"We've all been guilty of expecting special treatment because of who or what we know at one time or another, or because of the 'bennies' (benefits) of a particular position," Straub continued. "I bet if you know the owner of a restaurant, you get better seats, or someone who sells tickets, you get better tickets. Whether you are in the dry cleaning, landscaping or automobile business, selling dishes or doughnuts, 'influencing' goes on from cradle to grave."