BlogHer 2008 - Newbie's Perspective
OK, so we're here at BlogHer 2008 (that's fellow White Trash Mom, Michelle Lamar, and I), and I have to say, overall, I am blown away. So far, it's exceeded my expectations...big time. Now, I might temper that with the fact that I really wasn't sure what to expect.
Michelle tells me all the time that I continually sell myself short. I don't think that's true about me in life, in general, but perhaps because she's the one who started White Trash Mom, and I was the one she asked to be her co-author, and then she asked me to write the book with her... I don't know, maybe I do have the classic "I'm not worthy" complex. I know that I'm a good writer. I'm a professional writer by day, for heaven's sake. My degree is in communications, after all.
But Michelle has been THE driving force behind our White Trash Mom site and our book deal with St. Martin's Press. She is the creme de la creme of self marketers and is the sole reason that we have a book coming out on August 5th! So, to say that I am in awe of that is an understatement.
Did I contribute to that book? You bet. Did I work hard on it? Without a doubt. However, I came to this conference with very few expectations, with virtually no contacts, and with the purposes of meeting new people, advancing my writing endeavors and learning more about how to expand my blogging horizons.
If you are not here, and if your goals would be of a similar nature, you need to find a way to make it to BlogHer 2009 or the next BlogHer event near you. Other than taking about 6 years off to raise my children semi-full-time, I have been in the business world for about 20 years, and I can confidently tell you that I have never handed out as many business cards in as short a period of time as I have in the last day and a half. Nor have I met as many open-minded, intriguing people. I'd say "women", but there have been a few (granted sparse in number) men.
Another observation that I would like to relate is that while I am not an introvert (quite the contrary on the whole), I do not enjoy going places alone. That is to say, I do not like to arrive at a party, or any event, on my own. Never mind that once we are there, I may almost immediately go off on my own. I hate...I repeat. I HATE...arriving alone. So, this week, travelling with the Queen of White Trash, miss socially connected in the blogging world (note that she would vociferously beg to differ, but trust me, I am not wrong...), suffice it to say, I have learned to get along on my own.
And guess what. It's the absolute best thing that could have happened to me...because it forced me to venture out on my own, against my inner self that says, "I don't want to go in alone. I don't want to go up and talk to people I don't even know...they don't want to talk to me...". Guess what. They don't know anybody either. It has been absolutely awesome.
And guess what else. I've met the nicest and most interesting people.
Fabulous week. Fascinating conference. Engaging speakers. Intriguing sponsors.
And free food and drink. I'm here. I'm so here.
Please. If you are a blogger...come next year. We'll chat. We'll share a breakout. A cocktail. You will love it as much as I have. I can practically guarantee it.
Balanced Babe
It was great meeting you and I'm glad you had such a positive BlogHer experience.
Posted by: Average Jane | July 26, 2008 at 07:14 AM
OK, you're talking me into going next year. :)
Posted by: Wendy | July 25, 2008 at 05:42 PM
Wow, Switzerland! Sounds amazing. What will you be doing there? Where will you live? And alone? That's a whole different kind of alone. And here I am whining about walking into conference stuff on my own -- well, not really whining. I had an awesome time!
Congrats on your success, and good luck getting ready!
BB
Posted by: Balanced Babe | July 21, 2008 at 12:55 PM
Sounds very cool! Glad you had a good trip. I'm the same way about not wanting to anywhere alone, but I'm going to have to get used to it soon. Talked to my boss Friday, and it sounds like I'll be leaving for Switzerland early November... alone :(. Can't pass up such a huge opportunity though!
Posted by: Katie Archibald | July 21, 2008 at 09:55 AM
I totally agree with you about this conference having been worthwhile! Amazing, is what I'd say. And I was a little nervous about coming alone, also, but it has given me the chance to meet tons of women (I only met one man) who are all so interesting and open and CREATIVE. Very fun.
Love the new blog -- and the old one!
Posted by: Sarah Auerswald | July 19, 2008 at 05:02 PM