Another in the PASS ‘First Timers’ series…

We’ve all attended an event for the first time -perhaps alone. And now we’ve moved into the mix of those that have been there before. We’ve got the shirt, we know where the toilets are located, and we have made a few friends. Returning to the PASS Summit is exhilerating -full of excitement and anticipation. We feel great to be here.

I hope to entice you to reach out and help FirstTimers -just as you have been helped over the years

I offer a challenge to you, a challenge that will test your commitment to community, a challenge that will test your inclusiveness, and a challenge that will provide you incredible satisfaction.

You are probably aware of the colored ribbons attached to the name tags that attendees wear. The ribbons broadcast to everyone a tidbit of information about the person displaying the name tag and ribbons. One of the most important colored ribbons to note is ‘Yellow’. Folks possessing a yellow ribbon are attending their first ever PASS Summit. They are in the FirstTimers cohort. There are many factors working to inhibit FirstTimers from having a wonderful experience. I hope to entice you to reach out and help FirstTimers -just as you have been helped over the years. I wrote about the FirstTimers program here.

Approach two (2) new FirstTimers each day -they are easy to spot, they’re the ones sporting yellow ribbons. Find out their names, where they live, what’s their SQL interest, what’s their recreational interest, and ask about their family. Go further than the typical “Hi, my name’s Arnie, what’s yours? That’s nice. Now see you later.” Or to paraphrase the old story, “I’m sorry, I’ve been spending all of this time talking about myself. Let’s talk about you. What do YOU think about me?” Take a few minutes and get to know something about this person. You’re interviewing them for the role of long-term friend. You need to get enough information to help you in that process.

Sometimes the people we meet change us forever*

AND then introduce each FirstTimer to two other people that you know -relating something that you learned as you introduce them. Help them feel that you really did hear what they said. Perhaps include something about where they live, or their SQL interests, or some other interesting tidbit that will help build the next conversation. It’s really not that difficult, and the payback is tremendous. The #FirstTimers will look up to you as part of what made their first PASS Summit so very special. They will leave with a greater sense of feeling part of the SQL Community.

Step out on a limb and invite your new FirstTimer friends to join you for lunch. Look out for them during the breaks, perhaps invite them to join you for dinner. Let them know your suggestions about which are ‘must see’ sessions. As you move around the Summit activities, each time you see your new FirstTimer friend, acknowledge them, take a moment to ask how they are doing, if everything is going well, if they need any suggestions or assistance. If you see them at an activity or session that you suggested, check in with them, asking their opinion of the suggestion.

A great follow-up after the PASS Summit would be to contact the PASS Chapter Leader in their local area. Send an email as a short letter of introduction containing contact information and some of the other salient tidbits; let both the Chapter Leader and the FirstTimer know about each other. (You can easily obtain the Chapter Leader information from the PASS website).

finally, but not inconsequential, is the challenge for the FirstTimers

Sure, you’ve got other friends and activities that demand your time. I’m not asking that you give that up. The challenge is to find a few moments to make a lasting impact on someone else’s experience. Can you give that?

As your reward, you will gain the satisfaction that you have gone the ‘extra mile’ to help build community. Who knows, you just might gain a lifelong friend.

And finally, but not inconsequential, is the challenge for the FirstTimers. When you return home, consider sending a note to folks that made an effort to share a small part of their lives with you. Let them know if it was a good investment of their time and energy. Include in your note some tidbit of information you gleaned from your conversations. Everyone likes to be noticed and acknowledged.

My fantasy is a PASS Summit where everyone looks out for everyone else and you never see anyone looking alone, lost or distraught.

* From the movie The Forces of Nature