They both took a chance, and made a lasting friendship.

I was more than a little frightened about attending my first blogging conference.  I mean, who in their right mind would pick BlogHer as their very first conference?  Insane, right?  I didn’t know a single attendee in real life and had NEVER traveled alone.  I had only been blogging for a year, so I was a total newb.  As the day came closer to leave for Chicago, I was riddled with a mix of excitement and nervousness.  Even after reading recaps of previous years at BlogHer, I still didn’t know what to expect or how the conference would treat me.  Would it be fun?  Would anyone know who I was?  Would it be hard to connect with others?  Was it out of my league?  I would get so angry at myself for worrying about such trivial matters, yet  I couldn’t stop.

Although I made it to Chicago in one piece, it was a little rocky, socially, at first.  I had the desire to jump into groups of unknown people and introduce myself, yet something was holding me back.  The first few parties I attended felt so awkward and weird, yet I didn’t know why.  I wasn’t sure what I was afraid of?  I was actually starting to get on my own nerves, so I made a quick decision.  From that moment on, I would not let ME get in the way of ME.  I was going to talk to as many people as I could.  Isn’t that why I went to BlogHer in the first place?  What did I have to loose anyway?  I honestly didn’t know anyone and most didn’t know me.  That was power.

Want to know what happened after that?  I had a blast.  I met many wonderful men and women.  I met with brands.  I made relationships.   I handed out 200 business cards.  I shared ideas with new friends and was inspired by others.  The sessions didn’t offer much for me, but the people did, and I never expected that.  My readership doubled in a mere 3 months after attending the conference and it has been a whirlwind since.  I owe this to me leaving my fear behind and just being me.  I had to get over myself.  Don’t get me wrong, I did met a few people who didn’t treat me nicely or seemed bothered by me, but that exists everywhere in life.  Mom bloggers are no exception. [Read more...]