You Have a New Friend Request
Post Date: November 11, 2008

In our last poll question, "Is it appropriate to "friend" clients on social networking sites?", 72% said "No, it's important to separate your work relationships from personal relationships online."

It's fine to invite someone from work to be your friend on a social networking site, but it's much like asking them to go for a beer after work: they might say no. Professional networking sites such as LinkedIn are a safer bet with work colleagues.

There are two stages to having a friendship with a client, or even a coworker. The first is initiating the friendship, and the second is remembering that you also have a professional relationship with this person even as the friendship develops.

One of the most obvious places to begin a friendship is with a conversation about a shared interest - such as sports, movies, vacations, or food. This will give you a chance to see if they seem interested in knowing you better. Asking them out for lunch or drinks to talk more about your shared interest is a great way to segue into a personal relationship. "Friending" someone on Facebook is another way to gauge if they are interested in knowing you outside of work.

As long as they remain your client, be aware that interactions you have outside of work have the potential to affect their overall view of you. Be sure that anything you reveal about yourself is something you would be comfortable having discussed on the job. It doesn't mean that you shouldn't look for friends on the job front; after all, it's a reasonable place to assume you might meet people you like.

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