Strong relationships can be built on the Internet. 

Almost three years ago I met a man named Neal Baldwin from RE/MAX Action Associates in Exton, PA. He stopped by our booth at the NAR Mid-Year in Washington, D.C. In truth, I don't remember talking to him that day. I spoke to hundreds of people in the course of the show. If you've ever worked a booth at a trade show, you know that one day blurs into the next and so do the faces of the people you meet. I can't be sure I would have recognized him even the next day. 

When I returned to Los Angeles, Neal emailed me. I vaguely remembered our conversation, but he commented that he had stopped by the booth, liked what he saw and wanted to tell me he thought we had made his whole trip worth the time and expense. He became a client. Over time, so did most of the agents in his office. But most importantly, this "stranger" became a friend. 

In years since, Neal and I have been in communication via email. Internet friendships are just like other friendships; to sustain them you have to be willing to put in the work. And we did. We've had a few phone conversations, but literally hundreds of emails. So, when Chase asked me to fly to Philadelphia and speak to two other RE/MAX offices in the Exton area, I naturally wanted to finally, formally meet Neal Baldwin and spend some time with him.

He agreed to pick up Rochell Heininger and I at the Hotel and take us to dinner. He arranged everything. He chose The Kimberton Inn in Kimberton, PA, a restaurant set in a building that dates back to the 1700's. It was fitting setting, an old world counterpoint to the modern way our friendship had developed. The food and the atmosphere made for the perfect environment to get to know each other face-to-face. And Rochell got to witness two people - people who had never spent a single moment of social time together - chat like old friends. Because we really are.

The fact that we had never socialized in the traditional understanding of the term is irrelevant.

Neal's behavior was not one of client toward a vendor. It was not the behavior of a kind stranger. It was the behavior of a friend. He refused to allow me to pay for dinner. Clients rarely do that. He said, "Hey, you're visiting me. When I get out to Los Angeles, I'm sure you'll do the same." He's right. And I truly hope I get the chance.

What happened after dinner illustrates just how powerful Internet relationships can be.

I forgot the power cord to my laptop. (Yes, I know how stupid that is!) That's not a small problem. It's impossible to do presentations from your computer if you're battery runs out of juice. To complicate things, my laptop is an Apple Powerbook, so if I wanted a power cord I had to find an Apple Store. The closest one was in King Of Prussia, 30 minutes away from the restaurant. Neal could easily have said, "Jeff, I 'm sorry, but there's no way we'll make it to King Of Prussia in time." He didn't say that. Neal willingly ended the meal early so we could race from Kimberton to the Apple Store before it closed at 9:30 PM. Along the way, he dodged roaming deer, pointed out the historic buildings, talked about the history of the area, and made me feel completely at ease. It's just what a good friend would do. We made it with just a minute to spare. (I can't even describe how amazing the Apple Store folks were. The paperwork was waiting for me when I ran in, out of breath.)

I have always felt my Internet friendships  were real.  I have always thought that these strangers weren't really strangers at all. Dinner with Neal solidified that belief. 

I know some of you reading this have similar stories you could share. I hope you do.  

EDIT: I am happy to report that Neal has now joined ActiveRain! Please join me in welcoming him.