When I found out that I won the contest for free tickets to Type-A Parent Conference I was super excited and then it hit me; what will I learn at this conference? Will anyone there really have a similar mindset as me? Will I be able to come out of my “shy at first” shell and network at all? The answer to these questions were most certainly YES!
First off, I think just about everyone at Type-A had a common interest; blogging and learning how to move forward with it in a way to either make money or be more productive about blogging. Some are interested in product reviews, some are interested in newsletters or marketing ideas while others are looking into the idea of allowing Dad bloggers into our “parent” bloggers community.
I truly think that the overall message I walked away from Type-A Con with is; “To be who you are. To love who you are. Allow who you are to succeed in your own way while learning from others without jealousy”. The whole concept that is in my mind right now is that I should look to others as a guidance and not think to be like them, but to push myself to be the best I can be. We are not all the same, what makes us different is what allows us to succeed at our own pace and in our own way.
Even @mommadjane and I, who usually consider outselves best friends much like sisters move forward in a different way. We have different mindsets on how to network and connect with others. I can’t speak for her, but for me I am the more funny, smile and laughing kind of networking person. I want to be real, I want to make them see I am professional but I am fun too. The most money I made and the most productive I have been in my life with online work and outside of home work is to have a little comic relief or a friendly smile.
If anything I walked away from Type-A Parent Conference with more confidence in being who I am online and knowing that that is all I need to be. The right opportunities and the right positions for jobs will come my way if I simply continue to be ME. Sure, who I am may not work for everyone but if that doesn’t work for THEM, then so be it. I am who I am. I can only be me. Please remember to just be yourself, online and offline … you are unique and amazing!
What have you learned recently that was mind or eye opening? Maybe even jaw dropping?
Fantastic post! I think it’s really important to realize our goals need to be individual and we really can’t be anyone other than ourselves. It was refreshing to hear so many people echo your sentiments last week.
This is a great post. You captured what I felt going in to the conference – I too have a “shy at first” shell until I feel more comfortable and then I’m pretty open and can be myself. I kind of hovered around the edges at this conference, getting my feet wet. I went to a number of the sessions and hope to be able to engage more confidently at the next conference I attend.
I love this: “To be who you are. To love who you are. Allow who you are to succeed in your own way while learning from others without jealousy.” Very wise.