The velvet rope was raised, and I walked into a light of chandeliers. The VIP stood near the stage, surrounded by flowers and a crowd of hopeful faces.
I moved in a calm rhythm, not too fast, not too slow, as one would approach a unique piece of art. My hands were steady and my smile was real.
"Welcome," I said pleasantly, my voice carrying above the hum of the room. "We're pleased to have you here. "
No prepared remarks, no big theatrics, only sincerity wrapped in simplicity. The VIP's gaze softened, and the handshake lingered a second longer than normal. It was more than a greeting; it was the beginning of a relationship that might extend beyond the event.
