SXSW 2013: Hits, Misses and Everything in Between

Much like each year, March proves to be quite successful for Austin as the hub for (one of) the biggest events in North America, South by Southwest (SXSW). An incubator of brilliant minds and brilliant ideas. SXSW is a series of happenin' events, trade shows, conferences and platform for innovators. Covering everything from the Interactive, Film and Music realms, it brings you the latest and greatest of what's happening around us.

©2012-2013 SXSW Inc

NOTE: I did not have any of the 3 Access Badges purchased for entry into the festival. So, this is all based on how I navigated through walk-ins or complementary entries. If you have the time, investing in a Platinum Badge (valid for all events) is going to cost up to $1500, but will be worth it so as long as one can manage an organized schedule.

This was my first year as an attendee and I chose to avail it as best as I could. Starting with the ATX Startup Crawl - as a preamble to what was to follow the week ahead - I decided to check out the brightest in the world of Startups, as well as established names.

Anyone can tell you that Cloud Computing, Social Media Marketing and Task Management are buzzing these days. Move over Silicon Valley, there's a new player in town. A few notable names - well, in my opinion, at least:

INTERACTIVE

• Cloud Computing
• Rackspace They were the official sponsor of this year's ATX Startup Crawl, which was incredibly busy and spread out over 7-8 locations. Growing with a number of solid hosting solutions - doesn't hurt that they're based in Central Texas either, YEEHAW! 
• Salesforce.com They made their mark with the Cloud Lounge in a prime downtown location where participants recharged and reconnected. Its successful acquisitions (such as Manymoon) is opening it up to social networking and task management solutions more aggressively. 
• Spanning Based right here in Austin, they offer data storage, protection and backup. The fact that they partnered with a FAB local food cart, ChiLantro BBQ, made this stop more sumptuous! Did I mention they're hiring?

• Social Media / Marketing
• Twitter Did you know that Twitter's immense success can be attributed to its 2007 presence at SXSW? Apparently it "owned" the floor that year.
• Mass Relevance These guys had 2 lounges booked for their presence - good music, snacks, drinks and a pretty involved team. I noticed these guys were conducting casual interviews throughout. They specialize in helping brands and agencies connect better with social media and advertising campaigns. Definitely smelled like success to me.

• Mashable Your one stop shop for all things social media - a compilation of the Facebooks, Twitters, Blogs, News etc of the world. Essentially gives you the 411 on what the fuss is about these days.



Grumpy Cat at Mashable House #MashSXSW

• VICE Media Global youth media company - digital channels, TV studios, magazine covering your current events. Their main Viceland stage was right across the Austin Convention Center, which one could not miss.
• Gigya Presenting this year's Gigya Grill Breakfast and Panel Discussions at Copa Bar & Grill, the space was jam packed with social media enthusiasts. I've learned that it never hurts to ask. The friendly Gigya team was open to us walking up and requesting to check out the event, all access! Live DJ, complimentary drinks and appetizers were just a few attractions. Industry leaders from top brands and media agencies were here to share and discuss the latest in this weekend-long event. 

• Task Management



TaskRabbit wagon

• TaskRabbit Need some work done, but can't handle it all in a day? Silly wabbit, easy tricks for kids (well, for all!)

• Evernote Because elephants never forget!
• mobi They offer resource management, planning, scheduling solutions... You get the jist. They set up their booth on a rooftop floor and had some neat partner products on display. Decent presence and great views of the city = win.

• MEMES

Andy Warhol got nothing on the Internet obsession with memes. From Business Cat, Success Kid to the Socially Awkward Penguins (I don't mean just the techies) and other iPop Art… They all made an appearance at various events. No, really. Participants actually waited in line to meet the furry sensation that is Grumpy Cat! Who'da thunk it?

Business Cat with Fizza Arshad

ALSO NOTE: Dell, 3M, Doritos, Samsung, AT&T, Microsoft and such giants were heavy contenders in the overall success of SXSW. I have to wonder why Apple chooses not to bite into the annual mélange. Hoping to see some bushels of the big fruit next year!

Live Graffiti at #WindowsStudio #Microsoft

FILM

Terror, horror and a fascination with the dark side - an era of everything 50 plus Shades of Grey. Unfortunately, I was not able to check out many of the entries, but got an idea from other attendees and blogs. Highlights, that is...

SXSW Film Festival at the Austin Convention Center

I grazed through the Austin Convention Center to find private film screenings and events. Note to self: invest in a Film Badge next year! The likes of James Franco with Disney star breakouts Selena Gomez and Vanessa Hudgens also made appearances at the premiere of Spring Breakers. Rumour has it the following films made quite an impression:

• An Unreal Dream: The Michael Morton Story Wrongful accusations and punishments are worse than letting the guilty roam free. After being imprisoned for his wife's murder, a true light is shed on the grim despairs of the innocent. Documentary Spotlight, Audience winner.
• The Crash Reel Documenting the Olympic and snowboarding rivalry between Kevin Pearce and Shaun White, this film is about determining how much risk is too much. Powerful, energetic and realistic. Festival Favorites win.
• Downloaded Napster and downloading history revealed; Sean Parker and all those involved in the revolution.

Trademark of Napster, 1999-2001

• The East The film is about a private intelligence firm agent given an assignment to infiltrate an anarchist group. It does star Ellen Page, by the way. Fan. Audience Award winner, Documentary Spotlight.
• Good Ol' Freda Documentary by Ryan Lewis about The Beatles' Freda Kelly, a trusted friend and secretary.
• Kiss of the Damned Girl meets boy. They fall in love. Enter girl's sister who threatens their love story. Oh, girls are vampires. Audience prize for Excellence in Poster Design and winner of the Grand Jury Prize.
• The Punk Syndrome Follows Finnish punk rock band, Pertti Kurikan Nimipäivät, whose members are all learning disabled - living with autism and Down syndrome. Critics claim it to be, "funny, edgy, and very human feature." Do not miss this one! SXGlobal winner.
• The Short Game Follows the lives 7-year old golf competitors. Audience Award winner, Documentary Feature.
• Short Term 12 Overcoming the troubling world and its anxieties. This film looks at the lives of two young adults working at a foster-care facility. It was a wild success, winning Grand Jury and Audience awards.
• Touba Based in central Senegal, the holy city of Mouridism. This documentary takes a deeper look in to the pilgrimage rituals of Sufi Muslims.
• Zero Charisma A fantasy gamer finds his real-time life spinning wildly out of control as estranged family members come across his path. Narrative Spotlight winner.

Film enthusiasts, mark this on your calendars for next year. Plenty of networking opportunities with casting crews, actors and investors. This would be the perfect place for Hamza Haq to make his mark!

Actor Hamza Haq

Source:
http://www.latimes.com
http://www.imdb.com 

MUSIC

Austin being THE Music Capital of North America (dare I say, world?) had a LOT happening for audiophiles. From up and coming bands to multi-platinum artists, you couldn't pass through Downtown without the ringing of thousands of sound bites from every corner. Pop, funk, electric, country are just a few to name. Have to say I was a tad relieved to hear Dubstep not taking over the music scene like previous years.

• Dave Grohl (of Nirvana and Foo Fighters) was the prime keynote speaker with his captivating and emotional address: 

• Justin Timberlake dazzled on stage with MySpace in his Suit & Tie 
• Samsung brought in the still-reigning Prince along with A Tribe Called Quest 

Left: Justin Timberlake. Right: Prince at La Zona Rosa
Photo Courtesy: ©2005-2013 ACESHOWBIZ.com

• Perez Hilton, for the 6th year, BROUGHT it with his philanthropic "One Night in Austin." Raising $53,000 for VH1 Save The Music Foundation, he brought Macklemore & Ryan Lewis Thrift Shoppin' with the surprise reunion of Fall Out Boy. Capital Cities? You're "Safe and Sound" by me! Did I mention I was within arms reach of Zac Efron, by the way? Starstruck.

Top: Capital Cities, Photo Courtesy: PerezHilton.com
 Bottom: Fall Out Boy at Perez Hilton's #OneNightInAustin

SXSWedu Seeks to drive meaningful conversation and collaboration around promising practices and tools for improved learning. 

SXSWedu Bill Gates keynote. Photo Courtesy: Inc.com, 2013

SXSW Eco Features innovative solutions taking us beyond sustainability. Coming up this October 7-9 2013 at the Austin Convention Center. Book now, don't miss it!

SXSW V2V Offers innovators and entrepreneurs across all creative industries a space to learn the skills, make the connections and find the inspiration to take their ideas and talents to the next level. Taking place this year at the Cosmopolitan in Las Vegas. Great speakers, great networking opportunities and big competitions. Great location, too!

Source:

http://www.sxsw.com

Of course, Canadian representation at Canada House on 6th Street!

There you have it. I don't know how else I can prove SXSW is the best two weeks you'll get your hands on! 

Twiddling thumbs in anticipation for next year's lineup, bring it on! 

Parental... Leave

Dear USA,


Get on board with generous Parental Leave. Basic might be a good start.


Sincerely,

Parents all around the world



Note: Will elaborate on maternity/paternity facts and figures shortly

Going Back to Work: Where to Start

We have all been there. Some of us, still there.

You need a roof over your head, you need to eat and, indeed, those bills are piling up. Why are you unemployed, again? It could be involuntary (termination, lay-off, end of contract) or voluntary (resignation, leave, lack of opportunities otherwise). What ever the reason may be, fret not. In this digital age, there are more than a few ways to get back in the scene and take charge of your life again.

The daunting task of looking for work again can not only be challenging, but stressful, disheartening, frustrating and depressing altogether. Feelings of hopelessness and helplessness can overcome your drive to succeed. However, Remembering that you are the only one in charge of your destiny should motivate and dominate your mindset completely.

With the following tips, you're sure to gain valuable knowledge and regain confidence in your abilities.

1. Update your Résumé, Cover Letter

• First and foremost, get this done. Your Résumé is the first thing employers will be looking at. Not suggesting that this is the be-all and end-all, but it surely is the first piece of evidence you exist.
• Add the essential Knowledge, Skills and Abilities you've picked up over the year(s) of employment. Include both: 
• hard skills: physical (ability to perform specific tasks) and technical (Software and etc.) skill sets
• soft skills: ability to interact emotionally and effectively with people - customer service, teamwork, presentation and interpersonal skills
• feel free to search for résumés online to get an idea of what a successful one in your field looks like - do not copy verbatim
• Have a friend or someone proficient in writing/editing to revise your document(s). Hiring a professional to assist with this task will be heavily useful. Recruiters, Career Placement Resource Centers are all available for this job. Use them!
• Remember: a great Cover Letter speaks volumes. For every job you apply, be sure to tailor your Cover Letter to highlight skills relevant to the job and organization. You have 2-3 paragraphs to make an impression, make that impression a good one. #resume #coverletter #hardskills #softskills

2. Apply for Jobs

• Basically, this should be the #1 focus of your free time. That's a no-brainer. Unemployed involuntarily? Of course, you'll be looking to get back in the job market. This time, pay attention to 2-year, 5-year, 10-year plans. Do you see yourself growing with XYZ Company? Room for growth? Looking to get your feet warm? Think about it.
• Make sure your goals align with what the Employer will be seeking. The disparity will only make the search tougher for you.

• Where can you look for jobs?
• Search by Company: know where you will be residing for the next couple of weeks/months? Great! Survey your city, find out which companies have presence near you and approach them.
• create specific Job Alerts with the Company Websites to send you notifications to your email when any position of interest opens up #timesaver
• Tap your Resources: feeling like the only one left unemployed within your circle? Excellent! Majority of your friends/acquaintances are probably working for some company. Send everyone you know, who can vouch for your work ethics and ambition, your Résumé and Cover Letter. They'll likely to share it with an HR representative or Hiring Manager who may find something suitable for you. And, Referral Bonuses can't hurt your friends either! #referrals
• Linkedin would be one of those websites where one can easily figure out their connections and nudge them to refer or introduce to other meaningful contacts
• Job Boards: subscribe to any and every legitimate Job Search website available. These days, you'll find endless resources when it comes to online Recruitment. My favourite (US-based), so far: 
• Indeed.com
• Craigslist
• LinkedIn
• Job/Career Fairs: attend these to get quick face-to-face time with employers and recruiters
• #jobs #linkedin #indeed #craigslist #goals #recruitment

3. Interview

• Interviewing is an art. Some people are born charismatics when it comes to woo-ing recruiters. If you're anything like me, you're hyperventilating the entire journey there and hoping Tommy Lee and Will Smith show up with the memory eraser when you get home. Yes, interviewing is stressful, but you really just need to be informed, honest and above all, confident.

• Set up Mock or Informational Interviews if you feel you need to practice before going public. Both useful in terms of getting used to the question-answer-question-answer ordeal.
• Be informed: ignorance is not bliss! Make sure you read up and study your company's History, Mission, Vision and Values. I'll give you an example. I recently interviewed at a successful, non-profit organization. The HR Director was going through a list of the usual screening questions and threw a curve ball right at the end...

Question: What are your weaknesses?

Answered: I work too hard. I care too much.

Question: What are your strengths?

Answered: Funny you should ask, my weaknesses just so happen to be my strengths. 

-- Do not expect to receive anything, but an eye-roll with those type of pretentious answers -- 

Last Question: Do you know what our Organization's Mission is?

Answered: *stumbled for a second, gathered thoughts quickly* "Yes I do. Your mission here is XYZ..."

Hiring Manager: "Congratulations! Out of all the candidates, you are by far the only one to have answered that correctly. I am very impressed. You move on to the next phase of interviewing."

• In short, do your research. The Employer(s) will be pleased to learn that you, the candidate, are well informed about their Company and what they do on a short- and long-term basis. It is a positive indication to how much a candidate wants to be part of- and how well one might fit their team.

4. Volunteer

• "Free labour? We don't care for it." - said, no one ever.
• A lot of people recommend this as a great way to liaise between work and unemployment. And I, too, endorse the idea. A range of companies will allow you to work for them, pro bono, which will only be to your advantage. Excellent way to keep updated with the latest and growing competitive nature of the workforce. You'll make lasting connections, add to that list of Professional References and keep yourself stimulated on a daily basis. You'll even get to hear about the latest job openings while you're there. And chances are, if you make a lasting impression, you might even be considered for the job(s)! 
• Work for free - volunteering, unpaid internships, job shadowing and etc. The last thing you need is to be on an employment hiatus with nothing to show for the gap. Exhibit A, points to self. #volunteer #probono

5. Support a Healthy Lifestyle

• Whoever said it was going to be easy sitting on that couch, watching TV, watching your life go by, had it all wrong. Put down that Family Sized bag of Potato Chips, put down that remote and replace that 6-pack on the counter with one you can be proud of under that crisp shirt.
• With the endless amount of excuses during the work week, there are no such alibis left anymore. This is the best time to create a happier, healthier you. I knew a man who, while unemployed, decided to join a group of mountain bikers. Everyday was a routine of gearing up, meeting the group at a set time and place and using the day productively. It was a mini-organization all on its own with the sole purpose of Keeping Busy, Keeping Healthy. Lo and behold! More networking opportunities, increased interaction and stimulation. End result? Full-time employment! True story.

• Moral: do NOT use free time as an excuse to pig out and feel lethargic. A stable, healthy diet and nutrition regime will keep your emotional and physical chemical balances in check. An energetic YOU will be a happier YOU, will lead to more stimulated, less frustrated YOU. It's all science. #health #diet #happiness #serotonin #endorphins

6. Go Back to the School

• Ph.D's. Certifications. MBA's. Technical Programs. When you've been out of the work force for as long as I have, you might consider going back to school. If you have the financial resources or are comfortable with investing in further studies, this is an excellent way to make oneself relevant again. Not only is school going to keep you busy, but it will keep your conversations and interactions stimulated, as well. You are an average of the company you keep. Being around ambitious, talented individuals will motivate you and allow you to practice a range of creative, presentation and interpersonal skills.
• Schooling will train you for, hopefully, the competitive market when you're out there again. So this is never a bad idea, trust it. If your School has a successful Placement Program, chances are they will help you with your pursuit while you're on this path.
• The best way to remain competitive is to make sure you're gaining the necessary Knowledge, Skills and Abilities to help you succeed. While you're not tied down with commitments otherwise, consider going back to school seriously. It's a win-win. #school #winwin

7. Come up with a Lucrative Business Idea

• This is the time to be creative. Working for an organization, under corporate luxury, being used to a calculated paycheque are all signs of a comfortable, predictable lifestyle. Usually a sign of stability, but why not tap the Entrepreneur within you? There are numerous brilliant ideas out there that have not yet "Been There, Done That." Whether or not you decide to execute your business plan, come up with one! You'll be surprised with how much you'll learn just from research and surveying alone. 
• Be an innovator. Great way to keep the mind and body engaged. #entrepreneur #business #innovate

Fact is, it's never easy being out of work and trying to get back in. The trick is to remain positive, keep adamant and stay focused on the goal. The more you try, the better you get - especially true when it comes to interviewing! By registering yourself with various Job Boards and subscribing to Job Alerts, you'll be the first to know when there's an opening in your capacity and interest. Maximize your visibility by networking and reaching out to friends, family and previous colleagues. You never know who ends up helping you out! Keep updated with the latest news and happenings in the work force and in your Industry - read, be part of healthy discussions and keep up with the news.

You are the best, most reliable investment you can count on. Make use of all your resources, you're sure to succeed. Go get 'em!

The Ultimate Catch 22