Business and Friendship don't mix? What do you think?

[Kiki1992]

I had an experience today with someone with whom I have business ties with, and who also happen to be a friend. This incident gave me some flashes of how things could be in the future between us, where that person could be using the friendship to use me in business areas. I've decided today that business and friendship are only not to be mixed, but they can't be mixed. The result will be ugly in some way if you try it. That's my opinion, though. And my experience is definitely different than yours.

Now, what you think? Can business and friend mix? What is/was your experience?

[colinsato]

i think it's ok as long as you can separate the two at work

[thetotalfool]

I wouldn't want to create a situation where to friendship could be strained.

I would be wary of doing business with a not-so-close friend, because they might try to exploit the relationship.

[froggylover227]

I agree. It's hard to have to be a in a business relationship with someone you are also friends with. You may have to reprimand that person, or take some other business action against them, and at the end of the day, when you go home and are friends, they may still be holding it against you. It's a tricky situation that I myself have learned to avoid!

[tashamjoy]

FOR SURE Do not mix them especially if it is a friend you would want to keep because it will strain your relationship you will either get special treatment or they may treat you differently plus they may take advantage of you, so much things could go wrong just do not do it !!!!!!

[princess_kiki_84]

Friends and business don't mix regardless of how high or low the job position is. Friends always assume that they are entitled to liberties. I've experienced this many times and the stakes are high if the relationship goes awry.  If you have to mix the two try to distance them from each other as much as possible. The same goes for family and business. You don't ever want to mix them either.

[noirlupe]

I think it can work if you arent using the other person.  I have a customer of seven years that is my dear friend.  Now that I have been laid off we still are in contact.  But we are friends not using the other to further our cause.

[BizELady]

I agree. It's hard to have to be a in a business relationship with someone you are also friends with. You may have to reprimand that person, or take some other business action against them, and at the end of the day, when you go home and are friends, they may still be holding it against you. It's a tricky situation that I myself have learned to avoid!

I agree.