It has now been over 2 weeks since I returned from my trip to Vancouver to attend Blogpodium and I still am not sure I have digested it all!

 

This was my second time attending Blogpodium and this year I was more prepared in what to expect even though the conference far exceeded my expectations yet again. Jen and her committee are so gifted and fabulous at what they do, they put together a day full of information but more than that they gave us the opportunity to connect with other bloggers and brands, some of which I have been working with but now I have met in real life. Then the obvious is a chance to learn and grow in the knowledge of the blogging world, learn from those who have really figured out what is working. It also presents a great opportunity to network and connect with brands for future collaborations. There was a fabulous marketplace as well, which was new this year and I loved it.

The fabulous Jen from Vonbon selling her pieces at the market place. Jen is an inspiration as a mom and a business woman. Her clothing is not only top quality and stylish but it is all locally made! I just love this girl!

Pixel Paper Hearts is a super cute company selling statement apparel and pretty paper goods! If you haven’t checked it out hop on over to Charisse’s shop and take a look at her cute stuff!

It was no surprise that, Jillian Harris,  keynote speaker did a fabulous job of sharing her incredible story and gave us tons of key takeaways. I could have listened to her all day, but she did a great job of packing a lot of content into her presentation. The sessions were all so great which made it hard to decide which ones to sit in on but the ones I did were so informative and inspiring.

 

After Jillian Harris snap chatted my sweet baby girl I had to snap a selfie with this gorgeous girl who is just as sweet in person. It is hard to say what I learnt or what my takeaways were from Blogpodium. Some of the information wasn’t new to me but it was good to hear it again. Be yourself – be authentic and genuine. This is something I heard last year and it was said again by all of the speakers this year. I struggle with trying to blog about the things people want to read/hear but try to be true to who I am. I have come to realize there is a blog post out there for anything and everything so no matter what I post someone else has probably blogged about it before but my view and take on things is mine and none else can do that like I can. Make an Investment. I think this goes not just for blogging but in life. The things you invest in are the things you care about. I realize I need to invest in learning photography and how to use my camera etc. I have known this for awhile and just haven’t made the time but it is one of my goals to do in the next month. I have hired a photographer to teach me and I am excited to learn . Also investing in things like having an attractive and engaging looking site that reflects you and your blog. Investing in editing tools and other means to create a more attractive and inviting space. I want to portray to people who check out my blog how much I care about my blog and that will be obvious when I am making the investment. Be Patient and Keep On Working. We all dream about over night success but that isn’t a reality. In the blogging world it is a lot of hard work and a lot of being patient. Your hard work won’t be over looked and eventually it will be noticed and things will come out of all your patience and hard work. Take a Risk. I love the idea of “living life on the edge” but I rarely practice that. I realized I need to start stepping out of my comfort zone in my blog and be ok will failing in order to try new things, such as making the ask to work with bigger brands, trying some different styles of blogging etc. Failing won’t define me but rather it will teach me and help me grow.

I love that through blogging I have had the chance to meet some amazing people and build some relationships. The conference not only because the venue was gorgeous, right on the water, was so inspiring and encouraging it filled my tank and encouraged me to set some goals for my blog for the coming year. I wish it didn’t go so quickly, it was hardly enough time to soak it all in and connect with all the people I wanted to but it was a fabulous day and trip and I can’t wait for next year!