I think this post brings up a great point that programmer types tend to overlook: relationship management.<p>I had a professor in college who taught business ethics, and also an entrepreneurship elective. He would always call everyone in his address book on their birthday and wish them well. It didn't even matter if he hadn't seen them the entire year.<p>I can't say for sure if it helped him succeed, but for such a small investment of time, imagine the goodwill generated by giving someone a quick 'happy birthday' call.