My first SourceCon, I showed up having no idea what to expect. However, going into round three at SourceCon I have learned that no matter if it is your first, fifth, or tenth, one thing holds true, “Your Vibe Attracts Your Tribe!” The people you meet and friends you make are drawn to you because in a short window you were honest about who you are. This is not your standard business or training conference, SourceCon is more like a family reunion. You can either choose to be Uncle Billy Bob who sits in the corner and complains about the weather – OR – you can be the family’s favorite grandkid, uncle, or grandma. It’s really up to you and only you.
How to dress: This is not a black tie affair, but also not sleep over. As much as we all would love to wear PJ’s to work, it’s probably taking it too far. Be comfortable and be you. I have never seen or been told of a dress code, but think it through. You are meeting with many peers, and also people who could be looking for their next hire. Recommended business casual and feel free to lean a little more relaxed with a personal flair. More importantly, just remember to shower (yes, I’m talking to you, my fellow teleworkers).
How to participate: The purpose of this conference is to learn, and to do so you have to be part of the sharing. Know that it is ALWAYS a fact. Every person you meet is better than you at something, and you are better at something than they are. The only way you find out what those things are, and benefit from them is by being curious. Ask questions, share your challenges, recommend solutions, and most importantly, try new things. There will be 1,000 different tools, tricks, hacks, and technology talked about. You are not expected to know about all of them. In case you forgot that’s why you came. The shame would be leaving, going back to work, and doing everything the same way you did before the conference.
How to act: Bring your energy and your enthusiasm. Let people see your passion and conviction for the work, the community, and your development. In a world where tools are countless and always changing, your intangibles are what define you. If you act like a robot, you will be replaced by one. So make your mark and make yourself irreplaceable. Character and values are more valuable than any fancy google chrome extension in the end. So have fun and let people know you are having a good time. It’s contagious.
In closing, be yourself, and be proud of who you are! If you are brand new to the recruiting world and SourceCon, take pride that you are there to learn and develop yourself. If you are a long-time contributor to the community, share your knowledge and experiences to challenges others to develop themselves. If you are having a blast, find a way to contribute to further the growth and impact of the community and SourceCons to come. And lastly, if you are a stick in the mud and miserable, take pride in learning this may not be the community for you and save yourself the money next time around. You will leave SourceCon educated, energized, and with new friends, but only if you put effort into it, so invest in making it great because Your Vibe Attract Your Tribe!
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