[Paul Norman]

I loved this. First, because it was a proper, decent rant, and I love those!

Second, because this is a serious business question. Nikki gets asked to do this for her line of business, and so do I. I am often asked to invest my time in another person's business venture.

Now, I will do this, on occasions. But, for that, I need to do due diligence on your business venture to ensure I believe in it, and in your ability to carry it off. And, if through my input I make your dream come true, I want a big slice of the pie.

It would be better, if you can afford it, to pay up front. And there is the crunch point. If you do not have the resources to pay up front, you probably do not have the resources to pull off a business. Unless you can persuade a bunch of people to effectively resource it for you. Which is unlikely. So my investment offer gets pulled.

Companies like Nikki's offer a professional service, which they are willing explain in detail up front, before you commit to anything. She will tell you what she will do, what she will not do, what you will pay. Provided she follows that, which by reputation she does, all is well. If you dont trust her, dont use her. If you dont see the value in what she does, go elsewhere.

In a cut throat market, there is a big, growing tendancy to want something for nothing.

That is sad.