Lion's den?
Where do you people punt? With whom? Punters afraid she'll put the hoo-doo voo-doo spell on them? Putting your financial health at risk every time you walk into a shop? Myself, I always carry a condom, most of the time, use. For my wallet, its condom is COMMON SENSE and EXPERIENCE (kind of like a condom with spermicide).
Disney? Fantasy?
Without a doubt, that's what I'm paying for. Been to Disneyland many times. And I'm old enough to say, "She's most definitely an e-ticket ride". But I also know that the Princess is just an actress (again showing my age).
Regulars? Why I have the same barber, dentist, doctor; I trust them to deliver excellent service for a fair price. Same with restaurants and bars. I have my regular for each. In both, it's Cheers. I don't have to say a thing; walk in, make eye contact, slight nod, and my order is brought, just the way I like it.
Certainly venture out scouting, always looking for another starting pitcher. You never know when your team roster will be depleted. But it's just nice not having to start from zero, having some history...
Power imbalance?
I just treat her as an equal. I'm straight with her, she's straight with me. Example:
I recently had a previous regular message me. Hadn't seen her for several years, but I'll occasionally get the "how are you?" (translation: BOTG?, come see me) message. She was direct: business down, shop closed, short of money, could I help?
Understand business slack: BKK in July, well, that's a pass for me. Shop closed? That was a surprise, but a quick check and it shouldn't have been, given the development of Suk over the past 30 years. Surprised 24/1 lasted as long as it did. So with those two, understood "short".
I had some empathy, but then, perhaps unlike many here, I've worked "at will" jobs. Plenty of projects. And when you know the project is ending, you start reaching out. First to close associates. Then, as the end date nears, further and further, up to and including someone you've passed in the hallway once or twice.
I didn't take offense, bleat scam, gold digger... Understood desperation, a hail Mary. She was straight with me; I was straight with her. Sorry, cannot. And I explained why. Didn't have to explain, but she respected me, I respected her. Wished her good luck, she said thanks, come see her when I'm next BOTG.
Just BUSINESS. You don't need an MBA to participate.