Hello Everyone. Yesterday, we posted the following: “Flash poll for our Petit Couture fans: Do you think separating your personal and professional lives is a good thing online? (i.e. limiting friends in Facebook, Twitter and Linked In). Or, do you think its ok to jumble personal and professional – so your boss/colleague/etc. can see your crazy FB pics?”

We received very thoughful responses via our Facebook fans and Twitter followers, thank you. Overwhelmingly, most of you agree that mixing both personal and business/professional information is pretty standard form and ‘why go against the tide’ as one poster explained. For some of you the passion that you feel for your work life automatically flows into your personal and that is a good thing. And, for some of you there is, and should be, a clear distinction between personal and professional stating that there could be challenges with subordinates or superiors having too much access to information. In both cases, we saw very passionate arguements and feelings for both perspectives and a clear reminder that self “editing” is required in both cases. And, that this topic is quite personal.

The reason we posed this question is that Petit Couture is largely a brand that has seen growth via social network and more ‘traditional’ online channels since our inception last year. We routinely post information that is both business-based as well as personal in nature about the growth of Petit Couture, Rebecca’s personal triumphs and/or set-backs associated with the business and various and sundry tidbits as they pop into our heads. As I write this post, I am reminded that only yesterday I posted a Petit Couture update from my “personal” Twitter account @rebeccakw. Honestly, it’s a lot to manage – multiple “personas” – and I’m happy that I’m personally comfortable by the blur and freneticness of it all. I personally, and professionally, have developed tremendous personal and business relationships by the use of both Twitter and Facebook and the “entertainment” value of both of the mediums is what personally keeps me engaged – regardless of the business utility for both. Petit Couture has gained a steady ‘fan’ and ‘follower’ base and would NEVER have been able to see the growth in brand awareness without these tools. For that, I’m personally and professionally grateful and continually entertained. I love that I can update everyone on Petit Couture happenings, comment on someone else’s joke, rate a fashion poll and tell you all the color of my bra. Ah…the power and fun of social media.

Thank you again for your posts and dialogue. We appreciate and and fully respect and honor all of the diversity in perspectives that our friendships, fans, etc. provide to us.

xo
Rebecca