photo credit: shashiBellamkonda
If you read my very excited post a couple of weeks ago, you know that I got to go to SOBCon08, a conference for business bloggers. This was my first time going to a blogging conference, let alone a professional business function. I definitely felt like I was waaaay out of my league very quickly.

However.

The people I met were just wonderful, and on top of that the speakers had quite a bit of wisdom to share that I appreciated tremendously. I wanted to share some of my experience with you, and decided to put a parenting spin on things, since this is-after all-a parenting blog. Ready? Here goes.

Anita Bruzzese was the first speaker. She reminded us that we need to be sure of the source and credibility of information, be fair in our dealings, and humble when we make mistakes.

Brian Clark told us that we need to be clear about our business. My children benefit when I’m clear and up front about Hubby’s and my role as the parents and leaders in the home. When we take the responsibility and control, we create a safe place for our children to grow and prosper.

Lorelle VanFossen wanted us to define and clarify our purpose. Have you ever thought about that? What’s your purpose in parenting? If you want bonus points with Lorelle, be able to state that purpose in ten words or less.

Chris Garrett spoke about getting more bang from your blog. Specifically, he asked us to focus on the processes and to consider both what we do and how we do it. Taking some time to consider how I respond to the boys and over what issues is a good thing.

David Bullock taught that we should have an action plan. I can agree with that! As a parent, I need to take my purpose and process and put them together into a plan.

Next up, Chris Brogan. An expert in telecommunications and social media, Chris told us that home is where you should focus on conversations that build trust. Make people feel they are part of a special community. Without trust, community dies. Don’t wreck trust.

Liz Strauss emphasized the importance of being thankful for every individual we meet, regardless of how nice (or not nice) they may be. She told us to always find a way to say Thank You.

Wendy Piersall was the final speaker on Saturday. She shared a quote I hadn’t heard before (attributed to Nelson Mandela or Marianne Williamson).

We ask ourselves, who am I to be talented, gorgeous, and exceptional? Who are you NOT to be that? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world.

I have to be honest, this one hit me hard. From both the business blogging and parenting perspectives, why can’t I succeed? I told my friend Naomi that really what it comes down to is this: I have to decide whether I’m going to be beautiful and fabulous or not. And you know what? I’m choosing fabulous. I’m not going to be perfect, and there will be mistakes but that doesn’t have to stop me from being terrific.

I can’t finish writing about the conference without saying just a bit about some of the people I met who touched my heart. Thanks to (more…)