[bdshaw]

Here is a piece of advice that was given to me a while back. When you are approached by a "new funder" that comes in and wants your business you need to ask but one question, "What do you offer/what can you do for me that I don't already have with the people that I have been working with and have trust in?"

If the answer doesn't blow you away or sounds like something read from the "New Funders Guide to Soliciting Business" then you should kindly decline and walk away.

Andy, I would ad asking for references.

[AndyYSCISOdept]

Andy, I would ad asking for references.

That can be important however, I don't need their references until im sure that they are going to do something for me that I don't already have like Mr Celifarco referenced below.

I've spent many years earning the trust and respect of the funders I work with, I cant very well cut into the business we do together because someone comes along offering the exact same thing(s) I already have now can I.

However, I will admit that there are companies that come along that have restructured etc and they really take off and that is something I would look at.