If you’re reading this article, then you’re likely either a recruiter or a sourcer. If you’re a recruiter, then you’re likely fortunate enough to have sourcing support, or you’re tasked with doing your own sourcing. If you’re a sourcer, well then, you’re likely 100% focused on identifying and engaging the best talent in the country and exposing them to your company’s opportunities. Regardless of what your job title is, you are probably seeking out and engaging talent.
I’m sure you’re staying up with the latest and greatest sourcing hacks and techniques to find prospects and quickly convert them into viable candidates – am I right? If I am, then congrats to you and your organization for placing a priority on improving your sourcing skills.
However, if you have haven’t taken the time to invest in improving your sourcing skillset for whatever reason, then you’re in the right place. I’ve been sourcing/recruiting for the past 12 years now, and I remember when SourceCon first started (in Atlanta). Many of my friends were speaking, and yet I came up with all sorts of excuses why I couldn’t attend; the company I was working with at the time didn’t authorize me to partake (that really wasn’t an excuse), I was too busy at work, I couldn’t afford to go on my own dime, blah, blah, blah… You get the picture. So I didn’t attend for two years. Looking back, I can’t believe I didn’t go – what a bad move.
What I didn’t understand at the time was that I missed an opportunity. Yes, an opportunity – opportunity to learn, to grow, to create relationships, to network, and to have fun with like-minded individuals from folks all over this world. When I finally realized what SourceCon was really about, I decided to be a part of it and make it a priority event for my personal growth.
SourceCon isn’t your typical conference – you know the ones I’m talking about – you go, you sit, listen, leave early to visit the hosting city, etc.… Been there done that, right?! No, SourceCon is engaging, welcoming (to all levels of expertise), friendly, helpful, meaningful, and flat-out fun. You engage with the drivers of our industry as well as the top practitioners who selflessly share their knowledge. There are no thought leader entourages or elitist attitudes, most all speakers have experienced similar journeys to their expert titles – they all started where most start – at the beginning. Their passion and curiosity are what has driven them to perfection in their areas of expertise. And while experts, they are humble and willing to share – that’s what makes SourceCon such a unique experience.
If you have a passion for sourcing and want to learn, then come out and attend a SourceCon conference. You will learn valuable sourcing techniques, learn what it takes to be a great sourcer, gain insightful tactics to improve your sourcing immediately and gain new relationships and friendships lasting well beyond the conference.
How has it affected me? I can’t even begin to share or acknowledge all of the people who have had such a positive impact on me, not only as a sourcer but as a person. It’s a family, no question, and one that I can access at any given time 24×7 (yes, this spans worldwide!). True statement – SourceCon has had a positive impact on my career without question, and I know many others who would say the same about their careers.
I’ll be at the Atlanta event in September as part of the Welcome Wagon. If you’re there, then stop by and say hello – introduce yourself, let me know you’ve read my article, and let’s get to know one another. It all begins with a simple “Hello Steve, I’m…”. Connect with me on LinkedIn, too.
