"I don't normally get personal,” a few recent LinkedIn posts in my feed have stated.
The professionals sharing did have a business-related point, but the photo or inspiration for the post was sparked by their kids, significant others, or pets.
It reminded me of a recent session I attended by a social media influencer, where I foolishly assumed I wouldn’t gain much. I was incredibly wrong in the best way possible, and my largest takeaway amid multiple gems of wisdom was that business is personal. That in order to engage your audience, no matter who your audience is, you have to lift the veil a bit on your side.
People respond when they identify, feel seen, or feel connected.
“But Melissa, business is business.”
Cue Julia Roberts’ Erin Brokovich shouting, “That is my work! My sweat, my time away from my kids. If that’s not personal, I don’t know what is!”
Granted, there should always be guidelines. The line that landed most with me back in that social media session was that we have the power to decide what is personal and what is private. One can be shared in order to connect, but one stays in the box.
It is a fine line between healthy boundaries and recognizing that one-third of our lives (about 90,000 hours according to Gettysburg College*) will be spent at work.
Business is personal.
That is why posts about kids, travel, and “can I be honest for a second?” see far more engagement and recognition than the savviest articles ever will. I love text, and I write because I believe in what I am sharing, but a picture is worth a thousand words. This industry is paid for by produce, but it’s worth doing because of the people.
It is personal.
If it isn’t, you’re in the wrong business. 
