Building relationships is a vital part of being a successful pro sports agent.

Sustaining relationships is equally important, but it¡¯s an often trickier task in the cutthroat world of pro basketball. After all, agents come and go in this ultra-competitive business, and maintaining trust and meaningful two-way communication between agents and clients and teams takes skill.

Debora Zoli¡¯s expanding business is a case study in building a portfolio of success in the 21st century. She toils in a field dominated by men. Currently, her fluctuating list of clients (players and coaches) now has about 45 individuals¡¯ names on it with contracts lined up in Australia, Italy, Germany, Japan, Taiwan, Vietnam, England, the Netherlands and Hong Kong.