There is no question that knowing someone in the business will get you in the door. But it is your skill that will keep you in the room.

Your connections might get you in the door, but it won't keep you there. And if you haven't prepared, you'll suck.

Be where the acting is. I live in Houston. Dallas is 4 1/2 hours away. I let them know there's no difference.

Not knowing when the dawn will come I open every door.

A small-business owner looking for a partner in a particular area has specific skill sets can go to the Microsoft Web site and easily identify who is a small-business specialist.

You can't understand me in one or two days, I have spent a thousands of them.