Making new friends at Bloggy Boot Camp
Starting my own blog has been one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. In the beginning, I didn’t know a lot about blogging. It was more of a creative outlet for me and a place to share information on my journey to becoming a health coach. I started my blog out of pure passion and that passion is what keeps me going today. As my business and blog have evolved, I’ve become more interested in blogging as a business which is what inspired me to set goals this year to attend blogging conferences, like Bloggy Boot Camp. I was fortunate to get a generous sponsorship from NUX USA that made it possible to attend.
In fact, last week I was blessed to be able to attend not one, but two blog conferences. I thought about re-capping them both, but then I read this post by MizFit Online, Are Bloggers Cliquey, and decided to switch directions, because this very topic had been on my mind all weekend. And it goes far beyond blogging to women, in general.
Both conferences were out of this world and I loved loved loved being a part of them both.
But when it came to networking and meeting new people, I had two very different experiences.
At one, I experienced groups of bloggers who were unapproachable. For the sake of example, someone I consider a friend in real life who has a popular blog and is friends with other bloggers was stand offish and didn’t make an effort to introduce me to her friends. It was hurtful. I still met some awesome women that day, but I felt like an outsider.
It’s not just among bloggers where I’ve experienced this. Shockingly, it happens at dinner parties and other events too.
At Bloggy Boot Camp, the connections flowed like wine. And yes, there was wine, but of course that’s not why. Seating was assigned and rotated throughout the day. Everyone was friendly and open to meeting new people. The conference organizers went out of their way to foster a positive, supportive energy. There were no cliques that I noticed. It was networking-made-easy. I left with handfuls of new connections and pages full of blogging knowledge.
This isn’t high school, it’s life
I’ve never been the kind of person who wants to be part of one group over another- not even in high school. If anything, I was a little introverted and nerdy. I would rather study to get good grades and get into the college of my choice than drink or smoke to fit in. That was me.
And this is me: I don’t want to be exclusive or fake, just myself. I have friends from every corner of my life from my sorority alumnae group to my entrepreneurship group. My friendships are built from deep connections and I value quality over quantity. I surround myself with supportive, friendly and trustworthy women whom I feel good being around. Above all, I’m always open to meeting new people and I’m proud of this.
As women, as bloggers, as entrepreneurs, as professionals, we have to support each other.
Not just our BFFs.
Of course, everyone is busy, everyone has close friends. I get that.
But if you open your arms and your hearts to new connections, you’ll be surprised at who you meet. I strongly believe that what you give to the world will come back.
All that said, I can’t wait to go to more conferences! It’s one of the best ways to develop your blog and grow your network. Next up: I’ll be speaking at Healthy Living Summit in September and I’m super excited about it.
What do you think? Have you had similar experiences? What are your favorite blogging conferences?
Marissa, I know we didn’t get a chance to meet but I totally agree with your thoughts here. This conference was a great experience. I was very nervous about the assigned and rotating seats but it worked out well and encouraged interaction. I thought Tiffany and Fran did a great job, too, and love that they “share the love” and make everyone feel welcome. I look forward to following your blog and hopefully we will get a chance to meet at another conference this year.
The rotating seats really worked. Glad you had a great experience too!
I recall seeing you at BBC Charlotte, but can’t recall if we directly interacted. That said, I fully agree at what a friendly atmosphere it was! I did know a couple other bloggers from my area that were in attendance, but the table assignments gave me a good chance to connect & chat with many new wonderful ladies.
Thanks for stopping by, Sarah!
What a shame that there was such a difference!! I actually went to a conference that was local to me at the beginning of the year before I was actually blogging to see what it was all about and no one really talked to me. I kind of chalked it up to the fact that I didn’t actually have a blog yet, but what a change to this one, where I met all sorts of great people! The networking was amazing!
BBC was so refreshing, I agree! Thanks for stopping by, Michelle!
It sure was a great conference. I totally agree that there were no clicks and meeting new people and making new connections was easy. I learned so much and it was so nice to be in such a positive and supportive environment.
Take care,
KC
Absolutely, KC!
It really was a great conference wasn’t it? I’m so glad we all had such a great time!
Yes, I’ll definitely be back!
YAY!!!
This post thrills me to no end.
Thank you so much for coming with an open mind and open heart.
It really was a wonderful group of ladies.
xoxo
Tiffany
Thank you for putting on such a great conference and for promoting such a positive message!
It was a pleasure to meet you at the Bloggy Boot Camp luncheon. I couldn’t agree with you more. We, as women, have to support each other! My experience in Charlotte was similar and it was refreshing.
It was great to meet you too, Dana! Like you, I left with a lot of inspiration and new blogger friends π
SO glad to have met you at BBC! You are an inspiration to me. Keep up the good work, girl!
So good to have met you too and thank you! xo
Great recap!
“As women, as bloggers, as entrepreneurs, as professionals, we have to support each other.” You hit the nail of the head with that one. Lately, I’ve seen so much pettiness in the blogosphere. This conference reminded me that there are some amazingly friendly and supportive bloggers out there that have each others backs. That’s what we have to do if we want to make a big splash.
I really wish I had gotten to meet you. You’re a total sweetheart! Looking forward to reading more from you. Especially since I’m training for my first 10k. I’m going to need all the advice I can get…
I loved the positive energy at BBC! Good luck with your 10K. You will love it!
I just read Carla’s post and saw the link to your post. I’ve just had two very different experiences in the past few days too. I believe that I was at the first event that you mentioned and this past weekend I was at Blend which was more of a blogger retreat. The vibe couldn’t have been more different – the sense of exclusivity versus the sense of inclusion and support. Yes, we do need to stay open to connections and to supporting each other!
I’ve heard about Blend! Glad to hear you had a positive experience there. I loved both events, but felt a sense of community and support at Bloggy Boot Camp that is rare. Looking forward to more blogger events in the future! Can’t wait to check out your blog.
This is a really great recap. I really love all the positive highlights. And how funny, I also did TWO conferences last week… one was online. I don’t suppose that’s the other one you did? I didn’t even know you could get scholarships to BBC! That is awesome!
I love your page. It makes me feel happy! π
Thanks, Alexa! Both conferences were in real life. I got a sponsorship from a brand which you can definitely try to do for future conferences.
Great post – I was there, but didn’t get to meet you – but I feel the same way you did. I was worried because I’m pretty introverted but the rotating assigned seats really helped prevent the cliquishness and made someone like me more comfortable π
I know, wasn’t it great! It really fostered wonderful connections! Hope we can meet at the next one!
Isn’t it so crazy how the vibe can shift so quickly?! I had a blast at BBC, it was simply a different vibe of people. We live and we learn however, and now we know how NOT to act! You are totally gonna rock your speaker gig!
Yes, such a great vibe!So glad we met!
I sat across from you at the second table so I have your card but we didn’t get a chance to chat. We should have. We have a lot in common. I’m sorry for your earlier experience but glad BBC was more positive. It was my first blog event and I too had almost 10 pages of notes and a bag full of cards to dive into over the next few weeks. My recap will be up Monday because I’m hosting my first blog event this week. Great conference! Hope to stay in touch!
I remember you Joi! I can’t even believe how many notes and cards I came back with. So many new blogs to discover!
Even though we sat NEXT to each other at dinner, I didn’t get to chat as much as I wanted to with you but loved what time I did get with you. You’re right.. you have to have the right mix of people because there si nothing worse than being at one of these and not have a great experience. There is enough “business” around that we can ALL share best of. Everyone brings something to the table. Everyone. I’m sorry your first conference was like that and shame on your friends for turning their backs on you. These conferences can be intimidating enough without the people you know making it worse.
I know, Kristen. There were so many conversations going on. So great to meet you and thanks for coordinating the Facebook group. Excited to keep in touch!
I don’t think we got to meet at BBC this weekend but I’m glad I found this post. You are getting a very loud “Amen” from me on every word you say here about women needing to support each other. It’s kind of like what Tiffany said Saturday morning about if we could all just stop fighting about breastfeeding and immunizations we could rule the world? It’s so true. Let’s always stay open to making new connections.
Thanks Ilene! I so agree!
How true! All of my online friends that I got to meet in real life were just as friendly as they are online! It was awesome! What a great day…I wish I could have stayed over Sat night!!
I love that Michelle!
Such a great take on a fabulous event! So glad we had the chance to meet. You are adorable and my new bloggy crush!
Thanks you! You were the first blogger I met there π