I&#x27;d be hesitant to make the latter statement in isolation.  Given my experiences with various levels of &quot;important individuals&quot; over the years, the money is MOST useful for opening that door in the first place.<p>It&#x27;s a lot easier to offer a group of high power individuals a 5 star dinner with a realistic expectation they&#x27;ll who up, as opposed to cold calling them as just another average joe.  Once that connection is established, the relationship is much less active bribery and much more &quot;let&#x27;s have a little chat and see if we can&#x27;t find something mutually agreeable&quot;; although to be frank, I&#x27;m not sure I&#x27;d say the latter is any less worrying.