Go Blog Social Workshop 2015

I made it, you guys! If you read my last blog post, you’ll know that I was getting ready to go to a workshop this weekend and I was a little, tiny bit nervous. Ahem. And although I felt like a huge dork-face posting that video, I tend to do much better in situations when I’m authentic and real from the get go. So, yep, I was nervous. And yes, of course I felt a little silly walking in to a room of beautiful, talented, stylish women when I didn’t know anyone. But here’s the thing, I feel like when you own up to your fears and flaws, you take away their power. When I’m feeling anxious about meeting someone or making small talk, it’s just so much easier if I start out with, “Wow, I’m so nervous! I don’t normally do this, but I’m so pumped to meet you.” For me, that diffuses the fear and everyone seems to take a big sigh of relief. Not one person I met this weekend said, “Wow, you nerd, get a hold of yourself!” They were all kind and gracious, as people usually are. And you know what, if they aren’t, they probably aren’t people who I’m gonna want to hang out with anyway.

Lesson: Nerd out. Your kindred spirits will find you and it’s so much less work than pretending to be someone you’re not.

The presentations at the workshop were perfect for where I’m at in my blogging journey, but the best part was they were relatable for the attendees regardless of how long you’ve been at this blogging thing. I’ve been doing this for over 10 years, which basically makes me 80 in blog years, but I still got so much out of everyone’s comments and suggestions. The opening keynote was by Tobe Reed from Because It’s Awesome, who graciously left an encouraging comment on my video last week. She talked a lot about aligning yourself with what you want and trying new things. She also focused on trusting your gut, which is something I struggle with. At the end of her presentation, she was kind enough to hang out and chat with a few attendees, and I was lucky to grab a few minutes with her. So inspiring!

Next were several breakout sessions focusing on different aspects of blogging. I attended a rad photography session with the incredible Cassandra Castaneda. Much of what she said was not new to me, as a photographer, but I still learned so much about programs I’m not using (Lightroom!) and online tools for photographers and bloggers (Blogstomp…how have I never heard of you!). She also had some beautiful handouts that will be so helpful for future shoots. I’m working on some material for an upcoming photography workshop I will be leading for new photographers, and Cassandra’s presentation really inspired me and helped me see what a great teacher can do.

Next up was a session on video for blogging with Ivy from Wake Up for Makeup. If you’ve been reading for a while, you know I’m looking to expand in to more video, and since I come from a video production background, I have some of the experience and tools…but I was missing the inpsiration! Problem solved. Ivy’s energy and upbeat presentation left me ready to get filming. She also provided some amazing tips on equipment and her process, which I will definitely be referring to as I try to get this video blogging thing up and running!

I was a little unsure about the next presentation on web design and coding, because I have a lot of experience with that topic…however, as always, I was surprised by what I didn’t know. Which was a LOT! I’m a blogger that has grown up on this medium, so I have pieced my site together myself for years. However, after my redesign in 2012, when I finally hired a real deal designer to do the work for me, I swore I’d never go back. Fast forward a few years, and here I am again, with a major relaunch a few weeks ago designed by yours truly. It was a mess! Next time I’m definitely calling Ashley from The Blog Salon, who gave an awesome presentation with great tips, tricks and such helpful handouts. She talked a lot about the organization aspect of designing a blog, and that’s something I need to work on. Plus, Ashley is adorable and we chatted while I awkwardly waited to speak with Tobe Reed earlier in the day. I was nerding out all over the place and she was super-kind and funny, making me laugh my nerves away. Again, authenticity wins.

The closing keynote was by Morgan and Carrie from Ampersand Design Studio. I love those ladies! I met them in the airport on the way to Alt Summit a few years back, and have always admired their beautiful work! Their phone covers have lived on my iPhone since I discovered them, and their print work is fantastic. They also do an incredible job of collaborating with large companies, which they talked quite a bit about. These ladies didn’t dumb it down for us…they told us all about their high points and the lows of their careers, with humor and grace. They told us step by step how the got huge projects with big brands, and really got me thinking about collaboration and hard work. My favorite quote, “If you don’t ask, the answer is always no.” Truth, friends.

So, yep, I was definitely nervous about this conference. I was worried about not fitting in and not belonging in this group of amazing, talented, creative women. But in the end, I am so SO GLAD I followed through and went for it. The speakers, the other attendees and the awesome team from Go Blog Social made this a workshop I won’t soon forget. Thank you all for making this nerd feel welcome!