Some of the best projects for myself and my clients have been formulated in the briefest of encounters or introductions. Sometimes a simple third party referral to answer the question, “Do you know a good contractor that can do a project like this?” leads to the warmest relationships and most fantastic jobs.
What I am saying is, you never know where your next job is going to come from, therefore you must continue to forge relationships, and you must always do the right thing. A good contractor always, always does a job better than good, it needs to be uncommon in every way. You must deliver beyond your clients expectations but also challenge yourself to deliver beyond your own. You must grow and become better so that your clients perceive and receive better value from your offers. You must also be yourself. Confident yet humble, intelligent but willing to defer to those smarter than you. Treat everyone with respect.
Years ago, a small carpentry job for another contractor led to my career in studio building, simply because I did what I said I would do, on time and with surprising quality and attention to detail that is generally under used in construction. He happened to be the premier studio builder in NYC at the time. We maintained a relationship and I helped him out on a few projects before he bowed out from NYC life and business and helped usher me into the small world of studio building.
So always do your best. Have superior personal integrity and demand it from others. Never burn a bridge, build them instead.