Thursday, November 14, 2013

My #BBCMPLS Experience

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About a month ago I attended Bloggy Boot Camp a/k/a BBC or as to non-bloggers...a blog conference. It was put on by Tiffany and Fran, the ladies behind The SITSgirls.

I would say before-hand if I had to pick one word, it would be terrified.

Absolutely terrified.

I was so out of my comfort zone, I didn't even know what to do with myself. I decided I would go to the Friday night cocktail hour with Collective Bias. I went for the purpose of meeting a few people the day BEFORE the big day, so that way the next day of the actual conference I wouldn't be so freaked out of my mind. And let me just tell you that it helped. Big time. I am so glad I went Friday night. It helped me so much in preparing for Saturday.

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I was hoping that Chelsea and Kenzie would be there and they were. I was so glad to know them, even though I didn't really KNOW them. Ya know? It's weird this little blog community of ours. You feel like you know a person through their blog or twitter, even though you have never actually met face to face. Well, that's how I felt about these two lovelies.

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I was so happy to finally meet them both in person! And let me tell you, they are both just as lovely and beautiful in person as they each are on their blogs!

The reason I was so nervous about the whole thing is because I don't have nearly the following that other bloggers have. I don't have a niche that I blog about consistently. I just blog to blog. Mostly about me and my life and the people in it. I was there for three hours and got to meet a few others as well. I left there feeling really good, more confident and excited for the next day.

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The morning of the conference I woke up bright and early. Made sure Hailey was all set for the day with her auntie Kate and headed out the door with my big purse full of my blog conference necessities.

It was such a great day and flew by faster than anything. My brain was being pumped full of such wonderful knowledge and meeting such great ladies. Some of them I knew in real life, but most of them I did not. I was pleasantly surprised at how many Minnesota bloggers were actually in attendance. We would exchange business cards and I felt like I was making such fun and great connections with everyone I was meeting.

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One things for sure. I didn't take nearly enough pictures. My mind was going a million miles per minute and I was trying to really listen and take everything in I was seeing and listening to. I filled pages and pages of my notebook with notes. I was really trying to stay off my phone and off social media and really be "present."

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After the full day of speakers we had a wine tasting event held by the BBC Team and Mirassou. Such delicious wine. I might have had a couple few glasses of the Mascoto.

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Such fun ladies and some new friends!!

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Here are 3 of my favorite quotes throughout the day. I know there were tons more, but these 3 had the most impact on me.

"Surround yourself with people who are as excited for your success as you are." - @TiffanyRom

"Never, ever be afraid to excuse negative people from your life." - @TiffanyRom

"If it's not a Hell Yea, it's a No." - @DanielleSmithTV

I would have to say afterwards, if I had to pick one word, it would be...inspired. I just can't put it any other way. All the speakers were wonderful and gave really great advice and tips on everything. I've started implementing some of the stuff, but still have lots to work on. I am so glad I put my money, time and energy into attending this conference and if anyone is wondering if they should attend one. I have two words for you:

Do it!!!

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6 comments:

Unknown said...

What a great experience! Good for you to get out of your comfort zone! I'd love to attend a similar function one day, hopefully it comes around again :)

~Dawn~ said...

Sounds like you came away with some valuable information. :) I WISH I would have been able to make it to this conference - next time, for sure.

Kristin said...

Great recap of the day! I was more nervous to go to the social the night before, so I was a little relieved when I had to be home with the kids and had an excuse not to go. In the future, I think I would. I found the whole day so inspiring as well! I took way more away thank just the blogging tips. I learned so much about life and being a strong woman and going after whatever it is your end game is. Glad we could have such a great experience, I wouldn't trade it for the world!

JJ said...

this looks like so much fun! I hope to go to a blogging conference if another one comes around.

ajs {of MN} said...

i think this would have been really fun to attend. sounds like you had a great time!

Unknown said...

I was there too! I can't believe I missed you! Gah. Next time =)

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