What We Can Learn About Relationships From A Fraternity Reunion

A little over a year ago, I had the good fortune of reconnecting with my old college roommate and fraternity brother from years ago – too many to mention of course. It was an amazing time. We were together no more than ten minutes when we returned to joking and telling stories as we did when we were in school. Did not miss a beat.

Fast forward to this year and I get to see that same old friend (he has family who lives in Nashville), but under very different circumstances. He had been diagnosed with stage 4 prostate cancer and was a lot weaker than our last meeting.

Regardless, 10 minutes or so into our conversation, we both forgot about his issue and went back to joking and telling stories.

We have, since, stayed in regular touch, and although his health was getting worse, he requested that we get as many of our “brothers” together as we could for a Zoom reunion.

It took some searching, but we were able to arrange the call with 15 of our brothers on board about a week ago. After exchanging pleasantries (and trying to figure out the faces!), you guessed it, we reverted to joking and telling stories as we did at our fraternity dining room table years ago. When the call ended, it dawned on me that we have not just been a bunch of fraternity brothers but also the perfect example of the best attributes of a strong relationship:

1. As fuzzy as our memories had gotten, we were crystal clear on our experiences together all those years ago.
2. There were no boundaries. We connected with each other on a heartfelt, human level that broke down any barriers.
3. We came together because of a brother in distress. Not only did we have him laughing, but we also all left the call smiling.
4. We had a bond forged years ago that has never, nor will ever be, broken.

What does all this have to do with the radio business? To me, EVERYTHING! We are IN the business of relationships, whether it be with listeners, clients or staff. How we relate to each other is always first and foremost.

What can we learn from this reunion of some old fraternity brothers?

1. Never take your relationship with the listener, the client, or your staff for granted. Cultivate it every day! If you have half the bond of these brothers, you’ll have something strong. That bond is the key.
2. Accept them for who they are and not who you want them to be. Our listeners, our clients, our staff all have opinions and beliefs, and not all the same. Respect that and continue to cultivate the bond through all that. There will always be something you’ll have in common.
3. Be there whenever they need us … no matter what … no matter where … no matter when! Disasters, pandemics, economic downturns – help them through all of it and they will help us in return.
4. Be intentional! Show them you really care. Whether it be something for a local charity, support for a local business or a staff getaway, show them that they matter as often as you can.

It IS all about relationships, and that one call with some old friends made me realize that. Are you doing enough? Are you caring enough? Are you LISTENING enough? Are you communicating enough? The bond is there waiting. Seal it forever now!

“Taking Your Radio Presence To The Next Level. Be it an artist, radio programmer or on-air talent. Coaching and mentoring down to your foundational level”

Contact me:
John Shomby
Owner/CEO Country’s Radio Coach
jshomby@countrysradiocoach.com
757-323-1460
https://countrysradiocoach.com