Happy Friday friends!
Last weekend I had the luxury of attending Build Your Blog Conference in SLC, and though I'm happy to be home in my own bed again, I'm equally happy I went. I adore my family, but sometimes you just need some me time & I took complete advantage of that. I don't know what it is about hotel showers, but I must have taken at least 2, sometimes 3 a day. It's just not the same at home. #permanentvaca
I was able to network with some amazing women, including Ashley, Lindsay, Janessa, Jordan, and Amber/Mindy. I believe in a higher purpose and know that meeting each of them was inspired. I gained new friendships, a deeper commitment to my passions and comic relief - something I thrive on. And considering this was my FIRST blog conference, meeting 5+ people outside my normal "Circle of Trust" is an achievement for me. For whatever reason, I have a hard time just "talking" to someone if it's not business. Lucky for me, I was blessed me with a safety net from the get go. ;-)
The best part of conference was the knowledge and admiration I gained. By the end of the keynote speech, blogging had taken on new meaning for me.
Brooke Walker, is a co-host on Studio 5, Utah's #1 Lifestyle program and she spoke this year on #6 Ways To Be An Influencer vs. Blogger. I just wanted to talk a little about what I gleaned from this message.
Brooke described being a blogger (from Websters' Dictionary) as an individual who writes commentary via an online journal/diary. Then she went onto describe an influencer as someone who exercises power to influence. "An influencer is someone who exercises power to influence."
If you're thinking, "I write a blog so my grandmother in Maine can keep up with my kids. How can I be an influencer?"... read on.
Given her profession, Brooke is clearly a confident and commanding speaker. Her words set the tone for the day. Her passion for bloggers was evident and her message was clear: being an influential blogger is attainable, important and effective.
#1 - Find a focus. Discover a cause that is bigger than you. Why do you blog?
#2 - Find your spirit. How do you add and maintain your voice?
#3 - Ask interesting questions. Did you know that even the finest affirmation doesn't require a response?
#4 - Play up the positive & be real. If we were to meet in person, would I be introduced to the same 'voice' I know on your blog? And vice versa.
#5 - Balance the bucket. For every 10 validations you receive, give 5 back. Do you take more "withdrawals" than you "deposit"?
#6 - Leave a lasting impact.
This last tip was profound as Brooke's most influential thought was: People may not remember what you did or what you said, but they will ALWAYS remember how you made them feel. The more I thought about this, the more I thought about the Golden Rule. Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.
Funny enough, during one of my classes on Saturday, I encountered a young woman who was 'holier than thou' and didn't have the time to talk to me. I say young because I'm as old as dirt and my initial impatient thought was, "Excuse me (insert expletive here)". Because let's be real folks - I'm human, not perfect.
My second thought was that of frustration because I don't like being angry. Then I noticed this cool chick Lucky I had met the night before sitting a few rows in front of me. Thankfully my anger turned into humor because Shannon is hilarious. A little sneaky (see
What I learned at #BYBC13...
- I take the worst pictures. I need a professional one done.
- A blog conference is a huge networking opportunity. Everyone in attendance is a potential client - step out of your shell and say HELLO!
- DON'T forget your business cards! (Yes, I did... AND my laptop plug, hairdryer, shampoo/conditioner. Least I had my deodorant.)
- Take notes!
- BE PREPARED: Not everyone is in it for the joy of blogging. You will meet people who are openly negative if they do not relate to certain topics. Stay focused on YOUR needs and goals.
What I'm doing in the next 6 months with the skills I learned at #BYBC13...
Create website, get hosting, etc. for MGF.- Write up a new business plan for MGF.
Create a full list of accessories and activewear MGF will offer.- Take on new clients and use income to support MGF overhead costs.
- Properly prepare for my next conference... including those business cards.
Until next year... for conference, that is. I'll see you next week for our regular scheduled program. ;-)