Following Sonja Riesterer’s post on “An open, approachable Magento Community” there have been a few posts, tweets & discussions on making the Magento community as welcoming and friendly as possible, which is so inspiring! Sonja gave some great advice on being more approachable & making an effort to meet new people so, when I left for the event, I felt well prepared having read it…

Although I tried to apply everything I’d read during my trip to Mage Titans Manchester, I know I could have done more! So, if I could go back and speak to my past self, this is what I would say…

  • It is not going to be easy.
  • Fight the shy with all your might.
  • Don’t take the easy option of hiding in the speakers lounge whenever you get scared.
  • Silence happens, try not to panic and make it even more awkward.
  • Take more photos.
  • Pretend that they want to speak to you too, even if you’re not sure.
  • Plan your time better to speak to people you haven’t met before.
  • Prepare questions and topics that you want to ask people about and write them in your phone or even on your hand! (All knowledge and ability to string sentences together will escape you.)
  • Rip off the bandaid and go for it.

Oh, and…

  • Find out when the last train home is more than 10 minutes before it’s due to leave.
  • Do more cardio (so you don’t nearly pass out after running for said last train).

Even though I can’t go back and tell myself these things, I still had an amazing time at Mage Titans in Manchester. I met so many amazing people and learned so much (both about Magento development and myself.)

My only gripe is that the event was not long enough. I didn’t want it to end and I can’t wait to do it all again!

A few Twitter highlights

 

 

P.s. Don’t forget…

Magento is for life, not just for Christmas

Magento Community Magento Events