There is a general policy that I follow in matters from whom I help out personally to my choice of employers: when offering my services, either freely or in return for something, I will only accept two refusals before permanently writing the prospect off and pursuing other contingencies. I’m also inclined to drive a harder bargain the second time.

The primary purpose of this is not to punish anyone (if they can really benefit from my skills, they’ve already punished themselves by refusing them, after all), but simply to ensure that I always continue to move and make progress towards my goals. Such things have momentum, and should I detour too long in the act of convincing others of a worth that should already be self-evident from my past accomplishments, I will be hard pressed to get back on track.