> I hated the idea that schmoozing outperforms merit, but it's absolutely true Try thinking about it quantitatively. Someone who spends the time to schmooze (

> I hated the idea that schmoozing outperforms merit, but it's absolutely true Try thinking about it quantitatively. Someone who spends the time to schmooze (read: invest time in developing a human relationship) has essentially posted that time as collateral. They added chips to the figurative pot, and if they were a fraud or recklessly destroyed that relationship, they forfeit that collateral (lose the relationship, lose the honor and respect they earned). So that's why it's convincing to invest in people who are willing to post collateral. Now certainly, there are people who have no shame and will pull cons. So this method isn't infallible. But they can only get so far before they get exposed, especially in our industry.