Setting Boundaries in Business Friendships: How to Love Your Business Besties and Your Boundaries

Let's face it, entrepreneurship is lonely and you are anxiously craving authentic connections that understand what you go through. In the perfect world, every person you interact with respects your boundaries and aligns with the basic core values of community, justice, and equity, pero bebesota things are not that easy.

In a society where you are required to manage your business, family, mental health, build wealth, run a household, and try to figure out if your new dentist is really out of network (like wtf does that mean?), having a core group of business besties is a lifesaver. But business friendships are tested when the line between professional and personal gets blurry and being nice means you stop respecting yourself.

Understanding the Role of 'Cafecitos' in Business Networking

Informal coffee meetings, or cafecitos as I call them, are a staple in the business world. They offer a relaxed setting for discussing ideas, sharing advice, or simply catching up with your business friends. However, without clear intentions, these meetings can drift into casual catch-ups or full-blown coaching sessions, blurring the lines between personal and professional time.

Before you close this article and start screaming at me for being a "horrible capitalist b*tch" hear me out. You should never work for free for anyone, whether they are a friend or a Fortune 500 client.

Getting Clear on the Purpose of Your Cafecito

1. Define Your Intentions: Before scheduling a cafecito, ask yourself what you aim to achieve. Are you seeking advice, looking to collaborate on a project, or simply wanting to network? Clarity on your intentions will guide the conversation and set the tone for the meeting.
2. Communicate Your Expectations: When inviting someone for a cafecito, be upfront about the purpose of the meeting. This ensures both parties are on the same page and can prepare accordingly.
3. Set a Time Limit: Respect each other's time by setting a clear start and end time for your meeting. This keeps the conversation focused and productive.

Setting Boundaries and Navigating Business Friendships

Business friendships are valuable, but without boundaries, they can lead to misunderstandings or feelings of being taken advantage of. Here's how to maintain these relationships with care:

1. Separate Personal and Professional Topics: While it's natural for conversations to flow, be mindful of keeping business discussions separate from personal ones. Decide together when you are using your time to work on your businesses, and when you are putting effort into your friendship.
2. Respect Privacy and Confidentiality: You might be privy to sensitive information in business friendships. Respect the trust placed in you by keeping confidential matters private.
3. Learn to Say No: It's okay to decline requests or invitations that don't align with your business goals or focus. Saying no respectfully shows that you value your time and priorities.

Before you say "yes" to another client, opportunity, or collaboration get clear on what you are willing to sacrifice for your vision.

Don't Work for Free. Ever. But Hear Me Out.

Before you close this article and start screaming at me for being a "horrible capitalist b*tch" hear me out. You should never work for free for anyone, whether they are a friend or a Fortune 500 client. Instead of saying "I got you amiga" for their upcoming event, podcast, or once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, check your business goals and marketing strategy for the year.

Ask yourself, "How can helping my friend's business get me closer to my vision for the year?" Maybe the answer is none. And that's ok!

Focus on how your friend's ask can transform into a collaboration. Here are some ideas of what you can ask in return without always having to "do her a solid":

• Get a recording of the event so you can repurpose it on social media
• Do an IG or LinkedIn Live event on each other's accounts
• Get written or video testimonials to use on your website
• Ask for a client introduction email with someone from their network
• Have them ask for a collaboration with you the next time they get a media feature
• Ask your friend to volunteer at your upcoming event or workshop
• Exchange a similar service package to grow your brand (e.g. you offer 6 sessions of coaching for their brand photoshoot service - I've done this twice and never regretted the decision)

My abuela used to say "cuentas claras conservan amistades". Think about creative ways to support each other without sacrificing yourself in the process.

Create Your "NO" List and Stick to It

Oh, and you have my full permission to be salty and passive-aggressive. Life is hard enough, be petty... but just on this list.

Before you say "yes" to another client, opportunity, or collaboration get clear on what you are willing to sacrifice for your vision. In coaching sessions, we do a "no to say yes" exercise where you identify your non-negotiables and set boundaries with yourself. This is a list of the tasks, asks, or requests you will say no to in the next year so you can say yes to the things that align with your values and aspirations.

Your "No List" doesn't have to be deep and packed with SMART goals. Think about the last year of your business. Then write down the biggest setbacks you faced, personally and professionally, and identify what you'll do differently moving forward. Create a list of behaviors and actions you'll take, or not take, this year that are your guiding principles moving forward.

Here's a photo of my "no" list:

Then place your list in an area you can see every day. Before you make a big decision or at the start of your work week, take a look at your "No List" to set your intentions and stay on track. Oh, and you have my full permission to be salty and passive-aggressive. Life is hard enough, be petty... but just for this list.

You Are Not Horrible, You Respect Yourself

Setting boundaries is not about building walls but about bridging gaps with respect, clarity, and professionalism. Whether it's during a casual cafecito or a formal networking event, understanding and respecting these boundaries can lead to more fruitful and fulfilling business bestie relationships. Remember, effective networking is not just about expanding your contact list; it's about nurturing connections that are mutually beneficial and aligned with your personal and professional growth.

Ahora, go and schedule that accountability video call with your business bestie to talk some chisme AND business growth.

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