"He who is the most slow in making a promise is the most faithful in the performance of it." – Rousseau

In some areas of sales, all you need is a signature and a check and the transaction is complete with a commission in the pipeline.

However, there are sales that are made and forfeited because the buyer had not carefully considered the costs or benefits of the purchase.

In networking, one can sign up "downlines" with relative ease, but if there is no deep commitment, and if no commitment, no performance, and if no performance, no residual income for the recruiter.

It has been said that after asking a question, in sales, the first person to talk "loses."

But what if the truth is that in the silence, everyone wins.

In evangelism, someone might pray a "sinner's prayer" just to get you out of their hair. But you have not fulfilled the mandate of Jesus to make disciples. It was given no thought.

In an argument, you might be so forceful and persuasive that the other party concedes to you. But you have not won that person to your positive because you have not won his or her heart.

There has not been enough time to consider all the questions.

It takes time to make a deep and lasting commitment.

O might take your committee assignment, but I strongly suspect that you want more than my name on a roster.

People might see your dream, even appreciate, admire, and agree to it, but it does not become their dream on a whim.

The promises you need are slow coming.

Don't be discouraged by people who take time to consider your offers, proposals, requests, arguments, and invitations. If you are confident enough in what you bring to the table and believe in the capacity of the other person to make an intelligent choice, you will grow what others merely simulate, a company of committed people who gather around your most audacious ideas and dreams.

If, after careful thought and prayer, I agree to join you in whatever cause you are promoting, I will be your most loyal ally.