Last Friday I hopped into my car, picked up my travel buddy, Bon Crowder of MathFour and hit the road. We were headed to BlogElevated 2015, held at the Embassy Suites in Grapevine, TX just outside of Dallas.
I wasn’t quite sure what to expect as this was my first blogging conference. I was a bundle of nerves and it was a struggle to keep my introverted self pushing forward. I made the decision that I was not going to fall back into wallflower mode, I was going to be outgoing, assertive and mostly INVOLVED.
-Before I continue, let me apologize for a HUGE blogger fail- I was so “in the moment” that I neglected to get as many pictures as I could have. However, in the spirit of the weekend, I will look at it as a win because I was able to focus on what was happening. So if anyone that was there wants to send pics my way, I won’t refuse them!!-
When we arrived I helped fill “swag bags” and offered my tech services for the sessions if I was needed. I immediately felt welcomed into the tribe. I never once felt like an outsider. Thank you ladies!
Friday night was a lovely welcome reception where we were treated to hors d’oeuvres and drinks. My roommate
s and I carried the party back up to the room for champagne and lots of laughter!
Over the next two days I eagerly took in all that the speakers had to share, I scribbled notes feverishly and took photos of their presentation slides. I have 15 pages of handwritten notes and I didn’t even come CLOSE to getting everything on paper! *Thank you to all who have put up links in our FB group, I’m still collecting all that info!*
I could go on for days about all of the incredible things I learned, but I will try to condense that into a few MAJOR takeaways from the Blog Elevated Conference:
- BE Authentic
- Always be true to yourself and your brand
- People invest in in who they KNOW, LIKE, and TRUST
- Find your voice and fine tune it
- BE Fierce
- Believe in yourself
- Know your worth
- Invest in yourself
- BE Seen
- Have a presence on all avenues of social media
- Stay engaged consistently
- Drive back to your blog
Not only did I learn more about the business of blogging, perhaps even more importantly, I learned a lot about myself!
I stepped out in faith, believing that I could overcome crippling fear of rejection and “not good enough” and went to BOTH social events of the weekend AND I had an absolutely amazing time! There were a few moments when my introverted and socially awkward self tried to sabotage me, but thankfully I had texts from my hubby and support from my new friends to keep me from fading into the background.
I learned how to suck less at Ping pong thanks to Eric T. Tung I sure wish we had pictures of that!
I am learning to recognize, appreciate and OWN my talents and use my faults as teaching tools to become a better person, mom, wife, friend and blogger!
This may have been my first blogging conference, but I promise you it won’t be my last!
I came home with a renewed drive and energy and the means to take myself and my blog to the next level!
Have you been to any blogging conferences? Which one? What was your favorite takeaway?
Let’s compare notes! Leave a comment below!!!
Love this post! You completely nailed it with the message from Blog Elevated.
Thanks Ellen! I learned so much, but I feel like there’s still so much to learn! What an exciting time to be a blogger. I can’t wait for the next one!
It was such a fun getting to know you. XOXOX
You are a riot! I hope that we get to hang out again soon!!!
Woohoo! It was such a pleasure being your passenger. And thanks for letting me zonk on the way home. I owe you for that one!
#xoxo
Are you serious? Thanks for letting me room with you! I had a fantastic time!
Blog Elevated was my first conference as well. It was so much fun and I’m still processing everything I learned. Can’t wait to go back.
I’m convinced that Blog Elevated is certainly worth the investment, no matter the cost!