Cashing in some chips

I've always been good at building working relationships. The people that I've worked with in my industry will generally tell you that I'm an honest, trustworthy partner who will work to make a deal that's good for both parties. For some strange reason, I've also been somewhat good at the "schmooze" part of the job. In my profession, the casual out-of-office interactions and meetings with others are at times even more important than the history of doing business. For someone who can't get out of his own way when it comes to his personal life, I can mysteriously pull it together when a job needs to get done.

Over the years I've formed a lot of close business relationships that have endured, even if we haven't worked together for a while. I've done favors, bought drinks, sent holiday or birthday cards, and generally worked very hard to foster and cultivate these business relationships. In a number of instances it has led to being able to close a deal that might not have happened any other way. I truly like these people personally and professionally and I've always believed they thought the same way.

Today I found out that I was right. I put out a couple inquiries to find out if some colleagues could help me out with a situation. Basically, I felt like I was calling to cash in some of those "goodwill" chips that have built up over the years. I'm not a person who feels comfortable asking for help, but in this situation the potential payoff is so appealing that I'll take all of the help I can get. I ended up contacting three trusted people. The first went above and beyond to help me out. I owe this guy a few drinks and a round of golf whether this works out or not. The second also is doing her best to help although she's leaving the industry and may not be of much assistance. I'm going to miss her at conferences and meetings because she's always been great to be around. I played phone tag with the third for most of the day, but in their message pledged to do all they could to help.

The response was somewhat overwhelming to me. They all wished me luck, offered all the assistance they could, and responded quickly in my time of need. Only time will tell if it pays off, but it makes all the effort that has gone into building these relationships worthwhile. In life you have to give a little to get a lot. Over the years I may have conceded a little in negotiating with these three, but I never felt taken advantage of. Some of those chips came back my way today, we'll see if they help me win the big pot.