#MNBlogConf

This weekend, I spent Saturday in a cooperative workspace with 148 Minnesota bloggers at the first MN Blogger Conference. Being one of the few (maybe the only) blogger writing on leadership, growth and HR, I had ample opportunity be exposed to other blogging topics. Yes, there is blogging beyond HR.

With three keynotes and fifteen breakout sessions, information to suit any topic, style and level of blogging was there for the taking. From generating ad revenue and editing CSS in WordPress to analytics, SEO and finding your authentic voice - there was a session for every interest.

My two favorite sessions were Growing as Writers: taking Your Blog Posts to the Next Level by Kate Hopper, author of Mother Words-Mothers Who Write and How to Get Published: Get a Book Deal Out of Your Blog by Bonnie Harris, founder of Max Marketing, Inc.

Top three take-aways for me:

• I am not a blogger, I am a writer. I am not a blogger, I am a writer, I am not a blogger . . . get the drift?
• PR people and their pitches can be a blogger's best friend. So, to all the pitches I ignored . . .
• Analytics matter, links matter and @adamsinger has got this SEO stuff down cold.

Ok, here's a fourth take away. Blogs are cool but it's really all about the people. Look them in the eye and it all takes on a new meaning. Here are three "sets of eyes" that left an immediate impression with me.

• I recently started reading The Extraordinary Ordinary. This weekend, I met Heather, the author, and heard her speak. Talk about an amazing woman, a gentle spirit, a strong soul. I will read her writing with a whole new level of meaning (and understanding) for me.
• Another person behind the blog I met was Judy, a strong woman - with presence, who is my daily, caffeinated, up to the minute, "source for crazy things" at Just JudyJudyJudy. Subscribe. Now.
• A new person, and blog, to me is Jennifer at Prior Fat Girl. You can't be in the same room with Jennifer and not want to know more about her. She's fun, she glows and she's real. A blog I am adding to the reader because of the person.

So, before I go, I have to mention that I did a video interview at the conference. David Erickson asked me, I said yes. After escaping and avoiding these video things for the longest time, this time I didn't. Why?

It was time to just own it and do it. 

It is what it is and now I have that behind me. Phew.  

Wonderful organizers, fun attendees and very knowledgeable, helpful presenters and generous sponsors. Looking forward to the second MN Bloggers Conference.

Cheers to the MN blogging community! 

Comments

[Ben Eubanks]

I love talking and writing about blogging, but I know that most of my audience really doesn't care. :-) I have considered just having a separate place where I can share blogging tips, advice, etc., but with my time as limited as it is right now, that's not a viable option.

I love hearing about bloggers meeting in person. That was a big part of the first HRevolution!

[Lisa Rosendahl]

Ben, trust me, it will get easier in terms of time . I am with you on the separate space for writing. I am looking to carve out more time to write - not HR, not leadership, not growth . . .just words. Now, not sure where I'll carve it out of but it will be done :)

[Heather of the EO]

Oh wow, thank you so much. Really. I'm all speechless and stuff (rare). (:

I loved this conference and hope to see all of you MORE.

Peace.

[Missy of The Marketing Mama]

Lisa - so great to meet you at the conference. Please tell your daughter that I loved your shirt. :)

Glad to hear all the awesome things you learned at the conference. VERY cool that you were interviewed - had fun watching.

p.s. the official attendee count is 148. :)

[Staffing Consultant]

As a consultant I find that my feeble attempts at writing help crystalize my communicaitons with clients generally. Your blog has been a great example of how it should be done.

[Kimberly Moritz]

Absolutely OUTSTANDING interview, loved it (and thanks for the shout out). We have to continue to think about how to expand our writing into a professional venue. I've got a book idea, but I'm not sure if it's relevant and original enough to warrant reading. Going to start writing and see where it takes me. Miss you. . . was good to see you again in this interview. ---the College Roomie

[Kate Hopper]

Lisa, so wonderful to meet you on Saturday, and thank you for your kind words about my session! I loved your interview, and I can't wait to check out Raising Tara!

Best,
Kate

[Lisa Rosendahl]

Heather yes, I hope to see more of you too. I'll be reading along with you in the mean time.

Missy, great to meet you too. The shirt was ok, heavy in the beads (kept drooping on me) but fun! You're doing great things and I plan to stay in touch with the community. Sat was fun.

Staffing consultant thank you, it's been a gradual learning process - but isn't it always?

Kim, writing professionally, yes - I'm working on it on this end too. I'll miss you in NY but we'll have to make time to get together. Tarah's beautiful and you've got to meet her again.

Kate, I was looking through your Loft classes and am going to see if there are sessions I can make it down. I'd love to learn from you.

[Sharlyn Lauby]

Great post Lisa. I found myself in the same place after BlogHer. It's very energizing to talk with other bloggers about their writing.

[Josh Braaten]

Hi Lisa,
Great recap here. The biggest takeaway for me is the whole blogger/writer thing. It kind of leaves me with a greater sense of obligation to do something great for my readership. Being a "writer" implies quality or something. What did it mean to you?