One thing seems to secure a bond like nothing else-sharing a secret.

We asked a vendor for some help the other day. She said she would help us, but that we couldn't tell anyone, or she would have to make the same deal for her other clients. Then she asked us for some insight into a specific issue, on which we have some special information.

We gave her the insight. But, of course, we did so on the condition that she not share the secret information with any of our competitors or their clients. She agreed.

Now we have a stronger relationship than ever with that vendor. She knows something about us that she can't tell. We know something about her that we can't tell. We're kinda stuck with each other.

Wish I could say more. But, of course, it's very hush hush.