I am not sure how one can be so extremely and completely exhausted, and so fulfilled at the same time.
Let’s just say I am both. To the max. But, in a good exhausted and fulfilled to the max kind of way.
You see…I am freshly home from Raleigh and the
Southern Bloggers Conference.
The Hubbs drove up yesterday to Raleigh so we could enjoy a day at the NC State Fair today, because being on my feet non-stop and experiencing about 3 hours of sleep a night since Thursday wasn’t quite enough. 🙂
LOVED the State Fair. The NC Farmer’s daughter in me loves all of the flowers and animals and agricultural displays. It brings back so many memories of growing up on an agricultural farm.
(more on that later) Oh and the Hot Dogs and Fresh Roasted Corn on the Cob ain’t too bad either. 🙂
No, no fried Oreos for me.
But, if I LOVED the State Fair – I LOVED, LOVED, LOVED the Conference.
(was that enough LOVED’s?)
I promise to not overwhelm you on Blog pics, as I know there will be plenty of other Bloggers sharing their stories and experiences. At least I hope they do, since I had hardly any time to take pics.
Rather, I thought I would share the Conference with you in another way.
Insight.
While I can’t give you a play-by-play action of every detail…
~ such as the fact that Amy from Atta Girl Says took break dancing classes and knows how to do the worm. (and I heard “may” have proved that she had this knowledge in someone’s hotel room)
~ such as Vinegar and Salt Popcorn is the BOMB!
~ such as Kari from Thistlewood Farm taught me how I can get my own source of “confidence.”
~ and finally, that every time I am around Rhoda at Southern Hospitality, I love her more and more.
I thought I would impart with you some of the knowledge that was passed on at the Conference which will allow you to also, build a better blog.
You see, as I walked around during the lunch – (sponsored by Hometalk. Thanks everyone at Hometalk!) – many Bloggers kept saying it was great info but it was overwhelming. Keep in mind, many of the Attendees were new Bloggers, newer Bloggers, or soon to be Bloggers. For almost 2/3 of the Attendees, this was their very first Blog Conference.
I totally understood how they were feeling.
Overwhelmed.
A bit frustrated.
Totally confused.
I felt this same way when I attended Haven in Atlanta back in June. My first Blogging Conference.
So much good info. But where to start? How to take it all in and assimilate it to its best advantage.
Well, let’s take it slowly and build up. For the next few weeks, I am going to share with you a few tips I learned from Haven, and some of this great advice was also reiterated at the Southern Bloggers Conference.
Tip Number One: A Projects Page
When I came back from Haven, I knew that to make sense of all the info I had collected in my itty, bitty brain – I would have to start slowly and implement as much as I could – one idea at a time.
Everyone stressed the importance of a
Projects Page. Well, I didn’t know exactly why it was so important (like I do now) – but what I do know is it’s one of my TOP THREE PAGES.
A Projects Page allows your friends to access all some of your best blog posts and projects on one easy page. Now if you are on WordPress, I hear there is an awesome widget you can use to build a Projects Page. But, for us Blogger.com users – we are not yet quite so lucky.
But, there’s an easy fix.
Simply create a “Linky Party” but make it a private page where only you can access it and add pics along. (Make the end date something like 20 years from now.) 🙂 This is all something you can set up when you are setting up the party page on Linky Tools.
Consider it a Party for One. But not one of those sad Party for One’s where no one comes to the party and you find yourself sitting there, alone with a cake and empty punch cups and a vacant Gift Table. Oh no, no, no. Trust me, the gifts will come – but in the form of visits. Lots and lots of visits.
Because on your Projects Page, you can show off projects such as the ones above and also like…
and…
How-To” with pics Tute. What say you?
Kerry Rossow says
YAY! I gave up on the “project page” when I didn’t see a blogger widget. THANK YOU so much for this! I will give it the old college try this week. “Party for one, party for one.”
View CommentHaven was also my first bloggy conference and I was so nervous and my head is still spinning.
THANK YOU!
Kerry at HouseTalkN
Heidi @ Decor & More says
Can’t wait to hear more about the conference — I’ve been working on my Projects page, but it’s ongoing! Thanks for sharing ~ xo Heidi
View CommentRobin says
WHAT???? I missed Amy doing the worm? I am so upset! LOL
Thank you so much for posting this info! I have been completely overwhelmed today trying to implement some of the things I learned this weekend. This information helps a lot!
View CommentEclectically Vintage says
The conference was amazing – and seeing Amy do the worm was a definite highlight!
Projects pages are so important – and if you’re on WordPress (like I am) you can use a simple plug-in!
Here’s to everyone showing off their projects!
View CommentKelly
Kim @ Savvy Southern Style says
I had the best best time this weekend and did not get to tell you bye! Can’t wait to see you again soon I hope.
View CommentJane@Cottage at the Crossroads says
Barb, I had a fabulous time at the conference and I was delighted to meet you. Leo put up a post with pics. This is such a great idea for a series. I put a recipe page on our blog but I’ve yet to do projects. It’s on my to-do list.
View CommentAlycia Nichols says
I’m so glad so many had a ball at the conference! That’s the kind of conference one doesn’t mind attending at all!!!! Much better than a medical conference for sure! 🙂 I’m looking forward to all the forthcoming ideas from you and the other attendees!
View CommentShenita @ Embellishments by SLR says
Barb, I’m so glad that you had a great time! I’m sure that you have so many great tips to share!
View CommentMarty Walden says
Thank you again for all your hard work. I am not a new blogger but I am new to the conference. I was tickled that I knew as much as I did because I’ve been researching for 6 long months. One itty bitty to do at a time. Now for a projects page. Love the post.
View CommentKim@todayismysome-day says
thanks so much for sharing your experience and breaking things down in this way. I enjoyed everything at the conference, but I was indeed overwhelmed. I know I can do a projects page with the linky party for one 🙂 Thanks for explaining this.
View CommentAtta Girl Amy says
Barb, this series is a great idea. I thought about breaking out my notes today to tackle the big ol’ to-do list I had after the conference, but I was still tired. So I vegged on the couch and watched HGTV and Dr. Phil and nursed those bruises I got after doing the worm!
I’m going to work on a projects page, too, and my breakdancing skills!
And if you’re throwing a party for one, I think it’s going to be a blast. You put together a great conference. I’m glad to call you a friend.
That was my biggest takeaway from the conference — new friends, from near and far. I know we’re all going to keep in touch.
View CommentKathy @ Creative Home Expressions says
I think that’s a great idea and a great tip, Barb! I think it will also make it easier for me to find certain projects when I’m looking for those past posts.
View CommentShelia says
Hi Barb! Oh, I’m so glad you had a great time at the conference. I’ve never been but hear they are so fun. I love the idea of a projects page. I’ve used the Linky thing for a few kitchen parties and after you’ve used it, I think 2 or 3 times, it’s not free any more. Or it wasn’t the last time I checked. So if I made a projects page I’d have to pay a little bit to use the Linky. Waaaa!
View CommentBe a sweetie,
Shelia 😉
Shirley@Housepitality Designs says
Great, great idea….looking forward to the new series!..You do great tutorials!…Now, do ya think that Amy could do a tutorial on the worm!!!
View CommentHouse on the Way says
Do you happen to know the name of the widget or plug in for wordpress users?
View CommentBeth@WelcomeLaneDesigns.com says
Barb, what a great post! Thanks so much for all your help this weekend. It was great meeting you and knowing you are just up the road! You guys did an awesome job with our first conference and I can’t wait till next year. Talk with you soon.
View CommentBarbara Bussey {The Treasured Home} says
Amy…or any of us…doing “the worm” would be a sight to behold. I want to know about the confidence tip! I have way too many irons in the fire right now and am with you on no sleep and feeling overwhelmed! So much to be thankful for…just have to focus on that!!!
View CommentGreat job at SBC!,
XO…
thistlewoodfarm says
Barb,
It was amazing! Really! The conference was such a dream come true. And I truly appreciate all the hard work and effort it took to pull it off!
Thanks rock star!
karianne
PS Great tip!
View CommentRamblings of a Southern Girl ~ Rhonda G says
Again, Barb, the conference was so VERY amazing! I have to admit, it was overwhelming, but after a long nap Sunday, and a deep breath, I’m taking all I learned and moving forth, even if it takes a while! 🙂 No stress!
Already looking forward to next year! Thanks for all your hard work and dedication!
And Thanks for the tut on the projects page with the linky…that’s on my list too! Oh me, where to start! 🙂
View CommentBecca says
Thank you again for all of your hard work that you put into the conference. It was amazing … I loved meeting you … and, I look forward to next year! And, thank you for posting this! I’m still with Blogger, too … can’t wait to add my Projects Page … I appreciate your fabulous tutorial!
View CommentDee @ A Lapin Life says
I’d love to learn more! I need to make a project page 🙂
View CommentRita May says
yes! more please!
View CommentSuzy says
Great idea for a series, Barb. I look forward to more! I think a step-by-step tutorial for using Linky to do a project page would be a great idea. It took me a while to figure it out the first time that I used it. Loved working with you putting together the conference. Can’t wait for 2013!
View CommentTammy Partin Spangler says
Thank you so much for the great tip!!! I’ve wondered how to get it set up like that…now I know….LINKY!!!
View CommentCustom Comforts says
Thank you for the idea, but I have to admit I might need a tutorial to set up a project page. Let me know if you plan to do one, so I can follow along step by step.
View CommentCindy
CK Mangold says
Thank you so much! I am off to work on a projects page now. I can’t wait to hear more about the conference. I would love to be able to attend one but so far it just hasn’t worked out. Thanks again! 🙂
View CommentKaren Hilburn says
Barb, First let me say thank you for hosting the conference. I was one of the new bloggers in attendance that afterwards felt a little (a lot) overwhelmed by all the info, however, since reading your post I believe I can create a project page. I will let you know! Thanks again I loved the conference.
View CommentKaren @ asouthernblossom.blogspot.com
Pamela says
Barbara can’t wait for more of your info posts with tips you learned!:)
View CommentCasandra says
Saw your post at SSS and I am a new blogger. Thanks for educating those of us who can’t attend conferences. Yes, I would definitely be interested in a tutorial. I appreciate you sharing and inspiring others!
View Comment