How do you decide how much of who you are personally you share in your business?

<p>When I first started my business, I thought I had to be uber professional. I shared almost nothing about me, my life or my story with clients or potential clients. But it felt very sterile and it didn’t make people feel safe or like they could trust me.</p> <p> </p> <p>Now I am more open and share stories about my past but nothing about what is going on now because I don’t want my clients to feel like they have to support or manage my stress in any way (that would be role reversal and isn’t good).</p> <p> </p> <p>I wondered how other people approached it.</p> <p> </p> <p>Dr Bob Choat started us off by asking a good question: “What is the purpose of even talking about ourselves?” If it will help the client in some way, great. If you’re just talking to hear yourself speak – don’t.</p> <p> </p> <p>Kevin Wash went next and said that mostly the only things he shares is that is he married to an amazing woman and has three fur babies, two dogs and a cat. That’s really all people need to know to learn that he’s a warm and good guy (which is true).</p> <p> </p> <p>Debra Caicedo took it a different way and said she shares a lot of her personal life with people because she believes it shows her passion for helps her connect with the excitement her clients feel about the event they are creating.</p> <p> </p> <p>We noticed towards the end of the conversation that the women seem to be more open and the guys keep things more to themselves. That is in line with cultural norms. I wonder if that is generally true or just here in our N of four.</p> <p> </p> <p>How much of you personally do you share in your work environment? Have you ever known someone who shares too much?</p> <p> </p> <p>Connect with the panelists: Debra Caicedo: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debracaicedo1/</p> <p>VP of Sponsorship Sales and Development at Experience Epic an events production agency</p> <p> </p> <p>Dr. Bob Choat: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bobchoat/</p> <p>He has eight years military experience, worked with the LA PD, was a stage hypnotist, he i