Let’s just follow this title with “don’t.”
Everyone you encounter is really in your network. And everyone in your network is valuable. You never know who will lead you to new business or who you might lead to something.
You never know who you are going to work with or work for. I remember parting ways with a supplier on not-so-good terms (he wasn’t happy I was moving my business). Two years later this same supplier’s company had been purchased by my company and we ended up being co-workers. We did get along because of a long-standing relationship, but it started out awkward.
In another case, a former supervisor took over a company that I called on as a sales person. Because we had worked together, we understood each other’s styles and had a strong working relationship.
And, lastly, a quote (unattributed):
“Be careful when you burn that bridge; you may be the one you are standing on.”
Relentless
