From: sirtwistalot@juno.com
To: pezzo4balloons@earthlink.net
Date: Sun, 12 Nov 2000 17:21:19 -0800
Subject: Re: Balloon Business Etiquette

Hello Jack~

To answer your question, it depends......

I have not taken gigs for many reasons, the most common for me is, I  am
not good enough to provide the service they require, so I give them the
name of someone: " I TRUST AND KNOW TO BE GOOD (more on that later)." 
When I give them a  referral, I do not expect anything in return. I have
passed on more then my share of gigs and have not received a dime. 
However, I have been offered work from those that have benefited from my
referral's, so it all comes out it the wash.

If someone gives you a name which leads to work, I would  remember them
first when I have a gig, that I can't do and passing it on.

Many will disagree with me, but it works for me! =) 
 
On the subject of recommending people or companies; "WHEN YOU REFER A
BUSINESS OR A COMPANY, OR WHATEVER, YOU ARE PUTTING YOUR NAME ON THE
LINE, JUST LIKE REFERRING ANOTHER ENTERTAINER TO SOMEONE WHEN YOU ARE 
BOOKED. THIS IS A MAJOR RESPONSIBILITY ....TREAT IT AS SUCH AND MAKE 
SURE (!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!) THAT THEY ARE TREATED  ACCORDINGLY!!!!

I recently was  BURNT when I informed someone I could come up with X,
based on what I was told, it turned out, I came up short!!!!! I took
someone's word and gave my bond, so I take sole responsibility for it (I
lost a nice bit of money to boot!), as I should and so should you.
Becareful, when you give your  word or recommend somebody or a company.
No, hard feelings, lesson learned!!!

Just my two pennies worth 

Sir T
Vegan's understand that gentleness cannot be a product of violence,
harmony cannot be a product of strife, and peace cannot be a product of
contention and conflict.