This was a recent post I used to promote a Flashsale. Definitely in the storytelling/gossip category. I finished with an offer description and CTA so did not include all of that within this post. Would absolutely welcome feedback on how effective, or not, this use of storytelling was! [did not copy formating below. Full post HERE] Are your relationships f*cking with your business? Comin' in hot with a spicy tale this fine morning! On my trip home to Sask at the beginning of June, a family member shared a fascinating local story of love, intrigue, and business gone awry. This family member has a membership at a prestigious fitness/wellness/business club that caters to entrepreneurs and is styled as a networking opportunity. As he explained the concept and facility I thought it was brilliant. He then shared that the business was operating at a loss, the owner was getting increasingly desperate, and therefore inconsistent with membership policies, plus a few other things that weren’t adding up to a positive membership experience any longer. As much as he was rooting for the owner, he was on the verge of cutting his losses (the club required a not-small shares purchase like at a golf club that he was not likely to recoup), and just joining a regular gym. Where the story got interesting is why the club was struggling. The owner, while savvy, creative, and smart, had a…complicated…personal life. She had struck up a not-hidden intimate relationship with one of her club members - a prominent member of the community - who also happened to be married. Not only is that situation fraught enough, but she allowed this man to heavily influence her business decisions. A man who was not a business specialist by any stretch, and who seemed to have an over-large…ego. It is foolish to believe as an entrepreneur that you can silo your life. Your shadows and relationship patterns follow you everywhere. Plus, who you allow close access to you will absolutely affect your revenue.