There are so many things I learned at Bloggy Boot Camp Dallas: Brand Edition that I can’t even begin to describe. My book of notes is so full from incredibly useful information from Blissdom (see recap 1 & recap 2!) and Bloggy Boot Camp, both of which I’m thankful to have attended this year. There are so many valuable things to gain from blog conferences: new friends, old friends, meaningful connections and conversations, inspiration, and how to be more dedicated. Bloggy Boot Camp has given me the time to reconnect and rediscover the focus of my blog and just get to know people that love the same thing as I do.
Earlier this year I went to Blissdom and felt it was the best conference I could’ve ever been to. I still believe it was amazing, but for a totally separate reason from Bloggy Boot Camp. Blissdom is more about making connections with other bloggers and brands, not so much the content. However, Bloggy Boot Camp Dallas: Brand Edition focused less on corporate sponsor connections (although there were two of my favorite companies: LG and Mirassou in attendance) and more of the “meat”/content. It was about taking your blog to a whole other level, which is exactly what I want to do.
Some things I learned:
If it’s not a “Hell yeah!” it’s a no. These words of wisdom come from my newest friend, Danielle Smith. I actually met her at Blissdom, and took her advice for a video interview earlier this year with the Huffington Post. This woman knows what she’s talking about. Plus, she is incredibly honest and I loved having a honest conversation with her, Neely, and Ashley at BBC Dallas. These words really made me take a look at the partnerships I am considering forming and really put them into perspective. Bottom line? You probably won’t see as much sponsored content around here..and if you do, you better believe that it’s because I’m working with a brand that I absolutely believe in and not half-heartedly care about.
Content is KING! Weave in your own stories. Sounds simple, right? I think many times bloggers get caught up in the “free stuff” and forget about content. Heck, I’ve done it before! BUT no one will read your blog if you just post a bunch of sponsored stuff that has zero meaning to you. I plan on weaving in more of our stories (which means Mathew and I are going to make it our mission not to be boring married people all the time!) so you can really get down and get to know us…if you don’t already.
What’s your end game? I’m still wondering what my end game is, but I know this- I want my blog to be meaningful, full of a strong readership with tons of friendships that have stemmed from it, and I want it to be successful. As for the rest? I’m not certain and I’m not sure if I’ll ever be certain what I want my end game to be.
Google + is important. It’s an internet COMMUNITY that can help your blog in a ton of different ways! If you’re not following me on Google +, please do! I’ll make sure to follow you back on my circle.
Your reputation matters! You better believe that companies are watching you on social media. It’s POOR TASTE to bash or complain about a company online. If you feel the need to do it, text a friend instead to rant. You’ll be happy you did.
Tell your story. I’m a BIG fan of Lisa Leonard (I feel like such a nerd around her and just about died that she remembered me) and her story…well, her son David’s story. Her story is what draws me to her. Sure her jewelry is amazing, her thrifted clothes are far cuter than I could ever put together, and I have NO idea how she gets her curls so perfect (mine never cooperate!), but at the end of the day, I am in such admiration over her story. I want my friends…my readers…to connect with me as I tell my story. There are so many times I want to be raw, real, and honest with you all about things. I realize that many people I know in “real life” read my blog, however, and I feel like I need to shelter myself from telling certain things. Likewise, I feel as though my story is so small because I don’t lead an amazing and adventurous life, I’m not a mom, and I pretty much work, spend time with Mathew, and sleep. I’m going to work harder to break out of my shell and delve into the things that make me, ME, and begin to interpret whatever my story is.
Power down and be present. Sure, social media is important to just about everyone nowadays, but it isn’t EVERYTHING. It’s important to step away from the text messaging, Instagramming, Tweeting, and Facebooking and get to the heart of conversations in your daily life. Pay attention to your loved ones and live your life. You don’t have to be on your phone or computer every second of the day. Because…at the end of the day, do you want to say “I lived my life” or “I lived my life always on my iPhone”? Something to ponder. Besides, how could I adore this handsome face that I got to come home to after Bloggy Boot Camp Dallas was over?
So there you have it- Bloggy Boot Camp Dallas: Brand Edition in a nutshell. Trust me, I’ve barely skimmed the surface and have 25 pages of notes, but there’s just too much good information! I really encourage you to attend BBC Dallas next year. Tiffany and Fran know how to throw an awesome blog conference full of laughs, tears, and a whole lot of knowledge. Psst- I’ll be there!
AND you just put my blog post to shame! But I LOVE LOVE LOVE this!
Rebekah @ All That Glitters recently posted…My Favorite Quotes: BBC Dallas Edition
I just put google+ on mine the other day! I had no idea about it until someone mentioned it!
Rachel recently posted…Country Couture Fun!
Gosh, I wish there was something like this, or Blissdom, up here near Portland. All the cool bloggy conferences seem to be in either TX or East Coast…Seems like you had such a great time, thanks for sharing!
Jessica Roth recently posted…Making Up with Make-Up
I am so sad that I missed this conference, but on the other hand, I felt like it was important to spend time with my family after having been gone so much!! I miss you guys! Looks like a lot of awesome information in the sessions. I started using Google+ the other day and it’s kinda fun! Going to add you now!!
Meg O. recently posted…Two Minute Tutorial – Face Brush 101
This is so great! I am so sad that I missed this conference- it sounds like it was AMAZING! I’m so jealous that you got to see my friends- and they got to meet you! I’m loving reading all of the recaps! That quote by Danielle Smith is one of my favorites! Tiffany shared it at BBC Charlotte in May and it’s stuck with me ever since. It’s something I seriously consider when agreeing to new things- in blogland and beyond! Thanks for sharing your experience with us!
LOVE this! Such great pieces of advice!
Carly recently posted…Red
Great recap! I just went to BlogHer Pro in San Francisco and there was a ton of emphasis on Google+ there too. It’s always been on my back-burner, but now it’s time to spend more effort on it!! Hope we can reconnect at a conference in 2014. So bummed about Blissdom 🙁
Heather recently posted…DIY Fall Wreath
So glad you had fun. There is a Bloggy Boot Camp coming to Philly in Sept so I might go to that! Glad to hear it is worth it.
Jodi recently posted…Fall Sunsets
Definitely wish I could attend something like this!
Tiffany Khyla recently posted…countdown to catching fire.
Great recap! I attended BBC Minneapolis and had much the same experience! My main take-home was figuring out my end game. Such a powerful thing to think about – once we figure it out, all we do should be helping us get there, or why are we doing it? I also absolutely LOVED Danielle! I feel pretty blessed to have had the opportunity to speak to and learn from such an awesome and inspiring woman!
Glad you had an equally great experience!
Kristin recently posted…Tips and Tricks Tuesday #14
Kristin~ Your kind words have made my day – thank you so much for that. You are such a delight. Don’t forget to keep me updated on your success – you know how I love to hear good news 🙂
Danielle Smith recently posted…Good Clean Fun: Getting Kids Excited about Bath Time
Really wish that I’d been able to attend Bloggy Boot Camp! It sounds like it was an awesome conference!
I totally understand what you mean about the “Tell your story” part of your post. I’ve struggled with that as well, and it’s something that I’d really like to work on.
Tempie @ The Texas Peach recently posted…Stepping Out of Your Comfort Zone
Stephanie~ I’m so happy to read that BBC resonated with you. Tiffany and Fran are incredible women who make it their mission to lift women and motivate them to be their very best selves. I love that you have so many pages of notes. I hope as you go back over them over the next few weeks (and re-read this post for inspiration) that you will stay true to the track you are setting for yourself. This space is filled with so many incredible women….. I love to watch people reach for the goals they set. The more people you help, the more you give, the more you are true to you – the more fun you will have and the more success you will enjoy 🙂 Good luck!
Danielle Smith recently posted…Good Clean Fun: Getting Kids Excited about Bath Time
Stephanie, what a great re-cap you have here! I am so glad we got a chance to meet and chit chat! I look forward to continue my following with you, and what your story grow! <3 kindness and love deary! – Tina
TIna recently posted…Canvas Prints Special 5 for $99.00 – Free Shipping
This is a great re-cap. I also came away with so much!
It was my first blogging conference & I can’t wait to go back. I also love Danielle’s “Hell Yeah, or it’s a no”
I have already used it & passed it on to my teenage son to use when making decisions.
I have an immediate “end game” and then I will work on my long term “end game”. I love that Tiffany gave us this to think about
Thanks for sharing & hopefully our paths will cross at the next conference.
Tamara recently posted…My experience at Bloggy Boot Camp Dallas 2013
Fed up because you can not see Canadian TV online whilst travelling? Well this video shows you how to easily avoid those stupid country blocks.
This process basically requires having skilled people and the best technology put
to proper use. What is a low-cost, high return on investment for your SEO budget.
A website which is on the first page of a leading search engine is preferred and normally
judged above the others.
about us recently posted…about us
And then there are those times when writing takes
a lot more effort. What is a low-cost, high return on
investment for your SEO budget. Only knowledge can enable
Web optimization businesses to prepare consumers for these algorithmic
adjustments and other troubles far better.
bulletproof recently posted…bulletproof
Hey! I could have sworn I’ve been to this blog before but
after checking through some of the post I realized it’s new to me.
Anyways, I’m definitely delighted I found it and I’ll be bookmarking and
checking back frequently!
homepage recently posted…homepage
Ƭhis process basically requires having skilled people and the best technology put to proper use.
8 million and roob lives of ɑt least 76 people and caused а dozen of οthers іnjured.
It is worth your time to see if yoս could add podcasts to your
marketing mix.
Enriqueta recently posted…Enriqueta
Here ɑre a few tips that you сan take to the bank when it comes tߋ search engine optimization,
segregated by type. You see, SEO copywriting isn’t a mythical beast; it’ѕ
just plain, straightforwarɗ writing. It is woftҺ your time to see іf you
could add pοdcasts to your marketing mix.
Emilia recently posted…Emilia
Your style is so unique in comparison to other people I’ve read stuff from.
Thanks for posting when you’ve got the opportunity, Guess I’ll just book mark
this page.
https://estyler.zendesk.com/entries/41877945-Gone-End-Up-Being-The-Times-Of-Your-Straight-Shaver- recently posted…https://estyler.zendesk.com/entries/41877945-Gone-End-Up-Being-The-Times-Of-Your-Straight-Shaver-
Normally I do not read post on blogs, but I would like to say that this write-up very forced mme to take a look
at and do so! Your writing style has been surprised me.Thank you, quite great article.
Talent Recruitment recently posted…Talent Recruitment