Why I Mix Business With Pleasure

by Lyn Lomasi, Staff Writer

You hear it all the time. “Never mix business with pleasure”. But that strategy is definitely the wrong way to go for myself and many others. I’m here to tell you all the reasons I blend both -- and why you should too!

Authenticity is Key to Success

Frequent readers know my stance on authenticity and that I feel it’s a must for web writers. Honesty creates loyal readers that trust you. Part of being real with your audience involves mixing in some of your personal life. No one wants to read dry, boring content. Where’s the pleasure in that?

Readers want something they can relate to. The best way to give them what they want is to be more personal. There’s no way to hone in on those feelings properly and authentically without mixing in personal accounts. You can still be professional while sharing personal feelings. Fictional stories can add flavor but feelings are best portrayed when you speak from the heart with honesty and raw emotion.

Teamwork Requires Personal Engagement

Writing for the web involves a great deal of teamwork. Whether you write for your own blog or site, clients, or other venues, the same is true. Your team may consist of you, clients, fellow writers, your audience, editors, or some varied combination. In order to interact with those on your team, you need to be able to relate on a personal level. There will be times when it helps to weave in personal accounts, even when talking about business.

Readers may ask questions about your topics. Other writers may ask for help. Clients also may want to create small talk or ask you about the experiences that make you an expert. There are many scenarios that require more personal interactions. If you are all business, that may make some people feel uncomfortable. The idea is to be welcoming and treat your team as just that.

Risks are Necessary to Succeed

There are obviously certain life situations you don’t want to discuss. However, risks are necessary to succeed. Mixing business with pleasure may be risky. But sometimes, it’s a risk you have to take. You will know what’s right to share and what isn’t if you take the proper cues from your team. Ever heard of the saying that talks about doing the same thing and expecting different results? Web writing is very much like that. You have to dive in and enjoy the ride in order to experience the true benefits.

One of the greatest things about web writing is the ability to help others. This is much more effective when you mix business with pleasure. By sharing your experiences, you take the risk of putting your business where others can see it. But, in my opinion, that risk is insignificant compared to the possibility of healing another soul. Leaps of faith like that are also often what leads many people to success. Just think what may have happened if I’d never have taken the risk of making my first website for my birthday in 2007? I definitely would not be where I am today, managing a team of freelancers and running several more sites, in addition to that first one.

Pleasure Often Feeds Success

Obviously, the happier you are, the more you are going to put into something. It’s not rocket science, folks. If you don’t love what you do, you may still succeed, but you will be miserable, so it will be for nothing. I’ve always believed the point of life is to work toward happiness for yourself and others. Happiness in what you’re doing gives you the drive to do what you need to in order to succeed.

I recently learned this in a big way when I decided to bring on a partner in what was previously my own company. Yes, I am talking about Write W.A.V.E. Media -- and our very own Richard Rowell. I initially brought Rich in as a writer -- well, actually he expressed interest in publishing his content with us. In the process, he was making suggestions and talking about things that I had been planning on doing. Our ideas were so closely aligned that I asked him to come on as a partner.

What does Rich have to do with mixing business with pleasure, you say? It’s very simple. We connected so well that we actually became quite a bit more than business partners. Once we did this, we found that the business was getting better and better every day. You see, not only did we have a passion for the business itself. But our drive to succeed in both business and personal matters is helping make this network even better than it was before.

Do you mix business with pleasure? In what ways do you recommend doing this and which ways do you advise against it?