So there I was, looking for some rare herb in the frozen north of Azeroth.  Just hanging out waiting for things to re-spawn.  I'm a Blood Elf Mage and I need to get this certain weed that only grows in this particular region.  I had just finished laying down some frosty smack on the locals in order to have a little alone time with myself when BAM!!! In jumps this lvl 50 Tauren Shaman tossing totems everywhere and making a general ruckus.  He yells to me 'Whats up!!!!' then breaks into what I can best describe as a horrible tragedy of a dance routine.  I return the favor with a wave and my own rendition of the Napoleon Dyanmite dance revolution.

Then a funny thing happens.... he whispers me about a loan transaction I have going for some clients of mine and says that if we get into contract this week he can get them a great rate.  I make note of it and whisper back asking about an out of town investor that may be interested in a small commercial lot and ask him if he knows anyone who may have one they need to sell.  He says he will check and get back to me by end of business tomorrow.  Then my dang herb re-spawns and he grabs it before I have a chance to see what is happening.  Before I know it he is off and running over the next hill (with MY herb I must say) yelling that he will give me a call at my office in the morning to setup lunch.

See, I play World of Warcraft.  So does my family and some of my good friends.  Every Friday evening we get together online and hack and slash our way around the virtual worlds.  Neat thing is, several of my clients and some of my business associates also play.  A conversation starter for sure, but weird enough, also a business tool.  I have talked with people both near and far about everything from purchasing property to funding commercial developments.  When I say 'people', I should really be saying things like 'a little gnome warlock' or the 'Fabio looking night elf druid' or the 'crazy cow-headed shaman who stole my herb' (Grrr).

Point is, there are chances to network just about anywhere you look.  By taking a step out of the box you would normally prospect in, you can open up a whole new 'World' of opportunity. :)

Now if I could only convince the IRS that my Warcraft account is a business expense....

Have fun and maybe I will see you online.

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Jason Elrod

Realtor / Blood Elf Mage