Wanna get the most of ReBarCamp-SD? Make your own rules…

Hell, there are no rules here– we’re trying to accomplish something”— Thomas Edison

ReBarCamp is a pretty cool phenomena..  But to get the most OUT of it,  you need to know what you are getting IN to…  It’s not a seminar, or a convention, a summit or  a meeting.  Its all and none of these things.  What it is in a nut shell?

It’s what YOU make it.

In the hopes we can invest as little time as possible with the morning formalities,  (introduction, ReBarCamp explanation, etc.. ) I thought I would put together a list of 10 ideas that I feel will help ReBarCampers, new and old,get the most out of this special day…

These are just one ReBarCampers opinions..as there are NO RULES!

1. Show up early and get the lay of the land.  ReBarCamp runs a tad different than any other day you have been to.  It is very impromptu, and may feel a bit confusing if you don’t understand the methodology.  15 extra minutes of watching how things are transpiring will put you at ease and off to a great start.
2. Understand that ReBarCamp is about YOU.  It is FOR YOU and BY You.  Your participation is necessary.  There are no leaders, just facilitators and participants.   Participate or GO HOME.
3. YOU are responsible to make it a valuable day for YOU.  Figure out early what you are there to learn and seek it out.  Learn with a purpose.
4. The people facilitating the sessions are volunteers. No one has checked a credential, diploma, or resume.  The information a facilitator is offering has not been screened.   This information offered as fact, could be highly valuable or absolutely worthless.  You need to make this decision.  Ask questions, figure out who YOU think is worth learning from and attend those sessions.
5. Use the 2 feet rule. There is no selling at ReBarCamp. You control this.  The only way someone can pitch their product or service to you, is if YOU let them…  If you even get a whiff of a sales pitch, stand up and walk out.  There are 9 other sessions going on.  Go find a valuable one.
6. ReBarCamp is about people.  Make a list of people you want to meet and MEET THEM.  This day is special.  People whom you may not normally get a chance at a relationship with are often receptive,  partly because of the positive “buzz” that surrounds an REBarCamp.  Remember, a lot of really special on-line relationships, start off-line.
7. Make a commitment to change something in your professional life on Monday, November 16th.  Events like ReBarCamps are only valuable if you seek out the knowledge and then EXECUTE.  Make a promise to take one thing you learned at ReBarCamp, and execute on Monday.
8. Perform one random act of kindness to another ReBarCamp Participant during the day.  This is contagious.  ‘nuff said.
9. Give Feedback. We will create a feedback form at http://rebarcampsd.com/feedback.  This feedback will be forwarded to other ReBarCamp organizers around the Country.  The event was free. This is your opportunity to help future ReBarCamps be better.
10. Stick around. NAR is putting on a great After Camp Cocktail reception on the roof of the venue.   I can tell you honestly that among the most memorable conversations I have had at ReBarCamps, were certainly after hour conversations over a cocktail, once the pace and fury of the day had waned.  I look forward to this time hanging with some of my dearest friends…

And You.  IF you see me at REBC-SD, please take the time to walk over and say.  I may be in a conversation, but that just means there is one more person you should meet…

Have you been to other ReBarCamps?  These are my ideas…What are yours?  Create a comment and share with us one really good idea to get the most out of the San Diego Camp…

and See ya in November…