First of all, things are definitely different than just a few short years ago when my son was married.  The level of social media is way, way higher.  A quick Google search brought up several "hits".   Pinterest was not around and wedding photo apps are too many to list.  Social media is changing wedding etiquette as well.  It's now common for announcements to be part of the program regarding the bride and groom's preferences for "sharing" images before the actual vows are taken, and of course during the actual ceremony.  For the most part, it seems the proper thing is to be "unplugged" during the ceremony and then "go for it" once the I Do's are done.
 
So why do I share observations from the wedding with you?  First, because I want you to see me as a person, in addition to the author of this column for 10 years.  A little personal insight hopefully helps you connect with me, lowers barriers and facilitates my reputation and credibility.  I know that when I sit down to write each column I try hard to envision your lives and what you care to hear about from me and my company.  I hope that just like a bride and groom hopes their personalities shine through in the arrangements they make for their special day, you can relate better to the words in this column if you see a personal side of me.

Secondly, one of the lessons reinforced during the wedding was that in times of stress, personality matters big time.  When people like, trust and respect each other, conflicts go smoother.  Just think back to a time when a business deal went sideways or there was a problem with a colleague or superior.  If you really liked the person it was much easier to overcome wasn't it?  It's why the most important thing when doing business is trust.   People buy or do business with you because they like you.  They trust you.  They are loyal to you.  Social media can help build both trust and likeability if done right.   And, in my opinion, doing it right means being authentic and consistent.

The wedding offered many opportunities for things to go wrong...for things to get tense...for people to be at odds with one another.  But it went very smoothly because people trusted one another.  Communication was direct and respectful and the goal was clear.  When doing business with one another, there are so many opportunities where we need to accomplish something; something important or small.  If we remember to focus on gaining and giving trust, being respectful and keeping our eye on the goal, we can be proud that everything went the best it possibly could.