#bitsaa

They say it is hard to get over your addiction.

It’s been two months.  No withdrawal symptoms.

It came as a surprise to me as well but I do not miss being in charge...

Harry Potter

BITSAA International Inc

Feb 10, 2010 - Aug 16, 2015.

Smart specifically studied how such people made their most difficult decision in judging whether to give money to an entrepreneur or not. You would think that this would be whether the entrepreneur’s idea is actually a good one. But finding an idea is apparently not all that hard. Finding an entrepreneur who can execute a good idea is a different matter entirely. One needs a person who can take an idea from proposal to reality, work the long hours, build a team, handle the pressures and setbacks, manage technical and people problems alike, and stick with the effort for years on end without getting distracted or going insane. Such people are rare and extremely hard to spot.

- Atul Gawande, The Checklist Manifesto

There was an interesting question which was left un-answered on Quora - the link is here 

I wanted to write an answer not only to those there, but too many of my alumni and of other institutes/schools as well. A quick few thoughts after volunteering for the past 2 years to support Alumni activities for my association 

The Question is - "What are the good ideas to re-organize an alumni assocition?"

My answer:

1. Find/Help a bunch of "few" musketeers who are willing and have a "cause" to work for and organize the association's initial activites around the same - as the cause will be bigger than any other pull - if it connects to most alumni. Ideally these musketeers would have great sense of belonging for the alma mater and would also be close friends.

2. Involve the Administration in your key programs and have a great link-back with the institute.

3. Build a structure for the core committee and provide opportunities for growth from volunteers to a position of importance so that the incentive's are present for anyone who puts in time and effort. Involve a good mix of young & old in the organization.

4. Have a great Online Infrastructure available to continuosly engage with Alumni who register and sign-up for regular newsletters, activities & events.

5. It will take time - if you/others dream of a great Alumni association - it takes lots and lots of time and effort! 

These experiences are thanks to the brilliantly organized BITS Alumni Association (BITSAA) International which now has helped concieve and implement many Million Dollar projects and also continues to have a regular framework to allow all Alumni to participate and give back in some capacity to the Institute. Quite thankful for it!