How to Mix Business With Friendship

Around town they like to joke about the owner of chain of carpet and cabinet stores who makes the rounds at charity events, chatting up people about their carpet needs. And it is not an "oh, by the way" piece of the conversation either--it is “Hi Joe, how’s that old carpet of yours doing??”

Obviously, he loves his business and shows a passion for it. But where is the line? How do you mix business with friendship? If you believe in your products/service, why should your friends miss out on the opportunity for you to serve them?

I am interested in your responses to this, as well as hearing your own questions around this topic. 

G.L. Hoffman is a serial entrepreneur and venture investor/operator/incubator/mentor. Two of his companies have traveled the entire success path from the garage to IPO. Currently, he is chairman of JobDig, and his blog can be found at WhatWouldDadSay.com or at JobDig.com.