Do you ever feel awkward about approaching friends for business? It turns out that a lot of people do. I find this especially true of women, who often freeze up when it comes to asking for business. They tell me that they are afraid that their friends will think they are ‘using’ them, and they don’t want to contaminate the relationship.

To all of you who are not talking to friends about business, let me tell you that bringing friends into your business world can be enriching and valuable for everyone.