08/31/2026
You know how they say, "Never mix business and pleasure"?
Well, after my recent experience, I both agree and disagree. Here's why.
Several years ago, an old friend of mine was looking for admin-related work. I just happened to meet someone who was looking for this kind of support, so I connected them with someone.
They worked together for a couple of years, and it just wasn't working out anymore. I saw the work that my friend was doing, and honestly, I could have used some of that support for my business as well, so I hired her.
We made incredible strides during our 2.5+ years together.
As life and work ebbed and flowed, we adjusted, but we just kept hitting the same wall.
I was afraid we were going to crash and burn. I think we both were. I felt that I was going to lose someone who was very near and dear to me, both as a friend, a person, and an asset to my business.
I did some real soul-searching.
She started her own business while working with me, and I totally supported it, but we couldn't really tell where the line was between what she did for her business and what she did for More Meaningful Marketing.
And I felt like the only reason to still have a friend was to rearrange the way we were working together.
She was fiercely loyal to me, and I to her, and I knew this would be painful on both sides.
I came to her and said, I've done some thinking. I think it's time for you to turn me into your client.
We have a little over a month to get reorganized. By the end of next month, I want you to send me your contract, your invoice, and your expectations of me.
We will retire your email with More Meaningful Marketing, and from then on, you'll email me from your business's main email.
I'll sign on with you for 3 months until we find our footing. I'll be your first retainer client, and I'll pay you more than you make now for less time.
After we find our groove, we'll talk about how we can continue to support each other in the future. It will give you the space to continue building your business and the stability to ease your mind some in the process.
I knew it was risky, but I also knew it was what we both needed to thrive individually and jointly, and, more importantly, to remain friends.
There was some distance, lots of 'figuring it out', but we've stayed connected in business and in friendship.
She is well on her way, and I'm really proud of her and the guts I know it takes to build what she's building with The Steady Desk Co. Virtual Assistant Services.
Sometimes the hardest thing and the right thing are the same.
That doesn't mean it's wrong.
Take the risk.
Care about people.
Everything else is figure-out-able.