CASE FILE: Networking

Subject: Paul Bernardo Known for: The Scarborough Rapist and “Ken and Barbie” schoolgirl murders Estimated victims: 3 murders, 15+ documented assaults Operational period: 1987–1993

In networking, as in forensic accounting, precision is everything. You cannot simply wander into a busy room and hope for a fortuitous encounter. You must actively hunt for the right connection. Look for the outliers—those standing slightly apart from the crowd, perhaps looking a bit lost, tired, or vulnerable after a long day.

My former partner and I understood this perfectly. We were the golden couple of the Ontario suburban circuit, a picture-perfect presentation of youthful success. We knew that a bright, symmetrical smile and a clean-cut aesthetic could bypass almost any boundary. When you present as a polished, non-threatening unit, people gladly let their guard down. They will willingly step into your space.

Once you have identified a high-value prospect, you must isolate them. You cannot make a truly deep, permanent connection in a noisy, public room. Guide them gently to a quieter space—a side room, a basement office, or perhaps a vehicle where you can have their undivided attention. True networking is about containment. You want to create an environment where they have no choice but to focus entirely on you. They should feel, if only for a few hours, that there is no escape from your influence.

Finally, as an accountant, I must stress the importance of documentation. Keep meticulous records of your acquisitions. Every interaction, every reaction, every vulnerability must be logged. While some prefer standard CRM software, I always found that high-quality audio-visual recordings captured the true, raw essence of an encounter. These files are invaluable for long-term leverage. To truly make a hit—to sing to your audience the way I always wanted to—you must control the narrative from start to finish.

Do not be discouraged if your initial approach feels a bit forced. With the right presentation, a charming smile, and a willingness to go to lengths that others would find unthinkable, you will find that people are remarkably easy to bind to your career path.

File closed. Results pending.