Reflecting on Blogfest and it’s 19.48 Saturday night and I am sat on a train pulling out of Euston station having just been to Blogfest. It was a truly wonderful day, the highlight being meeting my amazing blogging friends who I chat on line to daily yet have never met. They are all a lovely as I hoped they would be, so kind, caring and supportive. Yet I come away feeling slightly overwhelmed.
I take you back to June 2014 when I attended my first ever conference Brit Mums Live. Wow I was totally courted and wooed by the blogging world such a glitzy affair. I learnt so much and met so many wonderful people. I came away buzzing high from the blog bubble, but looking back totally naive.
I had no idea about stats; no follow links, publishing laws. It was all like a lovely wonderful fairytale. Don’t get me wrong blogging is still my fairytale every time I press publish I get that excited shiver down my spine, I look upon my blog like another child that needs nurturing and attention, have grown to love it, but it has been a learning curve.
My next event was Tots100 Blog Camp. So totally different to my Brit Mums experience but again I met so many generous, caring people and learnt loads. But, and its is a biggish but; I was overwhelmed at the concept of pitching to editors, advertising and working with brands.
I felt I had learnt so much on that day but came away feeling I had soooo much more to learn. An exciting concept but with the feeling that blogging had just ramped it up another level. It had become a lot more involved.
Then today Mumsnet Blogfest again totally different I would say more journalist based a lot more discussions about becoming an established journalist/author again like the last 2 events inspirational panelists. But the concept of serious journalism blew my mind, it was all so exciting; yes I could write a book a childhood dream and you really are never too old. All very thought provoking.
So where am I now? In my 9th month of blogging I love it more every day, love the people I am meeting along the way. I have learnt so much, and can’t quite believe the journey and the opportunities it is bringing my family and myself, and allowing us to really help others by talking about our experiences when dealing with diabetes. But I now know it is much more than a blog, more than just siting and writing to fill my hunger for writing. It is about sharing, engaging, being inclusive, and a huge honour and responsibility.
Thank you so much to the big 3 for my education this year, you have taught me so much helped me to achieve things and help people in a way I never thought possible.
Made me realise how behind the rest of the world is, in respect of engagement, social media and networking. And what is so exciting is that I have only just touched the tip of the iceberg. I have so much more to learn and feel so excited for what lies ahead.
So if you are thinking Mmm which event shall I do Britmums, Tots100 or Mumsnet my advice as a new kid on the block is do them all, have a sponge year, learn all you can. Each experience is so different yet so inspiring for a different reason. And next year I can’t wait to do it all again.
I am really looking forward to actually meeting you at BritMums Live next year. My nerves are definitely easing and I’m definitely really excited about it. I feel like I haven’t learned a thing yet. Next year will have to be my sponge year I guess ha ha xxx
Ah Maria I can’t wait to meet you, you will be surprised what you know when you get there, and everyone is so lovely. I was made to feel so welcome x
Don’t ever stop getting the tingle down the spine feeling !
Thanks Claire, I don’t think I ever will xxx
Great post, can’t wait to meet you at BritMums! I will be that big/small sponge!! X
Ha ha, I can’t wait to meet you either Julia, its going to be fantastic x
Love your blog title – blogucation is a gorgeous word!
Sounds like you have nerves of steel to attend all those blogging events in the last year, what are your top tips to avoid being overwhelmed by so many people in a room?
Ah thank you, I think I am just a good actor, and able to hide how I feel inside x
This is great, I love that you’ve just gone for it and learnt so much from all three. I’ve been blogging for a while and have just worked up the courage for Britmums next year, I feel like I can do it justice now and I am really looking forward to it. Like you say you can soak everything up and learn so many new things, it really is amazing! xx
Ah thanks Hayley, there are so many generous bloggers out there who want to help and share. You will leave Britmums knowing you did the right thing attending I guarantee, I was so nervous last year but everyone was so kind and helpful x
I’ve never been to a blogging conference but I have a sneaky suspicion that, like you, I’d feel more overwhelmed than inspired. I find it really hard to keep on top of everything.
x
#sundaystars
Yes it was amazing yet overwhelming and inspirational, a great journey x
I wish you knew how amazing you are! Your blog is incredible… and is ONLY nine months old. So fantastic.
I am yet to go to a real live blog event… but I have been to a few pr run evenings. Looking forward to brit mums to see the difference in them xxx
Ah Katie that is so lovely and means a lot thank you lovely lady xxxx
Love this post! Sounds like you’ve had three different yet very positive experiences. Blogfest was my first event and I loved it – although I did spend most of the day like a rabbit in a headlight! Not knowing what to do or where to go next.
It was great to meet you at Blogfest Sarah and I can’t wait for our next big meet up.
Thanks for linking up to #SundayStars xxx
Yes its so overwhelming isn’t it Heledd, it was so great to meet you too cant wait to meet up again x
Great post loved meeting you, I felt the same after blogfest so excited about what could lie ahead! thanks for linking up #sundaystars
Ah loved meeting you too, yes exciting times ahead for us all can’t wait till brit mums x