IF NOT NOW, WHEN?
The words are small, but they pack a punch. They were laid out in front of us while while the gals from Ampersand Design Studio wrapped up the Go Blog Social event on Sunday evening and I’ve been fixated on them ever since.
I was blown away by how in sync and captivating Morgan and Carrie were together – right down to their outfits (if this isn’t on brand, I don’t know what is). Their story is one of celebration that gives hope to creatives that life is what you make of it.
IF YOU DON’T ASK, THE ANSWER IS ALWAYS NO. – NORA ROBERTS
They’ve collaborated with some of the best of the best, from West Elm to The Land of Nod and most of the time, their success stemmed from a simple ask. It’s hard for large companies to seem relatable and often times that’s where blogs come in. If working with brands to create something great is your thing and you want to talk collaborations, just ask.
CHALLENGE YOURSELF TO LOOK AT YOUR ENVIRONMENT IN A NEW WAY.
We also had the pleasure of hearing from Tobe Reed of Because It’s Awesome (her One Room Challenge posts always leave me amazed) and the key takeaway for me was the statement above. I’ll be the first to admit that I find my current living environment less than stimulating. It’s an apartment, after all. But I think it boils down to the fact that I haven’t taken the time to let my mind wander and explore the possibilities that a few simple tweaks could make. If only I had Tobe’s expertise on my side!
WE NEED TO BE ABLE TO STOP PEOPLE IN THEIR TRACKS.
Have you heard of The Object Enthusiast? Emily is a ceramicist and Instagram extraordinaire and she’s built an extremely engaged and loyal following. Ultimately, she has created a platform to show her followers how her pieces can be implemented into every day life which is genius.
When it comes to Instagram, and social media in general, we’re up against people with very little time on their hands and we need to be able to stop them in their tracks and engage. Otherwise, people are going to mindlessly scroll over our hard work and let’s be honest, nobody wants that!
DON’T SEARCH FOR A VOICE THAT IS ANYTHING OTHER THAN YOUR OWN.
Strong content on Instagram is more than just a good photo. It’s a good image, the appropriate use of hashtags and a compelling caption spoken in a genuine voice. I think this tidbit about “finding your voice” can be carried over into blogging, too.
Bonus photography tip: Wipe off the camera lens on your phone before you snap a photo – so easy, but I’ll admit it has never even crossed my mind!
The highlight of my day was catching up with some of my favorite people and meeting new faces from near and far. I’m looking forward to even more networking at the two-day Go Blog Social conference happening in April! Annnd I won a photo styling challenge that Emily put on and got to take home one of her ceramic planters – day. made.
HAVE YOU ATTENDED A BLOG CONFERENCE OR WORKSHOP? WHAT WAS YOUR BIGGEST TAKEAWAY?
See my recaps from Go Blog Social 2014 here, here and here.
I’ll be back tomorrow with an update on the reader survey I had you all take the week before last and I’ve got some exciting news to share with you all on Thursday!!
This has me itching to go to a conference!! They are so fun and inspiring. Can’t wait for tomorrow and Thursday’s posts!!!
Annie
You can always come visit me in KC for the two day event in April 😉
I’ve never been to a blog conference, but this makes me want to go to one!! Can’t wait to hear the exciting news on Thursday!
Thanks for sharing these takeaway points! I’ve been dying to attend one of their workshops and now I’m really hoping they come back this year! Thanks for the tips in the meantime:)
Of course! They’re hosting a two day event down here in KC in April…it will probably be warmer than Chicgo 😉 A nice little getaway…haha have I sold ya yet?
Great recap of the inspirational points from Sunday! It was so great to spend the day with you! I am certainly feeling very motivated to change things. Can’t wait to hear your news Thursday…
Elle
It was great hanging with you too!!
Great recap, Jess!! It was inspiring just to be around creative types. It was fun hanging out with you:)
I loved seeing you and I’m so so excited for you. I smile just thinking about it!
Love this recap girl! Blogging conferences are the best at re-inspiring you and motivating you to push yourself.
Amen, sista!
These were some of my favorites too! Looking forward to exciting news 🙂
Since I missed GBS this year, this was a great recap and some super awesome advice too!
I’m glad you found it helpful!! Will you be at the event in April here in Kansas City? 🙂
Unfortunately not this year, but I’ll be looking forward to another one of your recaps!
I want to go to a conference so bad. I’m thinking of going to the influence conference in September.
What great advice! Morgan and Carrie spoke at the first GBS conference and they were fantastic then too! Really wish I could have gone but definitely plan on making it to at least one this year.
Annica
http://www.lifemodifier.com
Awwww, I SO wanted to go to this – but I couldn’t swing the travel for the one day 🙁 BUT, hopefully I’ll be at the 3 day one coming up so soon! We need to be reunited! xx
I would love nothing more than to see you in April!! Keep me posted 🙂 I wish I had more than a couch to offer up! haha
Love the Blog and the GBS Recap!
Thanks so much! It was great meeting you 🙂
This looks like a great event! http://www.velvetcrate.com
Sounds like fun! I wish there were more blogging conferences around me.
I’ve had my eye on a few bigger ones, but they’re so expensive! Hope you’re having a great weekend 🙂