Issue link: https://www.ahpindiestylist.com/i/1547346
62 AHP Indie Stylist Volume 7 Issue 2 4 NO. 4: BUILD RELATIONSHIPS, NOT JUST A NETWORK It's great to have a list of names and email addresses. You might have the contact, but do you have the professional relationship with that person to call them and ask them a question or genuinely engage? ere's a difference! I look at relationships as something I take the time to cultivate. It's more than a cold call or email. It's getting to know an individual beyond what they do professionally and what you feel like they could potentially do for you. Maybe you've heard, "Keep business, business and personal, personal." I'm not saying otherwise. I'm saying a relationship will take you much farther than a name or email ever could. Do you know every follower personally on Instagram or every connection on LinkedIn? e answer is likely no. I believe in the saying, "Don't call me and ask me for something if you don't call me in general." at type of communication feels transactional. Building relationships doesn't mean everyone needs to know your personal business. Check in and see how they're doing. It doesn't always have to come with an ask. People remember how you treat them (good or bad). ey remember how you made them feel, and that reminder has gone a long way for me when booking work and throughout my educational career. Relationships aren't always perfect either. Sometimes maintaining one means acknowledging when you're wrong and should apologize. How you communicate, handle conflict, and show up when a problem arises contribute to your professional reputation. UNSPLASH