn’t the sort of thing that needed any further discussion since caring for our parents, children and spouses is such common nature and everyone can relate to it. While I have no problem with the way these conversations played out (it really was quick and natural and not pushy at all), I just didn’t feel comfortable sharing the details.
I mean do we really need to share so much with our clients? I had friends that I hadn’t even told about my father and yet here I was telling a virtual stranger. Though interestingly enough, I blogged and Twittered the entire process.
When is it too personal?
When my father-in-law was dying, my husband went to work every day, business as usual. I don’t think his co-workers ever even knew what was going on or what he was going through until his father actually passed away and he took the time off. At the time, I couldn’t understand this. Now, I think I get where he was coming from.
I don’t really worry that sharing a part of my personal life will affect my business – especially something that everyone can relate to in one way or another. In fact, it might make me appear “normal” (assuming I don’t appear normal, I guess) in that I’m taking the time to attend to my business. Everyone seems to understand that it really is something out of my control, as well as something that needs to be attended to. But I guess that while I don’t feel completely comfortable having to share the information, at least I know that once shared, everyone gets it and I’m off the hook, so to speak, from having to focus on the business at hand.
There’s no wrong or right way to go here. I’d say it’s entirely up to you what you share or don’t share. Share what you’re comfortable with. Just know that in the end, folks will understand and respect you for being honest. You don’t have to be super woman and handle it all alone.
* He’s doing much better, no complications and is scheduled to go home Tuesday or Wednesday.
