The Importance of Connecting with People in Person

Are alumni events even necessary? Is spending time in person with old and new friends really that important in our media- and technology-driven society? Maybe online social networking web sites are where we're headed.

I was recently in NYC and spent a few hours with a friend I've known since nursery school. I asked her why we made the effort to get together for ice cream that day. For me, it involved the choice of waiting 30 minutes for an express bus, a 30-minute bus ride, and a 15-minute train ride. And that was just one way. For she, a walk and a train ride was all she endured. After asking my insensitive question and her appearing disappointed in my lack of enthusiasm in investing in face-to-face time together, her only response was related to the experience: having fun. I agreed with her. We did have a good time together. Other than that fact, sure, it was nice being in person with her and connecting with her like we used to do when the convenience and comfort of cell phones and e-mail weren't apart of our lives. And yes, it's a personal preference of mine to be in person with whom I'm speaking. Like outside sales. Or professional speaking.

How is my decision-making process affected when I know it could take an hour to even meet that person - in person? A telephone call would have been more efficient. An e-mail would have been more effective. A hand-written card would have been personal as well. Meeting in person, though? That sounds expensive - taking up precious time to break away from the comforts of my computer and the enjoyment of needing little effort to use a cell phone from any location in the world.

When I think about our University of Maryland San Diego Alumni Club, I attempt to think about the 1,000 alumni in our area. I ask myself, "What would motivate these people to physically attend an event?" With work, family, friends, interests, volunteering, fitness, and familiar fun, why would an Alumnus make the effort to connect with people who also attended the same school? You tell me; what's your excuse? Why do you feel people attend Alumni events across the nation?

Sun. Aug. 26 - "Day at the Races" - Tickets $15/adult and $10/child

Hi Everyone,

• We've got three weeks until the event.
• Given the strong interest in our upcoming social event, "Day at the Races," we've lowered the price to $15/adult and $10/child, and to make it a "pot luck" (everyone would bring something to eat, which would be coordinated with me).
• At the door on Sun. Aug. 26, it will be only an additional $5/ticket. (The event is 1130am-430pm, FYI.)
  
• You can read information about it on UM's Alumni web site or on our club web site.
• Again, everyone you know is invited and if you can't make it please pass along our invitation to those who are interested and available and would like to join us on the infield at Del Mar's race track. While this is an alumni event, it's also a "new friend" event as well.
  
• Pay pal is accepted. You can also e-mail me for my home address to send a check.
• Hundreds of dollars of giveaways will be provided. Lots of fun, too.
• So prepared to get out of your home, get into your car, and commit to joining us at a very unique event that only takes place every two years!

Enjoy,
Jared

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Jared Meyer, 00, President
UMaryland San Diego Alumni Club
www.SDTerps.com

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Jared Meyer, Author, Coach, & Speaker
MakStar Communications / "We'll Make You See Stars!"
(858) 245-6257 / http://makstar.com