My children have reached the age where they have, or are, entering the professional workforce. One of the (probably too many) pieces of advice I give them is to never burn a bridge. For those who don't know, "never burn a bridge" means (per AI) "never take an action that would permanently ruin your chances of reconnecting, working together again, or seeking help from someone you once knew."

Or as I tell them, end every conversation and relationship on a positive note, because you never know when you might cross paths with that person again in the future.

This is good advice for all of us, but it is especially important if you work in the association community. I've been in this community for over 35 years now, and I'm amazed at the number of people who have been around as long (or longer!) than I. And while they may not always be with the same organization, they're still around.

And I think this is especially true when you work with staff at your vendor (whether it's your AMS vendor or any other vendor). You should do everything you can to make that relationship a positive one. Because you never know when you might cross paths with that person again in the future. Better to keep those bridges intact!

**Editor's note: As an earlier reader of this pointed out to me, none of this applies if the person you're dealing with has done something unethical or illegal, or intentionally harmed you in some way. You can certainly burn that bridge!**