The insanity of transactional thinking
I asked to be comp’d at an event I’ve attended for many years as an analyst. It would appear that as a retiree I’m no longer allowed - unless I pay. Bad idea
If this sounds like sour grapes then move on. Here’s the story. I’ve attended SAPUKIUG for many years, always in my role as analyst/journalist. This year I’m not permitted to attend unless I pay for the privilege. It’s not going to happen.
A big reason for my past attendance was the fact that this user group provided solid insights into what works, but often what doesn’t work for SAP customers. In the interview follow ups, I enjoyed good conversations with SAPUKIG execs with whom I exchanged views based on my broader conversations with execs in other regions. All good you’d think.
What changed this time?
Thinking about this year, I was up front that as an LP in a small HR related fund that I’m interested to discover the extent to which UK&I SAP customers are interested in technologies that make the workplace move forward. In other words I wanted to listen rather than converse.
I was told that while I am welcome, the UG want me to pay at some sort of discounted price. That was something of a shock. I get that this event is a money maker for the UG, but has the business of enterprise software become so transactional that my change of status demands a fee? Apparently so.
On a sidebar conversation, I asked a colleague whether I should do this event. His advice, prior to my hearing the fee mention, was a guarded ‘no’ He was right.
In all the years I worked as a hack/analyst I always believed - and still do - in the value of paying forward, asking nothing in return for any gifts and being honest about my agenda. For instance, I only ever attended one SAPUKIG dinner event. They’re not my thing now or o the past.
It seems in 2022 that when your status changes, then so do the rules under which you never knew you worked.
My answer? GFY.
As an aside - my learned colleague suggested I treat such events like school reunions where you get to meet old mates after many years but quickly find you only have 5 minutes convo before you run out of things to say. He’s right. Except on this occasion the admission price is far too high.
When the measure of someone’s worth is solely based on a transaction then for me, there is something very wrong.
SAPUKIUG appear to have confirmed that. Sad isn’t it?
As and end note, I’ve been a long time believer in paying forward, engaging in conversations as a pathway to learning. It seems I’m mistaken - at least in this instance.