Guess who emailed me today for help with something? At first, I was a little indignant and enjoyed the flagrant irony of the moment. But then I revised my thoughts on why he would say something like that and still look for help from me.
- He's stressed about the economy like everyone else is. That is understandable. And what he said wasn't hateful or nasty, just a little ... abrupt.
- His definition of "friend" is different from mine.
I think of friends very differently. I deliberately decided a long time ago that I wasn't going to keep my "business contacts" from becoming personal friends if there was simpatico. Sure, it's caused a few headaches (you know who you are!), but has been completely worth it.
If you and I have done business, I consider you a friend. And friends help each other with information, resources, and business development. If I have a lot of friends that I've helped, I'm going to enjoy a lot of success.
I hope my networker friend figures that out.
P.S. You don't have to wonder if I helped him, do you?