Go Blog Social // Day One

Go Blog Social at Berg Event Space

Hello, friends! I mentioned yesterday that I needed a little more time to soak in all the awesomeness that was Go Blog Social. I decided to break it up into a few posts for you since there was so much valuable content. I’ve highlighted some of the snippets that really stuck out to me this weekend below.

Building a Following by Jessica Merchant of How Sweet It Is
It was refreshing to hear Jessica say that you shouldn’t force relationships that just aren’t there. You aren’t going to get along with everyone and that’s okay. However, that doesn’t mean you don’t have to be kind to everyone. Nobody likes a beotch. Jessica also talked about how important it is to support each other. A simple click of the “like” button on Facebook can do wonders (in more ways than one). 

Working with Affiliate Marketing by ShareASale’s Sarah Beeskow
“Strive not to be a success, but rather to be of value.” – Albert Einstein. Interesting way to look at things, isn’t it? We are constantly being hammered with the idea of success and what it means. When you are providing valuable content, the success will follow naturally.

How to Create a Media Kit by Kelly Snyder of Kansas City Mamas
After hearing from Kelly, I think it’s about time I do a reader survey. I want to know WHO you are! Are you a blogger, a friend, a far away reader who wants more on certain topics? I can’t wait to get this put together and dig a little deeper.

Photography and Styling 101 by Amanda Marie Lackey
Amanda made it clear that just because I don’t have a DSLR camera doesn’t mean I can’t produce beautiful photos to go along with my content. My goal from now on is to shoot what I love.

She also gave us a list of tools and iPhone editing apps which included Afterlight and VSCO Cam. I’ve been using both apps for quite some time now and I love them! A few others I can’t wait to check out include: 8mm, Over and Squaready

Networking On and Offline by Nicole Regan of Cedar and Rush
After Nicole spoke about networking, I made it a point to introduce myself by saying, “My name is Jessica Zimlich and I blog at 26 and Not Counting,” instead of saying “Hi, I’m Jess.” Nicole also talked about the power of a handwritten thank you. A lot of the information that was presented can be transferred over into everyday life. I strive to do a good job of thanking people, whether I’m thanking someone for a gift, their time or their input, taking the time to write them and let them know they are appreciated can make someone feel so special. Trust me, I know.

Becoming a Brand with Tips on Self-Publishing by Kit Graham of The Kittchen
I found someone who loves grilled cheese even more than I do. Kit wowed the crowd with her delicious cookbook The Gourmet Grilled Cheese. I had no idea so much went into producing a book and it made me wonder, do I have it in me?

Keynote: The Blogging Community by Jessie Artigue of Style & Pepper

Jessie is a breath of fresh air. Her smile is infectious and the positive vibes radiate off of her. She also stressed how important it is to build each other up. Are you noticing a theme here? Even if you aren’t a blogger or small business owner, this is important in everyday life. Positively encouraging friends and other bloggers only makes us all stronger. 
One last thing…get to offline events. Don’t have events where you are located? Create them!
label by five twelve dresses
The conference was backed by some amazing sponsors. Some of my favorites included Label by Five Twelve,  Hello Cheeseburger and Colors Macarons (Shanley and I would have sampled those little bites of heaven all night long if it was socially acceptable).
Hello Cheeseburger statement jewelry
Colors Macarons Kansas City

If you attended the conference, what was your favorite part? I would love to hear what you took away from the event down in the comments below! Didn’t get a chance to attend? Check out #GBS2014 on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

See you back here tomorrow for a recap of day two at Go Blog Social and a peek at some of the amazing people I met!

Leave a Comment

16 Comments

  1. The Adored Life wrote:

    My teachers hammer me with the handwritten thank you card! They would be thrilled to know once again they are being affirmed!

    http://www.theadoredlife.com

    Posted 4.8.14 Reply
  2. LaPetiteFashionista wrote:

    so happy we had the chance to meet at GBS! I agree- my biggest takeaway was to lift eachother up- I love that!!
    xo

    Posted 4.8.14 Reply
  3. sandyalamode wrote:

    love the pics!!!

    xo,
    Sandy
    Sandy a la Mode

    Posted 4.8.14 Reply
  4. So much to do after digging into my GBS notes! I want to go, go, go and get it done ASAP. Especially the work on my media kit, haha.

    Happy Tuesday, dollface. 🙂

    -Ashley
    http://lestylorouge.com

    Posted 4.8.14 Reply
  5. My biggest takeaway was that there is room enough for everyone and we should be helping fellow bloggers, because there is such a thing as blog karma:) Great recap!

    Posted 4.8.14 Reply
  6. Emmie Reine wrote:

    What a lovely recap! I’m working on a “Top 10 Things I Learned at GBS” post and several of the things you mentioned above will definitely appear in my post as well!

    blue11interiors.blogspot.com

    Posted 4.8.14 Reply
  7. Nikki wrote:

    Sounds like a great conference with lots of amazing tips! I love that the emphasis was on supporting each other. I am dying to go to a blog conference!

    Nikki
    thefashionablewife.com

    Posted 4.8.14 Reply
  8. Jen wrote:

    Looks like you had the most amazing weekend and learned a ton of killer info for growing your blog! I couldn’t live without Afterlight, it’s the only app I use to edit my iPhone photos before posting on Instagram!

    xo jen
    Pearls & Lace

    Posted 4.9.14 Reply
  9. Rachel wrote:

    Thank you for sharing your experience! I always thought I needed to take photos with my DSLR, but some of my most popular posts have been ones showing my daily life or reviews of beauty products taking pictures with my IPhone, like my makeup organization! Also, I am totally guilty of not introducing myself properly when networking, saying “Hi I’m Rachel” is just so easy, but let’s be real there are how many Jess-s and Rachels in the world, right? In college I had to learn at events to say my full name with pride, now it is time to say my full name with pride and where I blog with pride! Thanks again for sharing, I feel like I was kind of there with your recap! 🙂

    Posted 4.9.14 Reply
  10. Jessica wrote:

    You definitely should! It was such an amazing experience. I’m already looking forward to next year 🙂

    Posted 4.10.14 Reply
  11. Jessica wrote:

    This makes me so happy! I was hoping the notes I took down would be useful for someone 🙂 Here’s to not being just another Jess or Rachel, we’re owning it!

    Posted 4.10.14 Reply
  12. Jessica wrote:

    It is seriously the best thing that has happened to my Instagram feed haha. I’m so glad you enjoyed my recaps!

    Posted 4.10.14 Reply
  13. Jennica wrote:

    I learned a lot even from just reading your post! Thank you! 🙂

    Posted 6.21.14 Reply
  14. CookinCowgirl wrote:

    So fun to look back and read a little about Go Blog. I’m excited for it again next year.

    Posted 9.6.14 Reply
  15. Jessica wrote:

    I’m excited for it too! I wasn’t able to make it to the meet up and I’m going to miss the next one, too!

    Posted 9.6.14 Reply