10 Things I Learned at my FIRST Blogging Conference

For Christmas, my cute husband surprised me with a round-trip flight to Salt Lake City and a ticket to the Build Your Blog Conference 2014, presented by The Six Sisters Stuff. Honestly, I was more nervous than excited when I opened up this gift! I know it sounds bad, but my initial reaction was, “What in the world is this crazy man thinking?! I can NOT go to my FIRST blogging conference, in a city I am not too familiar with, ALL by myself.” I really thought he was confused and there was a mistake.

We started this blog only four months ago and at the time I opened up this gift, we had only been blogging for TWO MONTHS! I was overwhelmed and really nervous. I wasn’t sure how this blog was going to take off, did not understand the blog lingo, wasn’t sure how to be successful, had no idea what to even expect at my first conference and did not have the confidence to do this alone.

Luckily, Tyson is extremely supportive and had confidence in me that I was going to not only be able to become a “blogger,” but I was going to be successful at it. I loved his conviction and wanted to make him proud, so I began preparing. Two months flew by and I found myself at the airport all by myself, with a stack of business cards, media kits, a suitcase of clothes and a binder to take notes in. That was it! No baby. No husband. Just me and my blog.

I am excited to share with you today, the 10 things I learned at my first Blogging Conference, BYBC 2014. I had an incredible experience. Better than I could have ever imagined. It was an answer to prayers, a confidence booster and a little push that I needed to be successful in the blogging world. If you are embarking on a journey similar to mine, definitely take note of this list because it will help you get started.

1. BE PREPARED: I was not sure how to prepare for my first conference, so I googled every day and read blog after blog on how to prepare for a blogging conference. The main ingredients: business cards, media kits, cute clothes, something to take notes on and yourself!

2. HAVE CONFIDENCE: I am an extremely outgoing person. I love people and I love making new friends! BUT – put me in a room full of 400 successful women and I will be extremely intimidated. I told myself as I walked up the stairs entering into the lobby where we checked-in, that I was going to be myself. That I was going to be confident in myself and in my blog. I knew I was there for the right reasons and I knew that my blog was one that I was proud of, so I could have full confidence.

3. TALK TO EVERYONE: I checked in and received my swag bag and found myself alone. I checked in, but now what?! I saw a few girls in the corner and a few ladies on the other side of the room, but my nerves were taking the best of me. I found an empty couch and I decided to sit down for a minute to collect my thoughts. I just so happen to sit by two of the nicest women that I met the whole entire conference, who changed my life and perspective of blogging. You never know who you are sitting by and the influence you may have on them and the influence they may have on you. Open your mouth and talk to EVERYONE. I was blessed to be siting by Jillee, with One Good Thing, who is pretty much a celebrity in the blogging world. She is my inspiration and made my first blogging experience start on the right foot. I highly suggest you check out her inspiring blog.

Me with the amazing Dating Divas…my daily inspiration! 

4. PARTICIPATE: If there are activities beforehand – Go to them! If there are dinners you are invited to – sign up! If there are mix and mingles – Make sure you are there! Just jump in and ask questions and go to everything possible. It is tiring and you will be exhausted, but the experience is well worth it and you will get the most out of your conference.

5. BE A LITTLE EARLY: This is funny coming from me, the latest person on the planet. BUT I was early to every event and it made a difference. I had those extra few minutes to talk to other bloggers and I was a bit more relaxed. It was nice to be able to have time to visit and network with others that were there early too!

6. TAKE NOTES: This is extremely important. You may think you will remember everything, but I can almost guarantee you, that you won’t. I was only there one week ago and I have already had to refer back to my notes SEVERAL times. Take notes. Take a LOT of them. Write things that you feel touched by, that you feel motivated by and things that you don’t want to forget, even if you think you will remember them forever.

7. REMEMBER: YOU ARE POWERFUL: In one of the classes I attended, Jillee had us all repeat after her, “I am a blogger and I am powerful!” Not only has this little phrase affected me this week as a blogger, but it affected me at that very moment sitting in her classroom. Every person in that room with you at the conference is a blogger. They understand you, they have the same desires as you, they want to be successful just like you. When everyone in the room said that at the very same time, it was powerful in itself. I loved that singly, I am powerful and together, we are all powerful. (tweet this)

8. BE PASSIONATE: Love what you do. If you love cooking, be passionate about your recipes. If you love photography, be passionate about your pictures. If you love being creative, be passionate about your crafts.

9. NETWORK: This is key. I have a Sales and Marketing background and I learned while being at the conference, that YOU are your own Sales and Marketing Manager. You sell yourself. You sell your blog. YOU are it. I love that! Meet new friends, exchange business cards as often as possible and follow up with them when you return home. The people you meet at the conference will be your biggest fans and supporters!

Steph with the Six Sisters Stuff and I… cutest girl in the world! 

10. HAVE FUN: I always think having fun is the most important thing! Having fun and making memories are what this is about. If you are going to go into your conference with a positive attitude, an open mind and a happy heart – you will be successful. You will make an impact on those that you come in contact with and you will have a wonderful experience.

If you are debating whether or not to attend a blogging conference, I highly recommend it. Specifically the Build Your Blog Conference gave me a jump start on my blogging career. I left with the desire to help ONE person. My posts don’t need to reach one million people around the globe, they don’t need to go viral to receive my day of fame, but it is my hope that I can help one person want to be a better wife, husband, mom, dad or friend. Sign up for a conference – you won’t regret it!

Danielle is the owner of Today's the Best Day. She strives to provide creative and uplifting content in order to enrich the parenting experience for women everywhere. Danielle hopes to help you and your family to make every day the best day!

February 17, 2014 by Danielle Davis | 13 Comments