ELENA PETERS | MIDLIFE BLOGGER

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When you are a blogger, it can feel like you are all alone most of the time. Especially if blogging is a full-time career for you like it is for me. Connecting online and in person with other bloggers is like creating a virtual water cooler at your workplace, which is in the comfort of your own home!

The difference is you get to choose who you let come around and partake. And just like in real life, finding your work BFF or in this case, your blogger BFF makes blogging much more fun and worthwhile.
But before I get into why you need to get one, let’s explore one way you can connect with and possibly find your blogging BFF.

Attend A Blogging Conference!

If you have been following me on Instagram this past month, you will already know that I was vacationing in the UK. I timed this getaway around a blogging conference held in London called the Blogger’s Bash. It was a chance for me to meet in person, blogger’s that I already follow and find some new gems to connect with.

The Blogger’s Bash was founded by Sacha Black and is held yearly. I have attended other blogging events and in comparison, this one is very casual and welcoming. There is a lot of time to chat and mingle and everyone is super friendly.

You want proof? Here it is! Thank you to Hugh from Hugh’s Views and News for making sure he included everyone in this video. I tried to hide but he found me. Bear in mind, some bloggers had already started celebrating their wins. wink wink.

A huge part of the Blogger’s Bash is the awards and I must say that nominees take it very seriously and consider it a huge honour to win. You do not have to attend to participate and this year there were over 6,000 votes cast! That is amazing.

This year, there were two speakers followed by a panel discussion.
The first one up was Suzie of SuzieSpeaks and she did a fabulous job explaining how you can make money with your blog. She has now followed up with a blog post and you can read it here.

However, what you will have missed by not attending is the Q & A. Many attendees took advantage of this opportunity to ask a seasoned and successful blogger like Suzie questions about how she runs her blogging business.

Next up was, drumroll…me! And of course I took this opportunity to talk about my favourite social media platform, Pinterest. Specifically, I discussed ways to use Pinterest to increase your blog traffic. I went through my no-no list and then covered techniques and strategies everyone can implement. I hope to transfer my notes to a blog post soon and will link it here when done.

The panel discussion featured Suzie, Christoph Fischer and myself. It was moderated by Ali and everyone had an opportunity to ask a question or respond to an inquiry.

Overall, I believe that everyone was able to take away some new bit of knowledge and a huge dose of inspiration to help grow their blog. Next year’s bash is set for June 9th.

A blogging conference is fantastic opportunity to learn some new skills through workshops and practice our social skills. In layman’s terms, put a zipper on my potty mouth. And get dressed up. Seriously. I spend my days in pajamas so this gave me an excuse to do my hair and makeup and look presentable. I don’t know how I did it when I worked full-time in a regular job.

Here’s the proof. Looking all purdy with my blogging BFF Suzie.
 

 
I strongly recommend you attend at least one blogging conference in your lifetime and if you are an anxious or nervous person, choose a smaller event that won’t be too over-whelming for you. You won’t regret it.
Now…

7 Reasons Why You Need A Blogger BFF

1. A true blogger BFF will always tell you the truth, especially when your post sucks.
I see a lot of ass-kissing in blogger groups and communities. And while I believe that every writer has the right to say whatever they want, however they want on their own blogs, when someone asks for honest feedback, they deserve to get it. The problem is that no one wants to hurt anyone’s feelings so the replies bloggers get are rarely helpful. I mean, who wants to tell the truth to someone they don’t know when you don’t know how they will take negative criticism.

But your bloggy BFF will know how to give it to you straight without you having a major breakdown. And usually without you having to ask for it. Lol

2. They will expect the same honesty in return and not take it personally.
You know when people ask your opinion but you know they just want you to say that it’s all good? Like when someone gets a bad haircut? Well your blogging BFF wants you to tell the truth because they value and admire your work. They know that you are not trying to hurt them but make their writing and blog better.

3.  A true blogger BFF does not play games.
There are so many cliques in blogging that sometimes I feel like I am back in high school. And worse, you see people sidle up to others for the purpose of advancing themselves and not because they wish to form a true relationship.

If my blogging BFF shares my work today, great. If not, oh well. My feelings won’t be hurt. I will do what I can to promote them, regardless of what they did for me. And vice versa.

No score counting. No hurt feelings. No secret agendas.

We also will come right out and tell the other, “I need this promoted today or can you do this or that.” And it will be done. Immediately.

Conversely, “No, I can’t or won’t.” is an acceptable response.

It’s truly refreshing to have an open, honest relationship.

4. You can tell them anything and it won’t go anywhere.
Sometimes you just need to rant and fume. About blogging, a group, or sometimes, someone in particular. With your blogging BFF, it’s in the vault. It will never go any further or be used to harm you in the future. You can get it all out and then move on.

5. A true blogger BFF has your back and will fight for you.
Lord help the person that does your blogger BFF wrong! Little do they know that they are up against two. You are a team. A force. And together you stand against all threats.

Sometimes it’s as subtle as a list and sometimes it’s speaking out. However you need them, your blogging BFF will step up.

6. They have high standards and will raise your game.
All this honesty is intentional. There is no jealousy or envy. You are proud of your blogging BFF and you want them to be proud of you. You want each other to succeed and by discussing and critiquing, you better each other’s work.

You push them to be better and you also push yourself to improve. You may not have done that on your own but as part of a team, you strive harder, reach higher and explore further.

7. A true blogger BFF understands you have a real life too.
I know it feels like blogging is your whole life sometimes. I know you can become overwhelmed and stressed and that you need to take breaks. Your blogging BFF also knows that. You talk about more than blogging. They know all about your family and your job. They know everything you juggle and every demon you have to tackle.

They understand that you are there for each other to relieve the pressure, not add more. So when you can’t talk, or don’t write, they know you need space. And that you will keep each other updated and that you will get back to your normal soon.

Having a blogger BFF can totally change your game. I know it has mine. I probably would have given up on blogging by now. But I didn’t. Because of them. I’m expressing that as a good thing…today. lol

Now go. Go find yours.

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