I have seen lot of tweet responses on Twitter, in reply to open invite blogger events. Many on the comments below are bloggers who are nervous and anxious about going to such events, but at the same time is eager to meet new bloggers and people they have been talking to for a long time. I can relate, because I was once like many of you. Hid behind a screen, replying, liking and retweeting Twitter posts and scrolling through Instagram, in hope to meet your blogger idol one day.
I’m going to share my story with you all, from how I went from a timid, shy and nervous blogger into the social butterfly (as many people refer to me as) that I am today.
My first piece of is advice is do to things that scare you. Life is too short to be living within a bubble of comfort and not being able to explore what you really want to. If an invite to a blogger meet up or event comes along, without hesitation, say you’ll attend (providing you’re actually free that day!). I am sure there are many people who are in the same position as you, so you won’t be in it alone.
If you do happen to be going to an event, tweet about it. You will be surprised about how many other bloggers you follow might be attending the same event. Gives you a chance to have a chat over social media before hand, secure a meeting place and going to the event together – having somebody there with you and a new friend too!
Going to events and meets up also broadens your chances of seeing people you met before again. I’ve been to countless events where I see the same people often. You eventually grow a better friendship and bond with particular people too.
I remember my first event was at a Bloggers Love event. Nervous as anything I had seen a tweet from Emma who blogs at EmsyPickle asking if anyone was going, I rapidly replied with a yes and we arranged a meeting place near the event and spend the evening as one another’s support. She was the first blogger I ever met too. Even today, three years later, I still see Emma at events.
Don’t be afraid to reach out to bloggers either. I’m a huge fan of meeting up one-on-one with other bloggers, having a chat over coffee or lunch. You build a better relationship with liked minded people in person but also manage to share a few tips and advice with one another. Win-win!
Sometimes it also takes some initiative to take matters into your own hands. There were quite a few bloggers that I was desperate to meet for a long time, so whilst the weather was still warm I managed to throw together a London bloggers picnic. I invited bloggers I wanted to meet and bloggers I had already met to a location in St. James’ Park. Everyone brought one or two food items and we all had a lovely afternoon together, easy and cheap.
When you become more of a social blogger and get more event invites, be sure to take your not so social blogger friends as your plus ones and be their support in getting themselves out there a bit more.
Most of all, don’t be afraid to do it. Once you have, you will feel unstoppable and will want to do it over again. Networking is my favourite part about blogging, so don’t miss out on the other fun parts of writing a blog.
That’s my story. All these tips i’m sharing with you has got me from a nervous wreck in to a fun loving networking geek.
Until next time…
i’m new to the world of blogging so i haven’t yet met up with any fellow bloggers but this advice helped a lot. we cant live our lives in fear! haha// ▲ conundrumofcoitus.com ▲
You’re right – sometimes you have have to get out there & do this! I hope we make the picnic an annual thing!
I agree, sometimes you have to step out of your comfort zone but I’ve met so many wonderful friends through blogging.
This is great advice! For me it’s figuring out when you’ve crossed over from being online friends to IRL friends. Maybe I just put too much significance on the word friend! x
I love this whole post! I had a similar experience being nervous to meet bloggers in real life, but everyone turned out to be amazing!
Kosta // Cool Gear Cavalier
This is so lovely Aftab and you’re right, never be shy to reach out to those you’d like to talk to! 🙂 Still regret not being able to attend the picnic and hopefully there’ll be another this summer! xx
Tamsin / A Certain Adventure
“If you do happen to be going to an event, tweet about it.” This is the best advice ever – it’s how May and I met! x
This is great advice- I’m only sad I started my blog so soon before leaving to travel the world! BUT, when I’m back I’m all in! (Hopefully in time for the next picnic!)
http://www.flashandfrugal.com
xxx