The art of building relationships and Professional Networking have become a lost art. In an age of “Instant Information”, understanding how to effectively communicate is sadly secondary. Developing a client’s trust, engaging in true communication and honest relationship development in many cases has been replaced with emails, price quotes, RFP responses, and the never ending wait for award. I once worked with a dynamic business leader who told me, “People buy from people they like… they buy more from people they really like!” As I consider that advice, I agree that it is absolutely true. In your personal life, have you ever conducted serious business with a person you didn’t like… didn’t trust? Of course not. I can point to my significant business achievements and in every instance recognize that serious engagement with senior executives and decision makers was a key component to success. I am grateful to have enjoyed opportunities to meet such a diverse range of buyers, sellers and solution users during my professional career and working closely with them to build lasting personal & professional relationships. I am proud to call many of my clients my friends. Work/Life balance should be critical to each of us. I am a big believer in Volunteerism and have made service to others central in my life. I have put the goal of volunteerism into practice and through the years been granted opportunities to serve in multiple leadership positions for non profit organizations such as Make A Wish Foundation, Freedom Fidos, the National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development, Boy Scouts of America, and the International Telecommunication Pioneers Association.On a personal note, I am thankful to be active where I reside in Southwest Georgia and can be found supporting Georgia’s growing small business community, working as an active Dad who supports my son’s high school marching band & tennis team, or ongoing support as a volunteer with the Boy Scouts of America. My motto is my guiding principle… Life is ONE good decision at a time.