Networking & friends, wont necessarily give future work assignments

Does personal contacts, friends, networking really mean something running a business and getting assignments? Sometimes yes and sometimes a BIG NO, it doesn’t.  Dont take it wrong friends. But think about it.

I appreciate all the friendships i´ve got and all the work we have done together, but there is something funny – when you become friends, work goes out the toilet. Shall I stop becoming friends with former clients, no of course not. I value all my friends and close acquaintances. But its sad really that friendship for some reason have stopped work assignments from coming in.

I have new clients I work together with. They are happy and I are happy – but the friendly atmosphere bordering friendship or close acquaintances is it a start to a new point zero? Should I be worried I get great friends and no future work with them as well?

Networking is very important, sometimes its VERY important, and a many times key to success, but I would say dont hold your entire company to solely relay to your personal friend contacts. Value your other clients as much and treat them well and above all, try to enjoy all the work you do.

Stefan Lindblad
Illustrator, graphic designer
www.canvas.nu