Good morning Loves. Remember my recent trip to NYC? Well did I ever tell you why I went? I don’t think so. I spent four days in NYC for the annual BlogHer conference and it was a fantastic experience. I have attended a few conferences in my day and I have to tell you that this particular conference is always a good time. It’s the perfect mix between learning, networking and fun.
Every time I go to a conference I set particular goals for myself – both personal and professional. Since I usually attend alone it’s a chance for me to get out of my comfort zone and try new things. As I get older I am learning that it’s O.K. to be alone and I’m making an effort to become more independent.
If you’re a blogger I suggest trying to get to at least one conference every year as a way to grow your professional brand, learn how to become better at blogging as a business and make valuable connections.
These are four goals I set for myself and achieved at #BlogHer15 in New York City:
How SEO can help your business
Whether you have a blog or a commercial website SEO is the best way to grow your business online. I learned that it’s a combination of keyword topics, quality content and user admiration. It seems weird to say but how much someone likes your website plays a big role in how Google likes your website. The longer people stay on your website, the more they read and the more they share it the higher you will rank on Google a.k.a. the more other customers/readers will find you.
Go to a party alone
Although there were other bloggers at the conference who I knew I wanted to really set a goal for myself to meet new people, not only brand representatives but other bloggers. I went to the after party alone. I got on the shuttle bus and sat beside someone I didn’t knew, sat down at a table with three women in the middle of a conversation and danced to the sounds of Nick Cannon and Boyz II Men all by myself. Go me.
Figure out how to help my brands
I went to two different sessions on growing a business through social media as well as how to create an overall brand strategy. As a blogger and social media consultant both of these sessions were extremely valuable. I definitely thought I was good at my job before going to #BlogHer15 but learning how others do it from experts at Pinterest as well as fellow successful bloggers is going to take my expertise to a whole new level.
Learn about causes and find some great products
One of the major benefits of going to conferences is getting to meet new brands and learn about causes. There is absolutely no shortage of do-gooders at #BlogHer15 in NYC. I learned that more women than we would like to admit are killed during childbirth and I learned about a new support system for people who have lost a loved one to cancer. I lost my best friend to cancer six years ago and there’s not a day that goes by when I don’t think about him.
I also met a brand new brand called Jet.com who were using #BlogHer15 to launch their new online shopping club service. Think Costco and Sam’s Club delivered right to your door. OH and they gave me 10 one year memberships and I’m giving them out for free. Enter to win right here.
I’m jealous that you got to attend this conference. I’d love to go to one! I’ve been to leadership conferences that my sorority ran back in University, and I always left feeling so rejuvenated and inspired – I could really use some of that right now 🙂