To LUG Or Not To LUG?
Next week it's the UKLUG in Manchester and I'm registered to attend. Should I go though? That's what I can't decide.
The reason I registered in the first place was that I made a resolution at the start of the year to network more. Work has picked up a little since those dark times, but it doesn't mean I don't still need to get out there and network. I might have work on for this month and the next, but what about next year and the year after that.
Networking has never been my strong point and I've never been a LUG before. In fact I've only ever been to one LotusSphere, back in 2003. There's no real reason why I've not attended other than I've never really needed to. Having said that I do like the idea of chin-wagging with like-minded geeks about topics I'm passionate in (something I rarely get the chance to do).
Socialising aside, my main aim in attending a LUG is to network from a business perspective. I want to get the word out that I'm still around and available for (any kind of) work. What I'd like to do is walk away with a couple of leads in to potential projects.
Is this how LUGs work? Is it reasonable to expect to find work at them? If not then I just can't warrant the expense.
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yes its reasonable to expect work at them, but you don't get work AT them you get work AFTER them, ive only just started to get a grip on this, but this years lotusphere was a perfect example, its only just started to pay for its self but will do in the next couple of months, networking is not instant and you get out as much as you put it. but it does pay off, and quite frankly once you get over the initial nerves, the Lugs are damn good fun with a good bunch of people
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P.S. ill buy you a drink if you come (and i have a t-shirt for you)
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I was going to say something similar. I personally do not go, but sr. members of the firm of which I'm employed do and we have had a good crop of new business this year as a result. I also have a friend who found a new company he wanted to be employed by at LS this year.
I suppose one thing is certain: you know what happens if you don't go - same-old. Question for yourself: is same-old good enough?
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Yes, I was at ILUG last year, and all but two Lotuspheres. A LUG is definitely smaller than a Sphere, so there nearly is no way to not network, if you do not lock yourself up in your room. And there is more customer - geek mix than at Lotusphere, the contact is more intense, thus networking is much easier. You will go home with loads of contacts and faces to remember and many people will remember you after the event.
People I met at conferences and products I have seen there always come to my mind first, when I have to suggest a new product/business partner for our company to my boss.
PS: Mark is a great person to have a beer with, so start with him. Easy to find as the highest person around ;-)
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I'd say you can't afford *NOT* to be at UKLUG Jake.
I know that a smaller percentage of your business comes from the Lotus productset now, but there really is no better way to get to meet real customers and prospective advocates of your work than to be in the corridors of the UKLUG event.
Whilst the costs are not insignificant, really when you compare it to even one new project, they pay for themselves...
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And who knows, you may be some sort of celebrity there..wink wink nudge nudge.......THE Jake Howlett? Of codestore.net fame? Blogger of the year award winner?
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I say skip it and invest in the future.
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I disagree, that would waste Jakes reputation, I do a lot of none domino work (adobe Air, Groovy/Grails/Java) work for people who i have met at notes events, get the business first then pick the right tech to solve the uses problem. and also practising networking in a friendly atmosphere is a good introduction before taking it out into an area where you are new face.
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Aww, well if your serious about getting work then see who is attending and make sure you introduce yourself where suited, otherwise you never know the work could come through a 3rd person at the LUG, you just never know.
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So many people there owe you a debt (I owe you several beers at least) and it'll help you network, maintain relationships.
Go.
--* Bill
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Wow, Jake could be quite drunk with all the beer offers, which could affect his work-finding!
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Just think of all of the free beers you'll get. That alone should be worth it.
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I think they are good. I just got back from a user conference for our ERP system and it was great. The classes weren't spectacular but the networking was and I look forward to next year.
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Definitely go. I haven't had the luck to go to LotusSphere or a LUG, but I've been in and around my local DotNet group and their annual CodeCamp events for the last two years and it's been great.
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I've thoroughly enjoyed every LUG I've attended, but I've missed a couple recently, and it's a bummer! You will meet some good people, have an enjoyable time, and you never know, work may crop up too. I say you should go.
(I wish I could attend UKLUG this year, but I'm in the middle of two big projects, and besides, someone has to keep the lights on back at LDC Towers ;-) )
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That's two in a row now mr P!
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Go !
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User Groups are not about the technology. They are about interacting with people. Who cares what the people do, making introductions and building relationships are worth the value of the time and cost. Plus, it's not like your flying to Orlando.
Unlike another comment, going to UKLUG is about investing in your future. It's about meeting people who are interesting in technology. You can sell them a specific solution down the line.
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Go go go go!
I owe you more than a couple of beers. Come along. In my experience you do get business, but it is a long term thing, I've had contacts blossom into work a couple of years later.
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You've could have a survey on the matter Jake.
Vote yes for Jake to go to Manchester, socialize with a load of mates, get bought a few drinks and maybe get more work.
Or no. Stay at home sat in an office all alone, make a cup of tea every hour change Evelyn's nappy from time to time.
How do you spell no-brainer?
as ever Dad
PS If Karen won't let you have the car I'll take you then you can chat to your pals while I drink all the booze you've been offered !!!!!!!!!
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There's one, and then there's the million, and Jake, your Dad sure is not the later.
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I'd like it if IBM were to offer you a 'Press/Media' ticket just so you can keep on providing more exposure to Domino, (and just to keep you in their fold). It seems short-sighted of them to allow people think you are being driven from the field from lack of interest in the product.
good luck to you & family!
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