Because You Just Never Know
I feel I have been blessed enough in this life and with that, I would like to give some advice. Never burn your bridges. This is not new advice, it is something to live by. However, in my years of business and my years of working in both professional and personal environments, this is very true.
The family business we had for over 35 years offered me a chance to work with amazing people and we watched as new immigrants and new employees flourished before our eyes.
Some invited us to their weddings and baby showers and we celebrated milestones in their lives and they celebrated with us in ours.
The joy of sharing and working together is not understood by all.
Many bosses and many relationships between employees and employers are not positive. However, ours were and we took pride in the fact that we helped others purchase homes and cars and send their kids off to university.
The Bridges
As we grew our business, our network expanded and grew within the industry. What we never did, was burn and destroy relationships within our company or with others. This holds true even during rough times. Recessions and conflicts happen. Shit happens and so we need to keep our friends, families, and suppliers even closer. We never had relationships go sour, because we didn’t let them.
Those bridges and friendships we built are still around today, nearly a decade after the closing of our company. Plus the relationships I build with locals in Indonesia still flourish today as I have had so many experiences here. Once more I get to build on old relationships.
Off to Cambodia
My friend Dave whom I have known for three years from MD Pictures invited me to spend time with him and work with him on his new venture at CBS.
This is another example of why keeping relationships and friendships are so important. We may not agree on political views or even the type of food we consume. But we must keep friendships and partnerships alive at all costs. We simply never know what life will bring us and how our lives will turn on a dime.
Don’t burn your bridges is the only phrase that comes to mind. It takes seconds to send out a message and to say hello to people in your circle and keep in touch. Social media keeps us online, most people will know what is happening in your life. However, remember that I have had life changing experiences and so can you. Keep your eyes and ears open, never say no to something that piques your interest. You never know what door or doors will open up for you.
