Q: A co-worker told me he was looking for a very specific and uncommon type of job. Amazingly, I had a connection in that field to introduce him to, and I offered to do so immediately. I went out of my way to call my connection, tell her about him, and see if she would meet with him. She agreed and was looking forward to hearing from him.

When I gave him the news, he was happy and appreciative. Two weeks later, I asked if he had called her. To my shock, he said he hadn't, but he would. If someone had done that for me, I would have immediately called and viewed it as a meaningful connection that was meant to be.

Several weeks later, I again asked if he had contacted her. Again he said he had not because he had been very busy. I was in shock again, but now I was also embarrassed. I went out of my way to call the person and describe his background to get her to want to meet him, and he blew it off.

I can't believe a person would do this, but now I feel I should call the person and apologize for his behavior. I am at a loss for how to handle this. I can't imagine a person ignoring a personal introduction that could introduce him to the field he wanted. I feel responsible somehow for recommending someone who could behave so rudely or irresponsibly.

A: It is amazing that in today's job market where connections are priceless that a person would ignore a personal introduction to someone who could actually help advance a person's career. You are understandably embarrassed because you spoke highly of the person to obtain the connection for him. He let you down and compromised the value of your reference.

Email your connection and acknowledge that you know that the man you referred to her never called her. Apologize in general and express your shock that he never followed through, that something must have changed in his situation because he has always been polite and responsible.

The truth is, however, that apart from a sudden and tragic event, nothing excuses his behavior. He knew you went out of your way to get him the introduction, but don't let this experience sour you on connecting others. Most people would salivate at a personal and proper business introduction and profusely thank you. Whatever his actual reason was for ignoring it, the likelihood is that no one else would ever do such a thing.

MONEY IS THE REAL ESTATE AGENT'S BEST FRIEND

Q: I listed my house with a well-respected agent who specialized in selling homes in my location and would be available at a moment's notice. The property sold within two weeks at a good price. A friend whom I had known for 35 years, who had become a real estate agent, stopped talking to me because I didn't use her. I think this attitude is common among agents, and I know people who prolong listing their homes because they don't want the grief from agent friends. These unprofessional agents need to be confronted with this problem.

A: Friends and business don't mix well in the long run, and living on commission tends to bring out the worst in some people. Not all real estate agents are bullies, but for the ones who are, here is a description of proper etiquette. Appreciate those who use you as an agent, but make no demands on those who don't. Friends do not owe you their business, nor should they be treated as a source of income. If a friend does use you, consider it a blessing, not an expectation. If a friend chooses to not use you, respect the decision.

Email your questions to workplace expert Lindsey Novak at [email protected] and follow her on Twitter @I_truly_care. To find out more about Lindsey Novak and to read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate Website at www.creators.com.