My son. whom I often call "Boy" online, has really impressed me with his ability to get autographs, like this one fom Nick Markakis of the Baltimore Orioles. He knows where to go, he is persistent- and patient- and aggressive without being obnoxious. I am really proud of him because persistence, aggressiveness and niceness are extremely difficult to balance.

In my field, public relations, too many people ignore that last bit, swapping out "nice" for obnoxious. Nice opens doors. Obnoxious can close them permanently.

Is your profession the same? What's your balance?