As much as it is important to network and make new connections, it is imperative you hold on to those you've made.
Tonight was a fantastic example. Those of us with The Georgia Bulldog Club spent time with a client group at the Dallas Cowboys Stadium. It was a great opportunity to learn what our counterparts throughout the country were doing to engage fans and donors.
Once that was completed, I returned to the host hotel to find friends from a different conference, a different era, a different mindset. Frankly, this was the best part of the day.
I've said before I've crossed paths with so many people, and I appreciate all they have provided. I'm a firm believer no matter the time spent you have probably taught me something about life.
My thoughts on life have always been centered around others. I care about my friends and family. I try to learn from the experiences and mistakes. The hope is I craft a better situation, a better life plan than those before me. Easier said than done.
Regardless of all of this, our convention allows me the much needed time to not only learn but also the time to visit with old friends. We spent a couple of hours hashing out old stories tonight ... And we probably could have spent more. When you are surrounded by people you adore, memories flood. It is simple to remember moments from ten years ago. Or times from six years ago. Or four. Every single moment was a point along a career which placed me here in Dallas tonight.
And I am so fortunate. So many great people, people far greater than I, made this career possible. Best thing is, even at 35 I'm still just beginning.
There will be times where I question what I do, times where I question where I am. As long as I continue to have this support from great friends, great donors and great people, I. know I will be ok.