@SQLRockstar (Tom LaRock) recently asked the SQL bloggers in his “Meme Monday” series to write about what the term “SQL Family” means to them. It’s amazing how many thoughts/ideas come into your head when you hear the term #SQLFamily.
I was able to breakdown what #SQLFamily means to me into 3 categories:
- Technology
- Professional Development
- Personal Relationships
Technology
I cannot think of another technical community out there that offers so many great opportunities to learn about a product like SQL Server. I’m not just talking about the “paid” events like the PASS Summit, SQLConnections, or SQLRally.
I’m also talking about all the free training out there the local PASS Chapter meetings, SQLSaturdays, 24 hours of PASS, websites, blogs, etc…. people are PASSionate about SQL Server and love sharing their knowledge which is AMAZING.
There are also social networking tools like Twitter (#SQLHelp, #SQLPASS, #SQLFamily), Facebook, LinkedIn, and my new found friend Yammer to use to find even more knowledge.
There are so many ways to get amazing information from some of the best in the business.
Professional Development
Being part of the #SQLFamily means that you are able to surround yourself with people who are like you and people that you aspire to be like. I can honestly say that if I didn’t jump into the SQL Server Community with both feet I wouldn’t of met the people responsible for helping me:
- Start Blogging here at BenchmarkITConsulting.com
- Start EDMPASS (The Edmonton PASS Chapter)
- Co-Author my first book (Pro SQL Server 2008 Policy Based Management)
- Become the Western Canada Regional Mentor for PASS
All of which has helped me professionally to grow my knowledge, name, and business as an Independent Consultant.
Personal Relationships
This is what I believe REALLY sets the #SQLFamily apart from other technology communities.
(This is the hardest section of this blog post to describe because to me it is such a phenomenon so bare with me)
The people care, they really do care. It really is like a family… you might not see everyone as much as you’d like but when you do it’s like you haven’t skipped a beat. The friendships and camaraderie that I’ve developed through the #SQLFamily are not just “work friends” but real honest to goodness friends.
If someone’s child is sick, they care. If someone needs to find a new job, they help. If someone needs an extra $25 in his Movember campaign to take first place, they donate (thanks Jason Strate BTW)
I’m a better person professionally and personally because of my #SQLFamily.
If you’d like to chat with me about this or anything else (SQL or other) please leave a comment or hit me up on my Twitter: @ColinStasiuk
just a revelation that I came up with last night sometime.
– sad face cause I’d love to be live and in person in Florida right about now).
