Recently I went to a conference. Yep, another one. This one was not the type conference I would normally attend. With a career in the health sector it would be no surprise that the conferences I usually attend are to do with work. Whatever the topic of the day is, to understand the latest research or to hear the latest "expert" from overseas share their pearls of wisdom. However, as I just suggested, this one was not my "usual".
It was a bloggers conference. To date I have not openly referred to myself as a blogger. Sure I have been having a go at “blogging” on this PCH blog for three years (generally, just a lot of ramblings of my random thoughts and a few gems about visiting chefs). I have also had a couple of work related blogs, that have been quite specific. Nevertheless, it was suggested to me that this particular conference may be worthwhile. Given it was suggested by a blogger who I really like to read, I trusted the recommendation.
So along with 699 other people I joined the event. I knew two people there and I recognised lots of other faces and names that I have "met/observed/lurked around” in the social media sphere.
The first morning I felt a tad disconnected, with a sense of not really belonging. I wondered if maybe I was not hanging with the right crowd. The vibe of the forum was different to what I usually experienced. Although feeling very relaxed and unusually calm, I was unusually withdrawn. Not one to be afraid to talk to strangers, I found myself not really engaging in very much dialogue, with anyone (except the two people I knew). I just wandered around checking people out. I even convinced myself at one stage, I was invisible.
However, a really interesting thing happened. I ended up learning and experiencing much more than I realised. It was rather insidious and on reflection, very effective.
Now the key point I want to make here, is that the guy who led, inspired, created and key noted this particular event, posed a question of particular interest. He asked everyone to consider what was the "WHY" that motivated each person to write their blog. He challenged that knowing one's WHY helped to focus content and audience. This appeared to be of particular interest to many there who were wanting to make income from their blog.
I thought about my WHY a lot. I had no idea. Even found myself questioning was blogging just another trend I wanted to be part of?
The other day I woke up to find a message from one of my besties on Facebook. My gorgeous mate Jackie said “Last night, decided on an early night, thought I'd check out your PCH Blog, I had such a good time reading, my early night turned into a late night enjoying such fabulous personable stories - I felt like you were lying next to me chatting, made for very sweet dreams xx”
The light went on for me…so simple…the answer to my WHY is that it keeps me connected.
It doesn't matter who or when any posts are read - the connection is out there to be picked up at any time. Connection with those all round the world who I love, adore and meet through my wonderful, busy and fulfilling life.
DC x
It was a bloggers conference. To date I have not openly referred to myself as a blogger. Sure I have been having a go at “blogging” on this PCH blog for three years (generally, just a lot of ramblings of my random thoughts and a few gems about visiting chefs). I have also had a couple of work related blogs, that have been quite specific. Nevertheless, it was suggested to me that this particular conference may be worthwhile. Given it was suggested by a blogger who I really like to read, I trusted the recommendation.
So along with 699 other people I joined the event. I knew two people there and I recognised lots of other faces and names that I have "met/observed/lurked around” in the social media sphere.
The first morning I felt a tad disconnected, with a sense of not really belonging. I wondered if maybe I was not hanging with the right crowd. The vibe of the forum was different to what I usually experienced. Although feeling very relaxed and unusually calm, I was unusually withdrawn. Not one to be afraid to talk to strangers, I found myself not really engaging in very much dialogue, with anyone (except the two people I knew). I just wandered around checking people out. I even convinced myself at one stage, I was invisible.
However, a really interesting thing happened. I ended up learning and experiencing much more than I realised. It was rather insidious and on reflection, very effective.
Now the key point I want to make here, is that the guy who led, inspired, created and key noted this particular event, posed a question of particular interest. He asked everyone to consider what was the "WHY" that motivated each person to write their blog. He challenged that knowing one's WHY helped to focus content and audience. This appeared to be of particular interest to many there who were wanting to make income from their blog.
I thought about my WHY a lot. I had no idea. Even found myself questioning was blogging just another trend I wanted to be part of?
The other day I woke up to find a message from one of my besties on Facebook. My gorgeous mate Jackie said “Last night, decided on an early night, thought I'd check out your PCH Blog, I had such a good time reading, my early night turned into a late night enjoying such fabulous personable stories - I felt like you were lying next to me chatting, made for very sweet dreams xx”
The light went on for me…so simple…the answer to my WHY is that it keeps me connected.
It doesn't matter who or when any posts are read - the connection is out there to be picked up at any time. Connection with those all round the world who I love, adore and meet through my wonderful, busy and fulfilling life.
DC x
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