Talking with a colleague on the phone the other day he relayed a story that was very insightful. He said that a few years ago when he was thinking about doing something different with his business he called about 10 other contacts with similar firms within the state. He just wanted to chat with them and learn a bit more about what opportunities might exist, or perhaps how they could partner in future projects.

Out of the firms he called, quite a few called him back and were more than willing to talk, while others never returned his call. Of those that he talked to he has built a few good relationships that have resulted in some collaborative projects. What is telling though, is a few years later, the ones that never wanted to talk are no longer in business.