This past weekend I attended my second BlogPodium Conference and it was simply amazing (see my recap of last year HERE). There are lots of reasons you may consider going to a conference about blogging- perhaps you want to learn about how to approach brands, maybe you are confused about how SEO and analytics work, or perhaps you just heard that the sexy Scott McGillivray and Bryan Baeumler would be there. These are all perfectly valid reasons to attend, but they pale in comparison to the #1 reason why these conferences are amazing:
Networking
You may be shaking your head right now thinking, "Casey, I picked blogging so I wouldn't HAVE to interact with people in real life!" But you know what, blogging is all about networking, whether online or in person. You connect with other bloggers and industry people to help make your blog better. There is a whole community that is keeping blogging afloat. However, there will come a time where it is beneficial to meet these people in person. To connect on a real level. Other bloggers can help share your posts, or collaborate with you on projects, or campaigns. They can provide you uplifting comments and messages that let you know that you are not alone on the internet- someone is actually reading your posts. It really helps to not be a stranger to other bloggers.
You may also reach a point where you want to monetize your blog, or work on projects sponsored by brands. It is MUCH easier to reach out to a person for money for a review or product for a project when that person has already shaken your hand and seen in person how awesome you are (because you are awesome due to the fact that all bloggers are awesome). A lot of vendors who want to work with bloggers come to BlogPodium. Shake their hands and take their cards...you never know when there might be a project that you might work together on.
I just want to say that I learned A LOT about the art of blogging on Saturday, but I also connected a lot with other people, and that is the best part! I am so proud to be a part of the blogging community and so happy to have turned so many internet strangers into real friends. Worth every penny.
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| Myself and Michelle |
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| Yes, I overcame my fear of power saws and made me a coat rack! |
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| More Official Photos Here |
Oh- and in addition to the awesome swag bag full of goodies from sponsors, I got an amazing chair from Structube, and I WON a freaking Delta faucet in a draw (just need to pick one out!)!! So ya...pretty sure I came out ahead on my investment in this conference. :)
Thank you to Jennifer and her amazing team for putting on this great event! My mind is spinning with inspiration.
Ohh networking is not my favourite, but you are kind of making me wish I attended this. Looks like a good time!
ReplyDeleteWish I could have gone but the timing wasn't right. I will definitely be there next year with bells on! I'm going to a blogging class next Tuesday at camp tech and I'm so pumped!
ReplyDeleteSo glad you attended Casey and thanks for helping out on Friday night. I completely agree - having the opportunity to meet people in person is one of the best things about the conference. Congrats on winning the faucet!
ReplyDeleteDang, I want to go to a blog conference! Maybe next year. Although you'll have to remind me closer to and that way it might actually happen.
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