Value of Network & Burning Bridges

Value of Network & Burning Bridges

Written by Shiro Nobunaga

I’ve been an entrepreneur all my life. Other than my 6 year stint in the corporate world, I’ve been making a living as a freelance musician, producer, music teacher, interpreter, and now a spiritual counselor.

And throughout my career, the one thing that I have considered my most valued asset is my network. This is more valuable than money itself. All of my freelance work came from word of mouth, someone making a recommendation, and referrals vouching for my work. I can honestly say, 90% of my work has little or nothing to do with hustle or advertising. For the most part, it was a very organic process of introduction. Even the record deals I’ve landed were because someone liked my demo and gave it to someone who knew someone at a record company.

I don’t have a degree and never had a resume (until I got into corporate). And even in the corporate work, it was one recruiter who I built a relationship with and really liked my work ethic, communication skills, and reputation, that recommended me to other recruiters.

One time, a company where the CEO took a liking to me (even though I quit) recommended me to another company when he was having lunch with their CEO. And in the music business, that is all anyone goes by, is word of mouth and recommendations.

Now, I didn’t always recognize this value. When I was younger, I burnt many bridges and lost many opportunities because of it. In my youth, I was ambitious and arrogant. I was being written up in magazines and just thought I was hot shit. But a little disrespect goes a long way and certain people never forget that. But when your livelihood is on the line, you quickly learn why people stop calling you for gigs, or why certain people distanced themselves from you. I am now very grateful for those people, because they taught me a valuable lesson.

Friendships can be ambiguous because there is love or sentiment of history that is willing to overlook all that. And if one has never experienced entrepreneurship, it may be harder to see how detrimental burning bridges can be, because livelihood may not always be on the line. In the professional world, many may think their talent or skills are important, but I would say for the most part, that is half of the total value (if that). The most valuable quality anyone looks for is the character of the person. And respect goes a long way.

Musically speaking, there are many great singers and guitar players in this community. But why I ended being one of the most in-demand players in the community (or reputable) is not because I hustled or because I’m exceptionally talented. It is primarily because a good player/singer who is also great to work with, respectful, trustworthy, and responsible is that rare.

I’ve seen great talents, highly intelligent, and very skilled people burning bridges and struggling to maintain relationships and network, consequently losing opportunities and repeated failed projects. And I see them angry wondering why others that are less talented can do it easier. They seem to feel that it is unjust or unfair. Let me say this very clearly; the Universe is ALWAYS fair.

One of the essential laws of this Universe is that what you put out is what you get back. Our reality is ALWAYS perfect. It is always reflecting something within us, or it has a clear purpose to get us to where we truly want to be. And if we want the world to treat us better, we must begin by treating others the way we would want to be treated, unconditionally.

In the end, we are all from one Source and connected as a web of consciousness. We simply have the illusion of separation and individualism to create unique experiences. If we burn bridges, bite the hand that feeds you, or think that our actions don’t have consequences that come back to ourselves, then it is time to do some shadow work. Look within, and be willing to see the foolish pride, arrogance, or victim narrative. Make peace with yourself and those you burnt. The great thing is that you can always rebuild those bridges…

“I’m sorry, please forgive me, thank you, I love you…” ~ Ho’oponopono prayer