Back to the “Real World” after #BloggyCon
This past weekend, I was given the opportunity to attend Bloggy Con for the first time. I am not one of those outgoing people, so I knew it would be a challenge for me to talk to others and make friends. I even considered backing out at the last minute.
My mom lectured me and on the road I went.
Thursday was rather rough for me. I felt like everyone knew everyone else and no one talked to me. As soon as I got there, here came Angie from Dayton Mom-Spot to introduce herself. I was so thankful she did! At least I knew ONE person. As the sessions went on, I managed to introduce and swap bloggy cards with a few people. I was still uncomfortable and out of my league. I felt so out-of-the-loop, I didn’t even go to the kickoff party at Johnny Rockets that night. I didn’t know if I would have anyone to sit with or talk to…
I ordered room service and sat in my room watching TV.
Friday came, and after a pep talk from my mom, I decided to “get out there” and make friends. So, I did. Everytime I went to a different session, I would pass out cards and introduce myself to people. Sooooooo not me. In one of the sessions, I sat down next to Sharon and introduced myself… come to find out that I have been connecting with her on Facebook and Twitter for awhile… so, that was rather cool. The day kept getting better…
Enough about my social awkwardness… I wanted to share the most important things I learned while at #BloggyCon.
- Be authentic. Don’t be someone or something you aren’t.
- Believe in yourself.
- The numbers don’t matter– it’s the ability to make a difference in ONE person’s life.
I learned so much more while I was there. But, these three really hit home. Especially the numbers. I have been all concerned about how many followers I have or what my analytics are… but, truly that doesn’t matter. All that matters to me is that I am providing support, humor, friendship or information to ONE reader. I have made a difference to someone.
I am going to my first bloggy conference next Thursday. I think these are good tips. I am going to be myself. And be bold. And be friendly. And maybe there will be an awesome chocolate cake for room service.=)
Mmmm. Chocolate cake. Reason to go right there. Good for you, stepping way out of your comfort zone and trying something new. And when you’re feeling down, remember, you have 4x the number of followers that I do!
i wonder if the chocolate cake could be asked “to go” it looked yummy……
Good for you for stepping out of your comfort zone. People will always appear like they know someone because they’ve taken the first step and said hello. I know if I waited for others to introduce themselves, I’d often still be waiting!
The numbers won’t matter if you can’t remember why you’re blogging in the first place. Sorry we didn’t have the opportunity to meet in person, but maybe next year!
What great lessons you learned!!!!
I can be so socially awkward too, I would have felt the same way (HUGS) but you went and you rocked babe. WOOOHOOO