About 6 years ago I was in a strategy meeting with a small church. As we were brainstorming various ideas about positioning and branding, I was struck by a theme or phrase I continually heard from the pastor. The phrase he often mentioned was like, “turning the church into a family and the family into a church.”
That phrase was 100% inline this guy’s DNA. His home life was very religious and spiritual, and also his church/work life was relational and close knit.
Turning to the present, for the past few months I’ve been meeting with a business coach for assistance in business growth and management processes. In one of our sessions, I had to look into my ideal or favorite clients. What I discovered was an interesting trend over the past 12 years.
Many of my friends- close or distant, have become clients. Much of my family, (parent and siblings included) have become clients. And a large percentage of my clients have been come some of my most respected and closest friends.
Like the adage at my old church, my friends have become clients and my clients have become friends.
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I use to worry and work hard to put safe guards on my personal and professional life. I felt that each were so distinct and different that I didn’t want to offend one group or the other. But today, looking back and counting what remains precious and valuable — I can see the relationships that have spilled from one group to the other are cherished most.
Now I know many people, if not mosts think differently. And that’s fine.
I’m not trying to persuade or change opinions. I just wanted to share my story, my thoughts and say thank you.
Thanks for being a client or friend.
Thanks for being both, or for referring me to someone you know.
Thanks for praying for me, or at least not being offended at me for talking about prayer.
Lastly, if we haven’t spoke within the last 6 months, give me a shout, Skype, tweet or let’s have lunch soon.
Arvell Craig
918-289-1888
@dyingempty