Putting Yourself Out There

Recently I was contacted via Facebook about an upcoming class reunion and I thought that the organizer (a guy I remember to be funny and articulate) had some valuable points that speak to many situations that I have been giving thought to of late which made them particularily poignant.

Obviously the highschool reunion is it's own entity but if you think about potentially awkward social situations and the leap of faith required to attend the final points that he highlights are all the more interesting, especially in the small(er) business world where reputation and word of mouth can make or break.

"There were several groupings of people;

1. Some that just wanted to come because they wanted to see people and have a party.

2. Some that felt it was an honor to represent their grad class and attending.

3. Batch that would love to be there more than anything, but personal schedule conflicted or logistically impossible to come.

4. Some that felt they did not want to go back after 10+ and feel that the lack of achievement of their goals and aspirations would be uncomfortable around other people.

5. Many that were excited about their success and wanted to come back to compare with grad classes.

We know not everyone will not be able to make it, but we ask all to try as 4 hours is not enough to respect and celebrate the grad class on 1994. Be proud of where you came from or from a selfish point of view do it for a Networking angle. We join associations and spend money to attend conventions to meet people to assist in our personal goals. If you are confident that the grad class of 1994 and the soil you studied on developed successful people – you should attend.

Social and business networking is the modern standard in developing relationships throughout the world. The potential for recognition and building networks within our grad class of professionals in numerous fields on a global scale is unlimited.

A personal story is a couple that had an 18 year old daughter than was trying to get into a US college. At one of our reunions the couple had the opportunity to meet someone that was in the recruiting department of Alabama State.

That is one example; I can bore or interest you in many more – with business owners, investor’s, teachers, creative minded people, artists, medical profession, work from home moms/dads, trades, etc .. Your opportunities are endless, and if you don’t attend for yourselves think of your kids that may need these contacts to succeed.

Remember it isn’t what you know, it’s who you know and also who knows you! If you re-acquaint yourself with one new connection it will benefit you for a lifetime!"

The point is, look at how much the people who skip it miss out on to save themselves either trouble or embarrassment? Is it ever worth it to be a wallflower?

-Angela Tames