ProBlogger was an amazing event where I learned lots. And probably could have learned lots more had I not been quite so over whelmed by the amount of information that was pumped out in two days.
There were times I just went and hid in a corner because the noise was deafening and the feeling of not knowing many people was just too over whelming for me. I knew that I didn't do social situations very well (and have since realised that this is something that has slowly deteriorated over time because I never used to be this bad) but I never realised just exactly how inept I was at dealing with meeting new people - or even talking to people that I have met once or twice ! I felt more comfortable sitting, playing on my phone in the corner charging my iPad that I never used !!
The speakers were amazing. They had so much information and they were all happy to answer any questions that were thrown at them. A wide range of topics were covered and sometimes it was really difficult to know which of the three streams to pick because I always felt like I was missing out on something by not going to others !!! Thankfully the virtual ticket allows me to watch the sessions I couldn't get to although (a) I still have to find out exactly how to watch them and (b) find the time to watch them.
The other information I received was from JF Gibson who is offering a Social Media Audit Spring Special for $49.95. I received 3.5 pages of informative feedback on my blog and the social media platforms that I am using. I have these printed out and will work my way through her suggestions as I can. They all make total sense and she has given me some direction which I was badly in need of. If you are wanting more information on this, I really recommend getting in touch with Jodi and taking her up on the spring special. (Please note - this is not sponsored. I didn't receive a discount for posting this. I wanted to share it because it is really informative and I can see the benefit to me of following her suggestions.)
So, with this information overload, I'm guessing it will be a while between posts as I try to digest it all and get my blog going in the right direction for both myself and my readers.
It's Tuesday which means it's time to join in with Jess from Essentially Jess for #IBOT. Why not join in if you haven't joined already ?
Have a fantastic week !
TFTD : I like the dreams of the future better than the history of the past - Patrick Henry
Ha - the iphone has become the salvation of the socially inept! I love in House of Cards, he says to his wife 'I'm going outside to pretend to talk to my phone' - I thought 'must remember that - good trick!'.
ReplyDeleteI think you did swimmingly, and I still don't get your anxiety as you are very much the popular kid that everyone knows!
LOL - yes, my phone was definitely my salvation !!!
DeleteI'm not sure if you will have the same idea of me once you have met me - will be interesting to see if you do !!!!
Have a great week.
Me
awwww M! I am sorry that you found yourself feeling overwhelmed and having to shy away. I think even being the crazy hyper loud person I am, I might have found myself in the same sitch!
ReplyDeleteThe social media audit sounds pretty awesome, i will be looking into this.
Looking forward to seeing what you ahve planned for your space
xx
Thanks M - I definitely think that Jodi has great suggestions for me and those changes will hopefully make my SM/blog a little bit more connected.
DeleteHave a great day !
Me
Sounds like you have a lot to think about! I think anyone would be overwhelmed their first time in a situation like that. I'm sure you did just fine. xo Aroha
ReplyDeleteLOL - I survived so that was the main thing !!!!
DeleteHave the best day !
Me
Oh hun,I'm sure you weren't the only one who was overwhelmed, it must have been exciting, but chaotic.
ReplyDeleteI'm interested in seeing what Jodi is doing, will have to look into it.
Take care sweet, will definitely catch up soon. xx
No, I'm sure I wasn't the only one even though I felt like it at times !!!
DeleteJodi is great - definitely look her up.
Have a great day !
Me
Sounds like a great event, maybe I'll make it next year. Hope you sift your way through the information overload x
ReplyDeleteYes, it just takes time !!! But A is going away again next week and K will be in NZ so I should have plenty of that !
DeleteHave a great day !
Me
I like the sound of that social media audit! Might have to get in touch with Jodi. And I think you should be proud of yourself for getting amongst it and putting yourself in the situation to start with! I can't wait to watch or hear all the virtual sessions I missed, just to find the time. Em xx
ReplyDeleteYes, I can't wait to watch the virtual sessions I missed too !
DeleteHave a great day !
Me
I don't think you were alone. I wasn't able to attend this one, but remember having the same feelings at a previous blogger conference. I tend to be pretty good with one on one conversations, but it's joining groups that I find more difficult.
ReplyDeleteI am very thankful for my iPhone. It has been my salvation on many occasions :)
Yes, mobile phones, while they can be annoying, can also help heaps in situations like that !!!
DeleteHave the best day !
Me
Oh thank you so much for the mention! It was an absolute pleasure helping you out and I can't wait to see your journey as you move forward.
ReplyDeleteIt's funny, I posted today about not attending PB. How you describe yourself above is exactly how I would have felt. Congrats, you though for pushing yourself out of your comfort zone. x
You are most welcome - I really appreciated what you did for my blog / SM platforms !
DeleteHave a great day !
Me
It was so loud and overwhelming, I escaped to my room a few times because it was so crazy. It was so lovely to meet you and I don't think that you aer socially inept at all, you are a joy. Kind and thoughtful! That social media audit sounds great!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad we got to meet as well !! I didn't realise you had escaped to your room - the corner worked just as well for me - LOL !!
DeleteHave a great day !
Me
Yes, I can only imagine the noise and chaos of problogger. I'd be hiding in the corner too. Sounds like you learnt a lot though. Thanks for sharing the recommendation too.
ReplyDeleteI did learn a lot which was good even though I went there mainly to meet just a couple of bloggers IRL !!!
DeleteHave a great day !
Me
Wish I'd been there and said g'day and enjoyed a quiet natter... next year. Great idea to slow the blog down to implement some changes... I've decided to take two weeks off whilst the kids are on school holidays.. and then maybe just post 2 x a week in Nov whilst I do some stuff on the read end of the blog. Good plan.
ReplyDeleteLOL - we may have to catch up somewhere outside of PB - not sure I will be going to any more !!!!
DeleteSo glad to hear you are taking some time off - I am sure that it will do you the world of good.
Have the best day !
Me
I hate missing out on any of the information at these things as well!
ReplyDeleteI would love to go to pro blogger next year. I think I'll have to make it my goal
Thank goodness for the virtual sessions they sent us - now to find the time to sit down and watch them !!!
DeleteHave a wonderful day !
Me
ooh thanks for reminding me of Jodi's offer - I would have desperately loved to go to Problogger - so entirely and utterly jealous of your experience (and would have been so incredible to meet you in person as well) think we would have had an incredible chinwag over some of those cocktails. x
ReplyDeleteFor sure !!!!
DeleteHave a great day !
Me
I'm hoping to get to a blogging conference next year - it would be awesome to finally meet you in person! Also, thanks for the tip for the social media audit - I probably need to look into this myself, just to identify where I should be utilising my limited time instead of trying (and failing) to do it all!
ReplyDeleteI think it is good value for money - I certainly felt like I got my money's worth from what Jodi recommended - now to find the time to put it all into action !!!
DeleteI would love to meet you too - it just probably won't be at a PB event !!!
Have the best day !
Me
I think I might take up that offer, I am sure she does NZ. I would love some direction. Just got to get through the twins 18th birthday next week :)
ReplyDeleteGood luck on getting through the 18th birthday celebrations. We have A's 50th tomorrow - then nothing until Christmas - and we are going out on Chirstmas Eve and that is it - nothing but our normal food on Christmas Day !!!
DeleteHave the best day !
Me
I saw you from a distance a few times but there were so many people between us like a sea. I mostly picked sessions I was happy with, but a few were disappointing and I can't wait to check out the ones I missed that I heard were great!! Xxx
ReplyDeleteThat is exactly what it felt like - a sea of people - all talking at once !!!!
DeleteI am hoping to be able to watch some of the sessions I missed next week once A is away again.
Have a great time camping and take care !
Me
You did so very well and I'm sorry I couldn't find you more often to catch up and help you feel less overwhelmed (as I did at times). I think I'm more extroverted but the conference was pretty full-on! Let's stop to compare notes and just chat - I'm keen whenever you are.
ReplyDeleteIt would be great to catch up in some quiet !!! Will be in touch sometime after next week - A leaves sometime during the week.
DeleteHave the best weekend !
Me
Wish I'd been there too! Sometimes "knowing" so many people is pretty scary too. So pleased you went and got lots out of it.
ReplyDeleteThanks Lee - I certainly did get lots out of it (and not all of it was bad !!!!)
Deletehave a great day !
Me
At least you were there. I'm sure that you learnt lots and with some new direction you will keep on improving. That 'noise' can be hard sometimes, but hopefuly next time you'll know you have already been there done that and be able to take in more.
ReplyDeleteLOL - I don't know if I will be brave enough to do it again - but, you never know !!!
DeleteHave the best week !
Me
I think it's just absolutely great that you took your courage and showed up at the conference!
ReplyDeleteThanks Rita - sometimes it's like that - fake it until you make it (or run away !!!)
DeleteHave a great day !
Me
It was information overload at the conference and now I'm overwhelmed applying all I learned to my blog. It's hard going to a conference and not knowing everyone or trying to work out if you know them from the blogosphere! It's working your wobbly courage. ;)
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely - information overload - my head was buzzing with stuff for ages after I left there. Yes, definitely my wobbly courage came into play !
DeleteHave a great day !
Me
Glad you got a lot out of Pro Blogger. Looking forward to seeing what you come up with!
ReplyDeleteThanks Francesca - have the best weekend !
DeleteMe
Sounds like you got something out of it even thou you were out of your comfort zone. Well done.
ReplyDeleteThanks Jen !
DeleteHave a great day !
Me
I would live to go to Problogger - it always sounds so inspiring. Might have to dust off the old blog so I have an excuse to go :)
ReplyDeleteHello from #teamIBOT
LOL - it certainly is an experience you won't forget in a hurry !!!
DeleteHave a great day !
Me
You know one of the riskiest things we ever do is meet knew people. Don't be too hard on yourself, it's really overwhelming, that coupled with information overload I'm surprised u can write about it already, would love to hear yr tips on yr website review ... Can u do mine? Hehe kimx
ReplyDeleteLOL - I'm not sure that I have any experience in advising anyone on the website but I can recommend Jodi - she did a great job with mine !!!
DeleteHave the best week !
Me
I think you are so brave going to Problogger. If I was there I would be in the corner with you on my iphone, or maybe we'd escape for a few quiet drinks elsewhere. Jodi's audit does sound very tempting ...
ReplyDeleteThat sounds like a great plan - escape together and have a quiet chinwag over some drinks !!!
DeleteJodi's audit is definitely worthwhile and, I think, good value for money.
Have a great day and I hope that you are settling into part time work life without too many troubles.
Me
One of the joys of working from home is that I dedicated Monday morning to going through my notes from #PBEvent and digesting it all, checking out websites, etc. :-)
ReplyDeleteIt was a HUGE weekend hey? Bit of a blur really. It's the largest conference I've ever been to and yes, overwhelming - maybe they need to start breaking it up into two conferences instead, held on consecutive weeks ...
Definitely a huge weekend ! I think the problem with putting it on over two weeks is that people fly from around the country so it isn't really cost effective for them to have it over two weekends but it would certainly be easier to digest all the info that way !!
DeleteHave a great weekend !
Me
So glad you went! I remember hanging out at the charging table for one of those bloggy events earlier this year. This one sounded great. X
ReplyDeleteLOL - I think the corner suited me better !!!! It was good - just a little (okay a lot !) over whelming !
DeleteHave the best week !
Me
Frankly I think anyone who isn't a bit overwhelmed in a situation like that is a bit borderline sociopathic! LOL. As I've said before I am an extrovert but get really nervous about things like that. Reallllly nervous and shy!
ReplyDeleteLOL - it's hard to imagine an extrovert being nervous and shy !!!! But then nobody thinks that I am shy and nervous which always makes me laugh.
DeleteHave the best week !
Me
If I ever get to a #PBEvent and you are there, we should hang out. Peas in a pod! I never used to be like I am now either but can't cope with alot of noise, brain needs quiet time to absorb alot of info, and socialising with ALOT of people = rapid drain of energy. Most people don't notice t his stuff though as I can talk and fake extroversion (that sounds rude doesn't it LOL) xo
ReplyDeleteFor sure we can hang out - especially because you know where I am coming from !!!!
DeleteNo, it definitely doesnt' sound rude - just sounds like you are good at covering up how nervous you are - I wish I was instead I had to put up with the sweaty palms and underarms !!!!!
Have a great week !
Me
I ran away down to the beach at lunchtime on the first day. I couldn't deal with the noise and awkwardness any more! So I totally get the way you felt overwhelmed :) It was a great event for learning though wasn't it?
ReplyDeleteI've managed to listen to two sessions on virtual pass and boy it really feels like I'm squeezing some good value out of my ticket price. Making the time to sit and listen is so hard though!