Today I want to talk to you about getting out from behind the computer.. eep! scary I know huh?!
With the overload of information available to us via multiple sources such as: business e-courses, blog tutorials, pinterest linkups, google, online books, etc. You can see how easy it is to just stay in and absorb this information from the comforts of your chosen workspace.
How do we narrow down what information to take in, how we choose to listen and where we decide to get it from? Well it's pretty damn easy to say that I like doing the learning myself, in my own time..and sometimes in my pajamas (ok maybe a lot of times in my pajamas??) One thing I always tell myself I will do is attend a conference, but in all reality it's easier not to do it. Not only do you have to plan your travel, but you need to figure out where to stay, who you will hang with (if you even know anyone!), your outfits for the event..yep that's important..what business materials to bring with you, what classes to attend. Okay it's obvious there is a lot to it and I could probably go on longer, but you get the point. All of that isn't as easy as putting on comfy clothes, flipping open your laptop and slouching on the couch while your husband plays Call of Duty in the background (this is normal right??).
Well this is where we all might be wrong. This is why attending a Blog Conference can change your life. Sure that might sound like a hefty promise, but think about the benefits of attending an event that caters to all of your interests. Now think about all the positives in learning something new that can benefit your blog or shop, hanging out with a bunch of like minded individuals, becoming truly inspired, getting out of your daily routine and doing something for you. That is what a blog conference basically promises. Its a chance to possibly step out of your comfort zone for the sake of learning new things, meeting new people and honestly feeling like you belong...because let's face it some of you that don't have real life 'blog/shop' friends probably feel alone in doing all of this. Below I'm gonna break it down and share a few of the more notable conferences going on through out the year, there are so many more if you just do a little searching, but here are some of the ones that caught my attention. Oh! I also have a ticket to one of these conferences that I'm giving away so don't miss that part!!
Alt Design Summit - Jan 18-21 - Salt Lake City
(this next weekend & totally sold out, but I had to mention it)
This is the mecca of design and lifestyle bloggers.
The cool kids club if you will.
Blissdom - Feb 23-25 - Nashville
Premiere conference for women who find & express their bliss by publishing online.
This is the big bad mama jama featuring loads of attendees, top notch speakers,
loads of tracks to choose from, a handmade market & even a girls night out!
Snap! - April 19-21 - Thanksgiving Point, Utah
A 3 day conference targeting the best bloggers representing modern handmade,
comtemporary craft, mind-blowing events and DIY.
Also featuring The Queen Bee Market.
(I WILL BE ATTENDING THIS ONE!!!)
Bloggy Bootcamp - *multiple locations throughout the year
One day blog and social media conference for new bloggers
to experienced social media mavens.
BlogHer - *multiple locations throughout the year
Thousands of bloggers coming together to connect, learn and inspire!
3 events for entrepreuners, food bloggers and BlogHer networkers.
Their main event will be held in NYC in August (details here)
Evo - July 12-14 - Park City Utah
Evolving your brand, your business, your blog.
Blending workshops, networking, parties and a wind-in-your-hair
relaxation by spending a summer weekend in the mountains.
Creative Connection USA - *multiple locations throughout the year
The social meetup for fabulous female creatives.
With a goal to remove the pretenses associated with networking and create an environment
where women can support, encourage and inspire each other.
Chapters in LA, PDX, SD, OC, DFW (and more to come!)
Haven - June 21-22 - Atlanta
A two day conference allowing people to learn from and gather with some of the most
notable DIY/Home bloggers from all over.
Handmade Business Bootcamp - Feb 23-25 - Chesapeake, VA
A 3 day, intensive boot camp for personalized focus on your business followed by 3-months
of implementation support and accountability to be sure your profit starts lining up with your potential.
Creative Estates - Mar 8-11 - Flagstaff, AZ
A shift from conference to retreat. Four days of intimate crafting time with some of the most
creative individuals.. think of it as a fun girls weekend!
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
As you can see there are plenty of opportunities all over the states for you to attend something that potentially can benefit your blog, your business, your relationships with others and in all reality YOU! I know it may seem scary to put yourself out there, it may even be hard for some of you to come up with the means to get yourself there.. but I promise it will be worth it! I've only attended one large market and I've only been doing this part of my business for a year, so going to Snap! as the first thing I do and with all the notable guests & speakers that will be there... to say the least I'm a little nervous.. but if I don't do it, then I will just be sitting here envying all the others that do! So what are you waiting for?!
this giveaway is now closed.. thank you for participating!
this giveaway is now closed.. thank you for participating!
Let's get to the giveaway, because it's good!
Its a free ticket to one of these conferences that includes lodging, food and all classes...
ya heard me!!!
ya heard me!!!
I have a ticket for one of you to attend the Creative Estates Retreat in Flagstaff, Arizona in just two short months! All you have to do is figure out travel and take your pretty little butt there and then just enjoy your time! You will have a room in a gorgeous lodge, all meals, supplies and classes will be covered! You get to hang out with the founder Shealynn, and Ashley (aka LittleMissMomma) plus many more!!
As of press time there are only 8 tickets left to this event!
I will be giving you *bonus* chances to win through out the week so make sure you either follow JustLove.lyThings on facebook or twitter for those!
Good Luck, and I hope to meet some of you at Snap!