Passionate Theme of the Day: Drunk with Joy

“The only thing we have in common is that we’re all different.” ~Christine Kane Friday, May 11 at SOB Con

Me oh my. Where to begin? Lots of people have reviewed the infamous inaugural SOB Con07 and everyone has put there own unique spin it. For me…it was kinda like going to your high school reunion. Only I didn’t go to school with any of these people (but I did find out I graduated from college with Troy’s brother!). 

No time to Tarentino this post, so I’ll just start from the beginning. I hopped on the hotel shuttle and noticed the woman already sitting looked sort of familiar. She smiled at me, but with her sunglasses, I couldn’t quite tell who it was. When we got off (along with the Anime dude in the white under-shirt and pillowcase for a suitcase) I asked, “Are you Christine Kane?” She took off her sunglasses, hugged me and we introduced ourselves.

After checking in at the desk, I turned to find Phil sitting down chatting on his cell phone. I strolled over and asked, “Are you the welcoming committee? Just waiting here to meet me, huh?” He smiled his Phil smile and hugged me. I left him to finish his conversation so I could go put my bags in my room and before I reached the elevator I ran smack dab into Mike Sansone…just in time for my 3rd hug in 5 minutes! This was my first indication that this conference was gonna be like no other!

It reminded me of a high school reunion of sorts. I think Tammy Lenski left a comment on Liz’s blog that said she felt like she was signing a yearbook…and that must be what triggered the high school thoughts.

So playing off the high school theme, here’s how my experience went down…I strolled down to the ballroom for our happy hour and early check-in and ran into the “Nice Guy Who Listens to Your Boyfriend Drama” Tony D. Clark and he’s as warm and friendly in person as in his blog.  Met Chris and Lisa Cree “Prom King and Queen”, dug on Sandy the Purple Wren’s groovy glasses…she’d be the “Sweetheart Who Helps Pimp Out Your Senior Project”. 

Ended up chatting it up with Claire aka the PR Princess…Claire was totally the “Newspaper Editor” and open to connecting and sharing PR advice. Swapped stories about passion and purpose with Diego of Evoca, he was definitely that “Sexy Exchange Student” that you flirted with as you stumbled through Spanish class.

Debated the latest in leadership with the “Captain of the Debate Team” Steve Farber and got the squeeze of a lifetime from my gal Wendy Piersall “Class Sweetheart”.

Listened to the beautiful melodies of “Bohemian Rocker Chic” Christine Kane and was charmed and delighted by the passion and enthusiasm of Director Tom “Cool Film Dude”. Shared hugs with “Master of Ceremonies” Terry Starbucker, “Big Idea Guy” Drew McClellan and “Class Heart Throb” Troy Worman. (When he walked in Liz gushed, “Oh my! You’re even better lookin’ in person!” Ha!

On Saturday, nothing could prepare me for the amazing content and super passionate vibe running through the room. Between sessions by “Leader of the Pack” Liz Strauss, “The Cool Guy” David Armano, “The Instigator” Ben Yoskovitz among others, I got to meet my new “BFF & Girl Crush” Lisa Gates.

I developed bloggy crushes on “Class Sweetheart” Dawud Miracle and Vernon and Tony “The Good Guys”. Was awestruck by the bold passion and sassy insights of Lorelle Van Fossen. And was so happy to meet the genius that is “Shy Guy”, Easton Ellsworth.

Was inspired by the work of “The Painting Activist” Ashley Cecil, and captivated by my table mate, dinner guide and new found intuitive-friend, Adam from Monk at Work’s comments during the “great picture debate”. And pleased to finally meet Tim “The Follow-thru Guy”.

Adam hijacked us from the hotel to have dinner at Tandoor, an Indian restaurant that was delish and amazing and my first time eating Indian! Dined but didn’t dash with Christine, Phil, Chris & Lisa, Ben, Keith, Alex, and my “Rocker with Laptop” buddy Sean Rox. Adam, Dawud and I laughed, swapped stories and shared a hell of a meal together.

After, back at the hotel I hung out in the lobby/bar area and chatted it up with all my new friends till about 12:30 and then called it a night. I hated to pull myself away from them, but my 6:30 wake-up call was coming early. If I had to do high school all over again, I’d do it just like SOB Con. 

Instead of rivalries, we’d give high-fives; instead of ridicule we’d raise awareness. Instead of bullying, we’d share resources. And instead of blame, we’d hand out hugs.

It was just like Adam said during the great photo dialogue:

“When I look at your picture on your blog, I want to look into your eyes and see myself reflected back at me.”

I looked into all of your eyes and saw your greatness, my own uniqueness and THEN some. David said we should all think of ourselves as "conversation architects" and we succeeded by building the most beautiful conversation skyscraper. We deepened the dialogue, the relationships and the LOVE.

How amazing to be in a room with 100+ virtual strangers and feel so at home? How cool to play in the sandbox of business, branding, blogging and design…everyone coming from their own unique perspective, yet everyone was on the SAME page?

I’m diggin’ on this vibe and love that we are truly changing the face of business, technology, and the world. Through doing business with people of integrity I am able to walk even more in alignment with my core values. Truth. Beauty. Love. Spirit.

Check please. I think I need to marinade in this lovely afterglow a little longer…

I look forward to the evolving friendships and conversations that were just scratching the surface this past weekend.

Much love and stay passionate friends,
Kam

ps...I’m sure I’ve left some people out...but the love lives on in my heart!