I’m really torn right now :: I want to be super present in the sessions at Healthy Living Summit and throughout the event but I want to share what I’m learning with all of you. So I am going to share some of the awesome lessons and tidbits of knowledge that I’m learning throughout the weekend:
1. We’re all in the same boat
Last night at the cocktail party I was really really nervous. Honestly it felt like the first day of high school all over again – I didn’t really know anyone and was a bit overwhelmed. It felt like everyone already knew each other and I was completely out of place. That only lasted a few minutes though… I quickly found out that everyone was extremely friendly, down to Earth and excited to meet new people. Now I feel like I’m part of the community and that’s a really wonderful feeling.
For bloggers :: Last night I was surrounded by some of the “biggest” healthy living bloggers and I was happily surprised to find out that they were nervous too. I forgot that they were in a new city and meeting new people – just like me. It’s easy to start thinking of the “founding” bloggers as celebrities but honestly we’re all in the same boat. We’re all passionate about healthy living and blogging! So remember, you’re just as cool, valuable and awesome as the other bloggers in the room. Be confident and remember – you rock too!
2. Open up and really connect with others
When you’re meeting new people it’s easy to stick to the surface and stay light with your conversations but you don’t have to. After a couple minutes I find that sticking to the normal topics (location, profession and blog) I want to know more about the person in front of me. What do they like to do in their free time, what are their greatest passions, are they running a race soon, do they do a lot of traveling, what are their goals? By taking that conversation a step further I usually find out that we have a lot in common and rather than just being acquaintances we’ve become friends and hopefully will stay connected.
For bloggers :: You can gain readership, build relationships with brands and make really great connections by simply being yourself. Let go of the idea that you need to blog a certain way or write about specific things or have a certain background or hobby. If you love Shark Week then talk about that because you know what, a lot of people love it too and will appreciate your articles and posts! It’s NOT about fitting into a cookie cutter mold. It’s about ::
Letting your personality shine and sharing your own passions, hobbies and interests.
3. Authenticity is the way to go
Have you ever been talking to someone and they say something like “I love Coconut Water”, and you’re so caught up in the convo that you agree BUT you actually hate coconut water? I do this sometimes and then I kick myself because I’m not being truthful and now this person thinks I love coconut water. We all do this because subconsciously we want to fit in – it’s part of living in a society – but you don’t have to tell these little white lies to have people like you. I know we don’t mean to but we do it nonetheless.
Going to the Healthy Living Summit reminded me that by sticking to my true, authentic values I’m creating honest and deep connections rather than getting swept up in the trends and opinions around me.
For bloggers :: If a brand reaches out to you and you don’t like their products (like coconut water) don’t agree to a product review. Work with brands and companies that you believe in and that you enjoy. Stay authentic to yourself rather than trying to be someone you’re not.
PS – I’m having the best time this weekend at Healthy Living Summit! It’s been fabulous and I can’t wait to write up a full re-cap next week.
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