Real relationships make things happen

Sometimes, when you look back, a single moment in time can have so much more impact on the path we are on than we think. Big Omaha is one of those. Four years ago, I responded to a tweet from a girl who lived in Omaha. A week later, on Skype, she said I should…

Note: This year marks our fifth Big Omaha and in a effort to gather attendee stories, we’re sharing with you a few highlights from those of you who have helped grow, inspire and challenge our community.

About the author: Shane Mac is the director of product at Zaarly. He’s the founder of Hello There and previously spearheaded marketing for Seattle-based Gist, which sold to BlackBerry. Shane is also an Amazon best-selling author, professional musician voted best wedding band in 2009 and has been featured on the NYTimes, Wall Street Journal, Reuters and the USA Today.


Shane (bottom left) may have missed the jump in this photo but he hits the mark with his Big Omaha story. 

Sometimes, when you look back, a single moment in time can have so much more impact on the path we are on than we think. Big Omaha is one of those.

Four years ago, I responded to a tweet from a girl who lived in Omaha. A week later, on Skype, she said I should check out her brothers conference in Omaha. That I should go. I signed up for the waiting list.

She introduced me to her brother, we chatted on Skype. He convinced me that I should give it a chance.

The day tickets went on sale, I was in.

My first Big Omaha was magical. From the host making sure everyone give standing ovations to the moving talks about changing the world from Scott Harrison to the one and only Gary Vee to the business minds of Jason Fried, Scott Belsky and Tony Hsieh.

I remember meeting Jeff Slobotski for the first time. I remember how inspired I was when I left and the notebook of ideas I brought back to Gist. The rest is how powerful this community is.

Here’s what happened over the next three years:

Honestly, there’s probably so many more. There’s something magic here, it can’t be replicated.

It’s not about meeting people. It’s about the moments and relationships that you create with those people. That’s the difference between knowing someone and building relationships with someone. Real relationships make things happen. It takes time and it takes the right environment to make it start. A place where people are just themselves, accessible and share their vulnerabilities.

Share your Big Omaha story

Join us at Big Omaha 2013

For four years, we’ve been humbled by a ticket sell-out and packed house at KANEKO and we’re anticipating it, once again. You can still join us today.

 

Credits: Shane Mac photo courtesy of Mac. Big Omaha photo by Malone and Co. / Big Omaha.

This story is part of the AIM Archive

This story is part of the AIM Institute Archive on Silicon Prairie News. AIM gifted SPN to the Nebraska Journalism Trust in January 2023. Learn more about SPN’s origin »

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