5 Tips for Creatives from #GBSxCHI

Funny story. In 2012, I attended a networking event for influencers in Kansas City. An unfamiliar girl approached me and we began to chat about our backgrounds, interests and goals. The conversation turned into a coffee date and after our second meeting, we decided to combine forces and create a business together. Crazy, right? 

Almost four years later and that business has turned into Go Blog Social, LLC. Together, we host 3+ workshops and conference experiences each year, run an online blog network and collaborate with a variety of local to national brands on their influencer campaigns. All of this from a coffee date.

Two weeks ago, our team (which also includes Katelyn & Sam) hosted our 6th conference - and second in Chicago. It was an incredible experience from the insightful speaker presentations, intimate networking opportunities, and of course, incredible gift bags! Each event, I tell myself that there is no way that any conference could possibly be better. But it always is.

I was able to soak in a bit of information from our speakers this year and wanted to share the top 5 things that I learned during the conference.

1. If you want it, you have to ask for it. I guess I learned this lesson the hard way, but it still a nice reminder and one that I believe everyone needs to hear from time to time. Many of our speakers experienced roadblocks in their business or blog career, but continued to keep pushing. If you don't ask for something that you want, how will you get it? The answer is: you won't (unless you get lucky). Don't rely on luck for your future. You need to go out there and ask for what you want and prove that you deserve. 

2. Focus on growing together. You can't always do it all by yourself. Again, I learned this the hard way. I once believed that I was the only person that could help me reach my goals. Not the case. It takes support, assistance and sometimes asking for help from someone that can get the job done better than you can. 

3. Keep it short, sweet and straight to the point. Not everyone will understand who you are and what you do right off the bat. It's up to you to have a clear and consistent 'elevator pitch' that you can share while networking, pitching brands or simply introducing yourself to others.

4. Surround yourself with people that are smarter than you. It's not all about you. Your tribe is your vibe and you have to be aware of the type of people you are connected with. Are they supporters, believers and motivators for your brand? It's also important to keep your crew diverse. Expand your circle to include creatives outside of your industry or speciality. Watch as you learn more from their backgrounds, experiences and areas of expertise.

5. Trust your gut. Listen to that little voice inside telling you when something does or doesn't feel right. Let your intuition guide you. Say 'yes' to the opportunities that feel right to you. Sometimes you have to take others input for what it is and just go with your instinct. 

Thank you so much to everyone that attended, participated in and supported Go Blog Social's Chicago conference at City View Loft Chicago this year! It was so fun to connect with you.