After almost four years since my first post, I attended my first blogger conference earlier this month. Since I wanted to network more in the lifestyle category for both blogs, I chose to attend Blogalicious Weekend. Blogalicious is an online community and annual conference celebrating the diversity in social media. This year’s theme was to Tribe Up and each session reminded me to utilize the tools I have and people I already connect with to move forward as an individual and brand. It was also a plus because it was during Miami Carnival Weekend. It would be a disservice to NOT show my Trini pride during my free time. 😉 Here are six reminders I received from sessions during Blogalicious Weekend.

Blogalicious with Carry on Friends

It’s YOU That Makes it Awkward

After listening to the keynote speakers Friday morning, my first session was Creating a Community When You’re Introverted and Awkward AF with Brittany Minor. We all know I consider myself socially awkward and it was refreshing that I wasn’t the only one in attendance. Brittany’s session touched on being vulnerable, accepting the awkwardness, but not letting it keep you in a box and doing things that scare you. Go live on Instagram or Facebook, make that YouTube video, start the blog or business. You don’t have to ‘fake it til you make it’; fake it til you BECOME it. Related: How to Embrace Your Awkward Moments

Be Ready

Waiting is not a wealth Strategy. – Gwen Jimmere

2 Timothy 2:4 talks about being prepared in and out of season. Even though this context was about preaching the gospel, it is important to be ready even when you don’t think you have it all together. At any given moment an opportunity will come. You don’t have to have all your ducks in a row, but there should be basic things set in place. Be prepared to talk about your brand by having your elevator pitch ready and knowing your stats. This can be the only chance you get or it can take a long time before it comes around again. Don’t miss it; be ready!

You Can’t do it All! Follow Up & Learn to Say “No”

Saying “no” was discussed both in sessions and in general conversation with some of the women I stayed with. You can’t do everything! You can try, but you will eventually burn out. Part of saying “no” can mean

  • The opportunity isn’t a right fit
  • It doesn’t align with your beliefs or values
  • The price offered is too low based on the work requested or your rates
  • You’re working on other projects and don’t have the time
  • You’re prioritizing self-care
  • You just don’t want to do it

No doesn’t always have to be final; it can also mean “not right now”. REPLY TO THOSE EMAILS! Whatever decision you make with people you interact with daily or brand representatives, make sure it is clear. There’s nothing worse than giving someone the runaround. Related: Signs You NEED a Break

Undersell & Overdeliver

When you DO accept a form of collaboration, be clear with deliverables, but don’t put all your eggs in one basket. Stand out from the others and be original. If you agree with a post and promotion, add a video clip as a form of social promotion. It showcases your other abilities and opens the opportunity to work with you again. Just make sure whatever you’re delivering is quality work.

Collaboration Over Competition – Network!

There’s room for ALL of us at the table to eat; even when we’re doing the same thing. Simple ways to collaborate with other content creators can be conducted via

  • Roundup posts
  • Features
  • Events & Conferences
  • Giveaways
  • Twitter parties
  • Facebook, Youtube or other live stream platforms

Part of attending conferences is to network. Exchange business cards or emails, talk about ways you can work together or be the plug to connect them with someone you know.

Related: Photo Funday with Friends

Be Authentic + Don’t Forget Your Roots

A huge reminder from the conference was to be authentic. People want to follow who they can trust. There’s nothing wrong with sharing your truth, just don’t share too much. I loved attending the Caribfluencer panel and connecting with other content creators from the Caribbean Diaspora. The panel discussed how we can be authentic to our roots while building a brand and supporting each other. It truly felt like a family discussion and opened a window to share business knowledge with each other. Before Blogalicious weekend I had little motivation to produce content. Now, I have a combination of over 10 published posts and videos for the month. Talk about progress. Let’s just hope I keep the momentum going.

Have you been to Blogalicious or any other blogging conference before?

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