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5 Sanity Saving Essentials for Blogging Conferences

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Essentials for Blogging Conferences

Remember God is guiding your steps.

  • That moment when you see swirling crowds and wonder what the heck you’re doing at a conference with hundreds of women, remember God has a specific purpose for you. It’s not the same as your roommates, the speakers, or your blogging buddies. Let your agenda be dictated by God’s leading and you’ll never falter.

You’re the boss of you.

  • If you need to find a corner to sit and stare at the wall to recharge, do it. If you need to turn in early because your eyelids are dragging so heavy you might trip on them, tuck yourself in. If you want to wake up early and jog before breakfast, I don’t understand you at all, but hey, go for it.
  • Believe that the opportunities God has for you are not going to be “missed” because you aren’t on every second.
  • Trust that the capacity God’s given you isn’t a mistake. The Allume organizers are an amazing group of godly women who pray for you and have designed the content to leave room for God to work. Trust in that.

Think deep not wide.

  • At my first blogging conference I had only been blogging for 6 weeks. I traded tons of business cards, gave my awkward elevator speech a zillion times, and tried to jam in all the information I could. Everyone told me I had to network. It was exhausting.  Turns out the long lasting relationships maintained from that conference came in the slow moments. Lingering over coffee, sitting down to a long dinner, following up after the conference and investing in their blogs.
  • In many ways, the idea of networking makes my stomach sour. I don’t want to connect so I can climb on your shoulders and have a larger platform. I want to connect because you have something to offer that is unique: YOU. I want to know you.
  • Think of it as a chance to connect with God breathed people, joined in spirit, not just an opportunity to guest post or get retweeted.  I know now that meeting ALL the people is much less important than connecting with a few. Take your time and really value the people God brings across your path.

be loved friends 650

Think of ways to invest in people you meet and encourage those where you are or even mentor those coming up behind you.

  • I had someone tell me recently that they saw me at Allume and were too nervous to introduce themselves. I snort laughed at the craziness of that. Although flattered, I am not a rock star contrary to the tens of people who think so.  Ok, the ones of people, but still. Come say hi.
  • We’re all sisters here. But please, don’t be offended if I don’t recognize you right away even though we’ve tweeted back and forth every week. You are much taller than your avatar, and I am much, ummm, fluffier. So yeah, it might take me a minute. Again, grace.

 Don’t listen to the lie that you aren’t important. That your story and words don’t matter as much as the famous blogger. That no one is interested in you. That’s pure crap.

  • Each of you has a gift. A story of redemption, a story of a God who loves you, a story of life.
  • You may have a style blog and have an eye for beauty in a perfectly mismatched teal bag with platform sandals and a flowy maxi dress. You may have a food blog and share the glory in the crisp snap of fresh greens, laid like an offering, scattered with toasted goat cheese, raspberries, and roasted hazelnuts, a sweet mustard vinaigrette drizzled like the swirl of a painter’s brush. You may have an organization blog where you help women like me put labels on pretty baskets and get rid of the stack of sweaters I’m planning to felt someday. You may share stories, your life in words, your tears and triumphs and soul words.
  • Whatever God has given you, you have a gift to share. Go confidently knowing that you are called.

Is this your first conference or are you a veteran? What do you feel God is leading you towards as you prepare for Allume?  

 

Comments

  1. I love you. That is all.

    (Oh – well – ok – not really… I mean – I DO love you… and I say Amen to all of this! The thing that honestly excites me the most about Allume is how it is so covered in prayer and I am with ya on the networking/just-dont-have-it-in-me-all-the-time… I am so excited to see who He connects me with and what He has planned! I am hoping to meet up in person with many sisters/bloggers/friends – but I know the value of the slower Real… that is what I am looking for!)

    • Yes, prayer is a huge focus of Allume. There are people praying for you now and for all the happenings as we get closer and then during Allume, The Seed Company sponsors a prayer room where you can grab a friend to pray together, spend some time alone before the Lord, or grab someone’s prayer journal to scribble down some encouragement. I have a long list of people I can’t wait to connect with in real life but I’m also super excited to meet new faces, and see what God will do this year. I am definitely in slow and savor mode this year. And I love you too. Now, that is all.

  2. I’m a newbie and this post was totally a breath of fresh air! The thing that resonates with me the most is deep, not wide (Trina mentioned this too!) and not being afraid of missing out. I’m still waffling on which of the sessions I’m going to pick and kind of afraid that I’m going to miss out on what God wants to do with me. Trying to remember to take a deep breath and relax!

    • I think it’s a mantra you will hear often. Here’s the honest truth. You may pick a session and find out that it wasn’t what you had in mind. You may sit down to dinner and not immediately become BFF’s with your table mates. It’s easy to try to manufacture the perfect experience but really what God does in you is so much more important than what God does through and even your blog. So that trust is so essential. You can rely on God and you’re not going to miss your ride because you were staring at the train schedule. Relax and enjoy the things he brings and remember that it doesn’t always look exactly how you pictured it and that’s ok too. Enjoy what He brings and you won’t miss out on a thing.

      Also, I have no idea what’s wrong with that image. I will recruit someone more tech savvy than me to give it a go. In the meantime, I pinned the image so if you find my Pinterest link in my profile you can repin it from mine.

  4. This reminded me that I need to do some home hard-kneeling praying to ask God for His direction. I am afraid of a few things happening but the worse will be that I will be so overwhemlmed by the people that I’ll have a melt-down or worse a full blown panic attack… so that’s my first prayer… God help me be wise with my time and to seek refuge if and when I need it. I just love the last tip… And I just love how those words came from you!

    • Yes, as an introvert, I do quite a bit of sneaking off to stare at walls and sit by myself. I used to push myself more and feel there was something inherently wrong with my need to ‘introvert’ but I’m realizing this is the capacity God gave me and I’m ok with that. But, I will definitely be storing up my energy because I’ve got lots of necks to hug!

    • What!? I didn’t know you weren’t going to be there this year? You will be so missed, friend.

        • Enough said. I know how much I love getting away with my hubby so you will be missed but how fun to get to go away together. Hope you have a super blessed time together.

  6. Great advice Alia, and love your honest humor in all of this. Looking forward to being there my first time.

  7. THis is such an uplifting, encouraging post, Alia. I recall once going to a writers conference with absolutely no agenda–NONE–which defies all conventional wisdom. I don’t think I even took notes and had no book proposal to pitch. I just went more on a spiritual pilgrimage, and let the Spirit lead where He would. It was liberating, and I made life-long friends at that conference. You are wise beyond your years. May His Spirit flow uninhibited at this conference and remind me that it’s okay if I don’t have the gift of salad-painting. My husband does the cooking, and it’s okay.

    • That’s how I felt about the last retreat I went on. Where I happened to meet Shelly Miller in the flesh so that was a bonus. It was a great time with no agenda and God did so much in those wide open heart spaces where I wasn’t supposed to be anything or do anything other than soak in all the beautiful fellowship, encouragement, and wisdom of my writing friends. I don’t salad paint either, or fashion blog, or jog. But I love to play with words. 😉 And a husband that cooks? =Priceless.

      • I loved reading about how God blessed agenda-less you! And I think your painting with words more than suffices!. And any friend of Shelly’s….!!! Yes, my husband cooks, because he says he likes to eat! He does a marvelous job.

  8. Hey Alia, Great Advise, and I understand what You mean about not understanding those who roll out of bed and go running…(?)

    This will be my second visit to Allume. It is my favorite conference so far. Last year I had blogged only about a year, and really didn’t know anyone. Most of my blogging experience was fighting with my blog to make it do what I wanted it to do!

    This year I’m looking forward to being face to face with the friends I have met online. That includes you, Susta!

    • Yes! Cannot wait. I’d only been blogging for about 10 months last year and I made so many wonderful friendships that have just matured throughout this last year.

      It’s so much more fun to connect with people than fight your blog into obedience, isn’t it? I just spent last evening working out glitches. NO fun. 😉

  9. Fabulous post, Alia! Thanks for sharing these tips. Wish I’d read them before my first conference. 🙂

    (And seriously, running, before breakfast?! Or ever?! ;))

    • Or ever. Seriously. More power to you if you do, but me, I’ll be drooling into my pillow.

  10. Alia! I am going to hug your fluffy self and be like an annoying piece of gum stuck to your shoe the whole weekend… I like you THAT much! Best piece on conferences I’ve read yet (and I’m reading a lot of them). So down to earth and real and you are a piece of me.

    • You’re welcome. It’s my hope that women just sink into what God has for them and let all the rest go. I know God is doing some amazing things and believing that and stepping out into it is such an important part. Glad it spoke to you.

  12. Last year was my first year and this advice is spot-on. Love this one especially:
    Believe that the opportunities God has for you are not going to be “missed” because you aren’t on every second.

    • Yes! I have to remind myself of that when I feel like I’m scrambling to do it all in life and at blogging conferences. 😉

  13. Greetings! I have been to three writing/speaking conferences, but, boy, do I have a lot to learn!! 🙂 Alia, your post is 100% on the money. I, too, wish I had gotten this advice before my first conference. My biggest fear has always been that I will miss out on something or someone(s), so I drive myself into the ground trying to meet & greet every person in the hotel. Handing out business cards. Taking business cards. Buying books. Writing down notes until my hand screams at me to “STOP ALREADY!!” I will make sure at Allume this year (my first year at Allume by the way) to follow the Lord’s leading on when to network and when to rest. When to feverishly take notes and when to “chillax” with a cup of coffee. When to stay up laughing until 2:00 am and when to call it a night (or an afternoon for a nap!). I cannot wait to meet you all! Ta-Ta for now!! <

    • Yes! That is so good Lara. It can be a hard balance because you have a limited time and you feel that you want to “get your money’s worth” out of it. After all, you’ve taken off work, or left your children, or traveled but it’s really one of those areas where you’re only going to exhaust yourself and the fruit of that is never all it’s cracked up to be. You get so much more when you follow His lead. Isn’t that what we’re all trying to do in our lives anyhow? Love that you know there can be a time and place for all those things, just not simultaneously. I can’t wait to see how your experience is different with more following and less striving.

  14. Dear Alia,
    Thank you so much for writing this! The part that resonated the most was the sentence
    “Whatever God has given you, you have a gift to share. Go confidently knowing that you are called.” When I read this, I started to cry. I see the pictures of women who have successful blogs and I wonder why in the world I have the audacity to think that I can join this tribe called ‘writers’. But then I read something like this, and God reminds me through those like you who have heeded His calling, that He has called me to this as well. Thank you for the encouragement. Perhaps we’ll run into each other at Allume.

    • Yes! A thousand times Yes! I love that Danielle. If I could tell writers one thing it’s that those lies never just go away with more blog followers or comments or shares or book deals. You will never arrive. And yet, you are called. You are called to share your story and gift. It has little to do with platform or size or even skill. It has everything to do with obedience. So believe it, girl. You are called to write. Don’t ever forget that and don’t let those lies keep you from being faithful. And I’d love to meet you at Allume.

  15. Brand brand new to Allume! And so excited. Would never have even gotten to come had I not had a work committment that same week that flew me to North Carolina. Love these tips, and this perspective. I went to SheSpeaks last summer and it was so overwhelming for me. I’m most delighted about the lower key vibe here just to grow relationships and connect with some amazing bloggy women from around the US.

    • I’ve never been to SheSpeaks but I’ve heard good things about it. There are so many conferences and I’ve been to others that weren’t a great fit for me. The thing I love about Allume is that, deep instead of wide is emphasized. Time in prayer is available and a gorgeous place to do it. There’s a lounge to grab some delicious coffee and chat. It feels like fellowship instead of following. A place to connect to other people and not just brands. I was really blessed last year and I hope you will be as well.

  16. Love this! This is my first blogging conference of hopefully many and as an introvert i’m kinda scared but as a learner excited!

    • I’m an unlikely introvert as well. Most people don’t know I am when meeting me but I am so I totally get it. Make sure you take breaks if you need them.

  17. I am a first timer and as an introvert I am scared out of my wits!! But I also know God’s got this and I feel him leading me to remember to go deep, enjoy each moment and don’t strive for my expectations but to rest in his guidance. I hope I can remember that in the whirlwind of the weekend!

    • If you forget, tweet me and I’ll remind you! There’s no reason to be scared. I’m @aliajoyh on twitter. Seriously. I am an introvert. Went to my first conference solo after 6 weeks of blogging. And it was all God’s peace. Then I went to one where I pushed and strived and had a semi miserable time and left realizing how much I missed. I’ve learned a lot but those 5 things: They are the most important for really getting the most out of what God has for you. And seriously, if it gets all whirlwindy and your hair starts blowing around, tweet me and I’ll come pray with you.

  18. This will be my second time. Last year was about learning more about this new blogging world I had been lovingly coerced into by a dear friend. It was also a chance to make connections with people that I loved online (ahem, I think I attacked you near the elevator). It was surreal at moments when someone much “bigger” was genuinely surprised at finding out who I was when we went around our dinner table – your #5!

    This year I’m getting the sense that my purpose is just to “BE” there. There are speakers and sessions I am so looking forward to, but generally I think it will be more about relationships and conversations that are preordained to happen. I’m starting to get that ramped up anticipation feeling and can’t wait to see what God does there and afterwards.

    Just be prepared to be attacked again the moment I lay eyes on you, precious sister! 🙂

    • Me too. Yes, I think we did some squealing by an elevator if I remember correctly. I’ll all ramped up and ready! Bring it! 😉

  19. First time at a blogging conference and at Allume. I am so glad I waited another year (needed to be in the budget). In that time, I have met and built relationships with other bloggers, some of whom will be at Allume. I am not sure of what the ultimate purpose of my going will be, but what I sense is that it will be about building and deepening relationships. So excited to be there, learning, engaging, encouraging, and hugging!

    • So glad you could make it this year. Yes, that is my absolute favorite part of the conference. Coming away with deeper relationships, both with God and with the others I meet. All the other stuff is a bonus.

  20. After reading this, I wish so much that I could attend Allume. I am praying for next year. Thank you for sharing the realness of all the wonderful women there and encouraging the attendees to be real as well.

    • Beth, I hope you can come some day. It’s a wonderful experience made even more perfect by God’s timing. I love that Allume has such a thriving community even aside from the conference with the blog and the chance to connect through social media. It’s a great way to connect with people you may eventually get the chance to meet in real life should you ever get the opportunity to go to a conference. Hope to see you there one day. 😉

  21. Awww, such truth you’ve written here friend. I am standing and cheering on your words…to trust Him to lead and guide and provide just exactly what we need. And to get to see YOU again, my sweet friend…and so many other heart sisters…I. can. not. wait. xoxo

  22. Total Newbie. First Allume. (First Blogging Conference period!) Thank you so for the encouragement of this post. I’ve been “loosely blogging” for several years but in the last year God has definitely given me a unmistakeable passion for it. I’m excited to see where HE takes it and for how long. Thank you so much, Alia for these kind and honest words. Guess I shouldn’t make that “I have no clue what I’m doing here” Sandwich Board I was preparing to wear. I kid. Really, your words were such a blessing. Hope to see you there!

    • No need for the sandwich board and just think how much easier the packing will be without it. I can’t wait to hear how God meets you. That’s one of the best things, to come home and check out the link up and the blogs and see how God was moving all along. It’s kind of huge and awesome and all things amazing! Hope to see you as well. Sans sandwich board. 😉

  23. Spot on Alia. This will be my second year at Allume. When I came last year I was so unsure but trusting that God has brought me there and that he would bring me through. I can’t tell you how blessed I was from start to finish. The Allume team blessed my socks right off. You can’t help feel welcomed, encouraged and challenged. I prayed before going that God would connect me to at least one other lady and her heart…and he did just that! Deep but not wide, just enough but not overwhelmed. I can’t wait for this year – and wish October was here already. 🙂

    • I love that! I am so glad you went in with that trust. Makes all the difference, doesn’t it? And I love how God orchestrated your path and you got a chance to really connect with someone! Glory!

  24. Alia,
    God has a way of directing the perfect words into my heart and life, and He frequently uses you to do so. Even though I am an introvert at heart, a large part of my DNA is connection and helping others feel welcome and accepted. There are seasons when it is extremely difficult emotionally to do so, and I sometimes put pressure upon myself to be there for others even when I’m having a difficult time keeping my head above water. Thank you for reminding me that it’s okay to not “be on”/myself and to trust God for His purposes. This is my first conference, and I appreciate your encouragement as always.

    Deb Weaver
    thewordweaver.com

    • You’re going to be there? Did I know this???? I’m so excited to meet you in real life. You have been such an encouragement to me on my blog! I so get you, girl. I am totally introverted but I feel that empathy to make sure people don’t feel left out and I sometimes need to remember that’s it’s okay to step away for a bit. I am not the savior of all the lost or lonely people and God does use others to step in and make those connections too. Sometimes I take a bit too much on and I need to remember that I’m just small and He’s big. Cannot wait to meet you! That news made my night!

      • Your sweet response brought joy to me! Thank you! I’m looking forward to meeting you too!

  25. Wise words! Thanks Aiia 🙂 Though not my first conference, this is my first blogging conference, and I’m expecting to be overwhelmed. Hopefully your words in this post will help me keep things in perspective!

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