"Dude! I can't believe it's already been 10 years!"
This is something I am starting to see a lot on my social media feed as I brace for my first high school reunion. I had mixed feelings about attending but in the end, $70 to spend a night hanging out at a country club with some old friends, reminiscing on old stories and having a few cold ones, sounded like a good time. Here are a few tips I am planning on following myself:
- DON'T overdress.
You aren't Justin Timberlake so don't show up in a skinny suit and tie and act like it. It's intimidating to others and makes you look more like a loser than a winner. And I hope you weren't planning on going in a T-shirt and jeans…Did you want Best Looking 2004 to think you are a dish washer at the local Taco Mac? (if you are, well…its been 10 years, move on!). A simple button down shirt and slacks is just fine. - DON'T drink too much alcohol.
It's always fun to get together with old friends and toss a couple back and reminisce about the time you TP'd Sally Thomas' house and got arrested for the first time but it's not a good look when you throw up in the trash can just like you did at prom 10 years ago. Keep it to a few beers, maybe some liquor drinks if you can handle yourself. - DON'T do any business deals.
Let's not get it twisted here: networking is acceptable and I would encourage it. In my profession, it would be great to go back and pick up some clients out of some old friends that are doing well for themselves. But I am not asking my old high school QB what his income level is and if he has heard about the advantages of an indexed annuity. Use the reunion as a time to catch up; talk about each other's jobs, families, where each other live, etc. You can usually get a hold of someone's financial situation through these talks anyways. Gaining someone as a client in most professions is all about gaining their trust. Closing business comes later, keep it to small talk in the 3 hours at the reunion. - DON'T make fun.
Don't make fun of the balding guy or the girl that has braces at age 28. This one is simple: karma. - DON'T chase after your ex.
Yeah, she thought you were attractive 10 years ago when you were 18. Good for you. 4 years of college, 6 more of the real world, and roughly 1,000 beers and pizzas later, you aren't that same spry 18 year old. If you can't go play a game of pickup flag football without pulling your hamstring, it's time to hang up the cleats and it's definitely time to give up on the ex. It's fine to approach her and catch up on both of your current lives but don't bring up the past relationship. For more help on this tip, please see Tip #2.
Written by:
Tyler Huck
Wealth Plan Design Specialist
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