SourceCon Community,

I am rubbing my hands together with mischievous glee (Tee-hee) over the latest SourceCon experiment. Details below. (I’m so excited!!!)

Okay, here we go.

Jim

…

What is a Sourceeasy? Unlocking the Secret Behind SourceCon’s Hidden Agenda

Recruiters and sourcers live for discovery. We thrive on uncovering hidden talent, finding that perfect fit who isn’t actively looking but fits the bill better than anyone could have imagined. So, what if I told you there’s an event hidden within an event at SourceCon, designed specifically for those who love the thrill of the chase? Introducing: the Sourceeasy, SourceCon’s answer to the speakeasy. (Shout-out to our virtual emcee - Michael Sunderland for the name suggestion.)

What’s a Speakeasy, Anyway?

To truly understand the Sourceeasy, we first need to take a trip back in time. The term “speakeasy” comes from the Prohibition era in the United States (1920–1933), a time when the sale of alcohol was banned. In response, secret bars popped up, often in basements or behind unmarked doors. These hidden drinking spots were for those “in the know”—patrons who had the right connections, passwords, or secret codes to gain access. Not everyone could walk into a speakeasy; it was a privilege reserved for those who had the right network or a lucky tip-off.

The allure of the speakeasy was not just about the illegal drinks—it was about being part of something exclusive, something off the beaten path. Now, imagine taking that concept and applying it to the world of recruitment.

The Sourceeasy: SourceCon’s Best-Kept Secret

Just like the speakeasies of old, the Sourceeasy operates on the periphery of the main SourceCon event. It’s not something you’ll find on the agenda, nor will it be mentioned in any official email blasts. The Sourceeasy is for those who are ready to look beyond the obvious, to tap into something unique. (Sort of puts you in the mind of In-N-Out secret menu items.) Most people stick to the standard fare, but the insiders know there’s something special just waiting to be ordered.

SourceCon’s Sourceeasy is much the same—a hidden agenda that offers participants a deeper, more personalized experience at the event. But to get in, you’ll need more than just a ticket to SourceCon; you’ll need to be clued in, connected, and ready to think outside the box.

How Do You Find It?

Here’s the catch: I can’t tell you exactly how to find the Sourceeasy. That would defeat the purpose, wouldn’t it? Part of the fun is figuring it out for yourself, following clues, and relying on your network to gain access. If you’re a recruiter or sourcer, you’re no stranger to these tactics—you do it every day to find passive candidates. Now it’s your turn to apply those same skills to get inside SourceCon’s best-kept secret.

For those who are savvy enough, a big hint is hidden within the image below. Some will get it, others won’t. That’s the beauty of the Sourceeasy—it’s designed for those with a knack for discovery. If you crack the code, you’re in. If you don’t, well, you’ll have to hope for word-of-mouth guidance. It’s recruitment in its purest form: the hunt for something that not everyone can find.

Why Participate?

Why go through the trouble of finding the Sourceeasy? Simple: because the best insights, conversations, and opportunities are often found away from the spotlight. The Sourceeasy offers an intimate, exclusive experience where you can dive deep into the world of sourcing and recruitment with like-minded professionals who share your passion for uncovering the hidden gems of the industry. It’s not about quantity; it’s about quality—meaningful connections, off-the-record discussions, and unique takeaways that you won’t find anywhere else at the event.

Are You In?

The Sourceeasy isn’t for everyone, and that’s by design. Just like recruiting, where the most valuable candidates often aren’t the ones actively applying, the Sourceeasy is for those willing to dig a little deeper. Will you crack the code? Will you connect with the right people to gain access? Or will you miss out, hearing only whispers about what you could have experienced?

At the end of the day, the Sourceeasy is a test—a challenge for those who are always looking for the next big find. If you succeed, you’ll walk away with far more than what’s on the standard SourceCon agenda. And for those who do crack the code? Well, if you know, you know.

Okay, enough of that. Now on to great content!

;-)

Fresh Content

Talent Attraction is the New Sourcing

AI tools are all the rage, being able to find proverbial needles in a bit tech haystack. Yet, with all of their prowess, there is one major limitation. They can only find candidates based on available online information. What about the people who are not online or those who are online but are not very active on social media (39.6% of the world)? In those cases, you have to attract people to your company and sell them on your employee value proposition. One way to attract the talent you want to hire is via charitable initiatives. Let me take a moment to quantify that statement…

Read more here…

The Pitfalls of Transactional Recruiting: Why Relationships Matter More Than Ever

In the modern recruitment landscape, the pressure to fill roles quickly often pushes recruiters and hiring managers toward a transactional approach. This method, focused primarily on placing candidates into positions as fast as possible, may seem efficient in the short term but can lead to significant long-term challenges. While transactional recruiting might meet immediate needs, it often neglects the importance of building lasting relationships with candidates—relationships that can significantly enhance an organization’s talent acquisition strategy. This article explores the pitfalls of transactional recruiting and highlights the growing importance of cultivating strong, long-term candidate relationships.

Read more here…

The Sourcer-Recruiter Relationship: Maximizing the Connection

Sourcing may be addressed as though the individuals who source – Sourcers – exist in a bubble around which Talent Acquisition dealings revolve. As we might expect, this idea is an anomaly. Of course, companies utilize Sourcers and Recruiters in different capacities. Unless one is a full-cycle Recruiter, where sourcing & research occupy the beginning stages of one’s process, Sourcers–aside from pre-screens–spend less time with candidates and stakeholders than do Recruiters. From a sourcing lens, there may be less at stake in terms of furthering the long term relationships with said parties. So how do Sourcers influence crucial hiring decisions while maintaining a distance from the relationship building and maintenance? It is my opinion that developing consistent communication patterns with Recruiters influences successful hiring outcomes.

Read more here…

Karaoke is coming to SourceCon San Diego! 

Sneak peek on what you can expect from that is below. Apologies in advance to your ear drums. Tee-hee.

Can you remember a time when there was no SourceCon? Back then we called them geeks, nerds, dweebs, squares, eggheads, poindexters, dorks and goobers. Today we call them Sourcers, and I could not be more proud to be one.

May the source be with you!

Jim Stroud
Your SourceCon Editor
[email protected]