Humans are multi-dimensional (or most of them, anyway). We’re more than our work roles, more than our businesses, more than our avatars and more than our roles as spouses, friends, siblings, or employees.

There is value in more casual and personal interactions that show me a bit about who you are and what you value, and I want to know more about you than just your stock, prepared lines. Take yourself too seriously, and I might think that you either don’t have any interests outside your job, or even worse, that you aren’t interested in what makes anyone else different, either. You look like you’re trying too hard. You sound desperate. And neither of those things are going to make me think that my interactions with you are going to be interesting, helpful, or anything other than completely predictable.

The truth: personal enjoyment of our interactions – either with people or with businesses – is part of the game. Yes, there’s a utility aspect in connecting with a business. But if I’m not having any fun or reaching beyond the transaction, I’m less likely to look forward to coming back again.

Working hard is commendable, as is focus and dedication to your business. But with the big picture windows that our online and social media endeavors are providing into both individuals and companies alike, don’t you want to be more than just your job?

So come on. Let me see a little bit of your fun side, your fallible side, the parts that make people want to hang out with you when you’re not working. Joke, laugh. Credibility isn’t about seriousness, it’s about authenticity and trust, neither of which are worth a fig if I don’t get to see more than one side to your personality.

Are you taking yourself – and your presence on these crazy interwebs – a little too seriously? Life is short. Have a little fun with this, huh?

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