One thing that I try to do as a blogger is stay informed and relevant. The blogosphere is ever-changing and you need to keep up with blog trends to stay on top of it all. That's why I try to attend blogger conferences.
For my six or seventh year, I woke up early on a bright, Saturday morning and headed to Concordia University for the Minnesota Blogger Conference. I noticed so many new faces but didn't see many old ones. It honestly could have been because the conference is growing and maybe we didn't cross paths. But it made me wonder.
The problem is when you've been blogging for a while, you begin to feel like you've heard it all before. But, even seasoned bloggers can learn something worthwhile at a blog conference. Here's what I took away from the MN Blogger Conference.
5 Things I Learned as A Veteran Blogger at the MN Blogger Conference
1. You can always learn something new. Maybe there's a new social media or blogging tool out there. Often, it's a new perspective that a workshop leader will share that could benefit you tremendously.
2. The chance to network. This cannot be underestimated. Not only can you meet and connect with other bloggers, but brands are often in the house. What a great opportunity to collaborate and form new partnerships!
3. Sometimes, it's not about you. Have you learned a few blogging tips that have helped you along the way? This is a chance to offer advice and encouragement to others. Give back what others have so generously given you.
4. Support your fellow bloggers that are teaching a class. That's exactly what I did when I heard that Jasmine of Carpe Diem with Jasmine would be presenting. I don't know about you, but I would be nervous if I were on stage. If I looked into the audience and saw familiar faces, it might put me at ease. Besides, bloggers need other bloggers support!
5. Which brings me to this final point. Don't be afraid to teach a class yourself. A blog buddy in another state wrote me saying that I should apply to speak at this conference. While I knew I wasn't ready for this year, I wouldn't have even considered it prior to her suggestion. Next year, I'll be more open to giving it a try.
Bottom line? Don't stay home because you've seen it all or heard it all. Get up and go. You never know what may become of it!
Do you like to attend blogger conferences?
I haven't attended a blogging conference recently as it's not that popular in Delaware. I do, however, teach blogging workshops monthly and am constantly reading to keep up with the numerous changes.
ReplyDeleteIt's great that you are teaching blogging classes. It's something I've been wanting to do as well.
DeleteDo it - check with your local libraries to see if you could teach classes free.
DeleteI've been blogging for almost 10 years and I have yet to attend a conference. I do agree with your thoughts though. I definitely learn a lot all the time!
ReplyDeleteWow Shelly! Ten years is quite an accomplishment. But never going to a blogger conference? I've probably been to 10 of them.
DeleteI wish I had more money to travel to a few conferences since I don't live nearby any. Maybe next year I'll plan on saving up for one. Great takeaways.
ReplyDeleteThanks Theresa! I hope you get to go to Blogher next time to comes to your area.
DeleteGreat advice, I feel like I have a good grasp of blogging. However I need to learn more about scheduling and sharing old content and few other things. I didn't do any conferences this year but will next year.
ReplyDeleteI agree! I've definitely learned something new at each and every conference I've attended. I even worked up the courage to pitch (along with my Bloggy Boos) and was selected to speak at a Blogger's conference.
ReplyDeleteI am bringing my a game to blogging next year and working towards that this year, so conferences are on my list to attend!
ReplyDeletehttp://www.distinguisheddiva.com/2016/10/girls-bosses-how-to-use-your-wings-to.html
Great post! I have never been to a blogger conference, but I'm dying to go. There were two in my area this past summer, but I couldn't go because my family and I were traveling. I'll get to one soon though (as a novice blogger). I need all the tips I can get. :D
ReplyDeleteI have never attended a blogger conference but I am so open to it. Networking and learning are so important to me as a newbie blogger....
ReplyDeleteI haven only attended one bloggers conference this year, but the information and resources that I gained are truly valuable . We can definitely learn so much from one another .
ReplyDeleteI haven't been to a blogger conference. Hopefully I will be able to attend next year! I agree you can always learn something new even if you have been doing something for a very long time.
ReplyDeleteGreat timely post. I guess I consider myself somewhat of a veteran blogger...I have been doing it for 10 years. I am actually going to my 1st Blogalicious conference this year and I am excited. Although i know something things...trust me there are some subjects I would love to learn more about from someone who is an expert in the field/niche. I also think its good to go to conference to network with brands thats the most important part...and networking with new blog friends!
ReplyDeleteI still haven't attended a blogging conference, but I really want to one day.
ReplyDeleteThese are all great tips. I have not been to a blogger conference yet, but I definitely will soon. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteI have never been to a blogging conference and I have been blogging for almost 5 years. I do think they are beneficial and when my kids are a bit older I will definitely be going to most conferences here on the East Coast. #ProductReviewParty
ReplyDeleteI've never been to a Blogging Conference, but they sound like a great experience to learn, network and grow. #ProductReviewParty
ReplyDeleteI do attend blogger conferences - usually 2 a year. I went to my first one before my blog even went live! I feel like education and networking is important as a blogger.
ReplyDeleteIt has been a couple of years since I have attended a blog conference. Like you said, I feel like I have heard it all before. So I need to find a conference that will help me expand my brand.
ReplyDeleteGreat take on what you got from the conference. I must admit i haven't gone to one in a good while. I definitely need to make time because times are changing.
ReplyDeleteWow you have written a ton of posts! That is amazing! I have been to a blogger conference specific to my traveling. It was cool. I liked meeting people I talk to on the internet.
ReplyDeleteI admire your blog work ethic! LOL! I have been to blog and events but not a blog conference. I am going to put this on my to do list for 2017!
ReplyDelete