I just returned from one of my favorite rituals: attending the National Assoc. of College & University Mail Services (NACUMS) conference. Yes, it’s a limited audience – so the show is small and intimate. Perhaps that’s what makes it such a pleasure to attend.
After five years it feels more like a reunion than a conference or trade show. Familiar faces and friends get hugs (not your usual vendor greeting). We get to sit down and talk or go out for dinner over the course of a few days. And I get to hear what people are really thinking. Not the usual “five minutes” before we all move on, feet tired, bleary-eyed typical show surroundings.
No, this show is different because of its small size. And it helps to bring back what’s important in business – relationships. Because, in truth, people buy from people. Even in a business environment relationships matter. Perhaps more so in a nonprofit environment.
With all our advanced technologies and our ability to “stay in touch” and “reach out” digitally, it’s important to remember that the face-to-face interaction is still the basis for everything. Meeting someone in person makes a world of difference. Seeing facial expressions, learning body language, understanding other perspectives in conversation. And I think that everyone – in nonprofit and for-profit organizations – needs to remember that all our current “personalization” techniques are just an effort to replicate this special relationship.
I cherish the personal interactions at NACUMS and look forward to returning again next year. Perhaps this brief reminder will inspire you to reach out and rekindle a connection, too.
Well said! A handshake and a hug - there's no "app" for that.
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