#BlogPodium: A Personal View
On Friday, I attended BlogPodium — my first-ever blogger conference.
By myself.
Without the added benefit of knowing a single soul.
It was just me, my ‘lil ol’ blog and a stack of freshly printed business cards.
Oh, and a pocket full of nerve.
On Friday, I stepped out of my comfort zone. And, I’m so glad I did.
Why?
Because, I haven’t been this inspired about anything in a very long time.
Anything.
I started this blog as a personal outlet — a place for me to write about the things that make me tick.
DIY, decor, renovation, design.
For months, I secretly blogged about the projects around our home. Aside from my husband Ted, some family and a few good friends, I kept my blog a secret for fear that someone would call my “baby” ugly.
Was I embarrassed about my blog? Maybe.
Was I worried that people would think it was lame that I was blogging about my home? Yeah.
Was in insecure? Very.
Well, BlogPodium taught me that my “baby” ain’t ugly. The panel and attendees taught me that my “baby” has potential and that it can go places if I let it.
This conference armed me with the information and fuel I need to take this blog to where I want it to go. It has also connected me with a fabulous group of fellow design and lifestyle bloggers and marketers.
Quite simply…
I found “my niche.”
I found “my people.”
I found “my purpose.”
And, goodness — it feels amazing.
Thank you to the organizers, panel, sponsors and fellow attendees for a wonderfully inspiring conference. I look forward to seeing you at the next talk in May.
That’s wonderful and I think exactly the purpose of Blogpodium!
Thanks Lisa. It was such a positive day!
Smiling from ear to ear reading this! It really is such a wonderful community! Sorry we did not get to meet at this event, hopefully next time!
Thank you Tina. I look forward to meeting you in the future!
awww what a nice post! Was so great to meet you Michelle!
Thank you Heather! So great meeting you! See you in May?
Loved your post! I too felt the same – completely scared out of my wits, yet strangely determined to give it (meeting fellow bloggers) at least one try. I’m so glad I did. It was lovely to meet you
So lovely to meet you too, Michelle! I’m glad I forced myself out of my comfort zone — it was so worth it!
I spent much of my professional career having to network on behalf of my clients at tradeshows and conferences that it became something I hate as much as some people hate going to the dentist. Sadly, my skepticism was confirmed when I sat at the same table as some prominent female bloggers at a Bay Area social media event that I was forever soured on the idea of attending a big conference. That said, I’m hearing such great things from people about some of these smaller events that I have high hopes they can prove useful to people looking to learn & establish their expertise in this area. I’m happy to hear you too walked away feeling inspired. I hope the mega events learned something as well from all the positive feedback these more intimate gatherings are showcasing.
I’m really glad that you were able to move outside of your comfort zone and come back with positive feelings!
I think a lot of “baby bloggers” (those starting out/without a mega readership) all have certain insecurities about their blog(content/design), writing style and how they measure up to others (big and small!).
But it’s important to remember that if doing this is what you love then do it!
I really wish I had the opportunity to go to some of these events, unfortunately Red Lake isn’t really a mecca of technology or design haha.
Thanks Martina! I wish you also had the opportunity to attend some of these events. Road trip? Maybe? C’mon….I know you wanna!
Congrats on stepping out of your comfort zone – it’s amazing what can happen we let go of our fear, isn’t it? Was great to meet you and look forward to seeing you in May.
Heather, it was so nice to meet you! Looking forward to seeing you in May as well!
Great post, Michelle! I’m so glad you (and I!) overcame nerves and went for it… started blogs AND attended this awesome event! It would appear we’ve stumbled upon a super creative, super supportive community here!
You are so right, Krista! Lovely to meet you!
What a great post! I felt the same way at my first blogger event, but it is such a great welcoming community that I didn’t feel like an outsider for long. Too bad we didn’t meet at this event, hopefully at the next one!
It was so great to meet you at BlogPodium! Your blog is great (and I am seriously jealously how nicely your business cards match your blog header). I’m looking forward to following along.
P.S. I am blogging about my 1970s townhouse. Ahhhh, the 70s, why do you hate us so much.
What a fantastic post – your enthusiasm is literally leaping off the page! I’m so glad that BlogPodium could provide a spark. I felt how you did when I started my blog… that it was somewhat embarrassing, that I couldn’t tell family or friends about it. But now, now that it is what it is, I realize it is what brings me joy. Looking forward to seeing your blog evolve! See you in May.
Jen, thank you for your sweet comment. See you in May for sure!
Your Blog is lovely! I like you just the way you are
Glad you had a great time!
Sorry we didn’t get to meet at blogpodium! Maybe in May?
Why is it that meeting people face to face is nerve racking, when we all chat with strangers online every day ?