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I learned this tip the hard way. 🙃

Be friendly, but don’t blur the lines with your co-workers and clients. 👇

Building relationships with co-workers and clients is crucial for success, but there’s a fine line between being friendly and being friends.

While creating a positive, collaborative environment is essential, overly relaxed communication or sharing too much personal insight can backfire later.

Why? Professionalism matters.

👉 Casual comments or offhand remarks might be misinterpreted or remembered in ways you don’t expect.

👉 Power dynamics shift. A co-worker or client today could become a decision-maker tomorrow, and overly casual behavior might undermine your credibility.

👉 Boundaries protect you. Clear, professional boundaries ensure mutual respect and prevent misunderstandings.

Friendly doesn’t mean unapproachable. It means being warm, empathetic, and professional.

My Take: Build relationships that are rooted in respect and professionalism. Always give without asking for much in return.

Your future self will thank you for adopting this approach immediately.

 

Nick’s been an SEO consultant for 15+ years, working with brands such as Saatva, Keurig, Apartments.com, and Sun Country. Subscribe to the #SEOForLunch newsletter to get his weekly consulting tips sent directly to your inbox.