I know some of you have been waiting anxiously keen to hear all about the inaugural Pop Up Blog Zone which was held at Loganholme, on Brisbane’s southside, on the weekend.
It’s no secret that I really hoped it would go well and potentially be the first of many – with Pop Up Blog Zones popping up across south east Queensland in 2018, and world domination to follow soon after that …
So how did it go?!
I’ll be honest – there weren’t quite the numbers I’d hoped for but I decided to go ahead regardless, and I’m really glad I did. I had a great time, I *think* the participants did, and there was a lot of learning – not least of which was what *I* learned, as the host and speaker!
12 Things I learned at the Pop Up Blog Zone:
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- It’s okay to suck (I don’t think I did!) or to fail (some might think only having 5 bookings is a failure). Nothing ventured, nothing gained …
- You don’t need a lot of people for an event to be ‘special’.
- Even an “oldbie” can learn something from “newbies”. It doesn’t matter how long you’ve been doing something there is always more you can learn. And, newbies bring a fresh perspective which can be a real gift.
- Just because I love blogging doesn’t mean it’s for everyone. Don’t blog just because “they” say you should, as a business, an author, or whatever. Blogging is a waste of time if you don’t have a clear purpose – even if it is just for your own fun and enjoyment.
- 99% of us don’t find fame or fortune as bloggers and never will – and that’s okay. There is such a thing as hearing too many ‘success stories’ and finding them depressing!
- You never know the impact you have on somebody’s life. I first met one of the attendees at a writer’s group 20 years ago, shortly after I had the epiphany that not only could I write, but people would pay me to do it – and apparently my passion and enthusiasm made a huge impression on her even then (seems I haven’t changed!).
- One hour is too long for my talk/presentation. I’d like to cut it back a bit, and add in a few more questions and interactive moments.
- Mastermind sessions are incredibly valuable – the power of a group brainstorming on your behalf! I now have an idea for the e-book I’d like to create as the opt-in for the MAM email list – just need to find the time to put it together, LOL.
- It’s a lot harder to get the word out about an event when you don’t have an organisation like your local library behind it (the same event last year had 35 attendees, with many being turned away during the last day or two beforehand).
- No matter how hard you promote an event, there will always be people getting in touch with you straight afterwards saying, “if only I knew about it beforehand”!
- Having a booklet for each attendee rather than using a Powerpoint was brilliant especially for a smaller group. It’s something they can take home and refer to, or take notes on during the session.
- Allow plenty of time to set up the space, as your phone will go NUTS in the hour before the event starts!
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I know some of you might be wondering at the pineapple/tropical theme. No particular reason behind it, that was just what came together (hooray for Kmart)!
With all the excitement of the first Pop Up Blog Zone now over, the pineapples have decided to hang out for a while at my house …
Sorry you didn’t get the numbers you hoped, but I’m sure those there got more out of it because of that.
Oh and I HATE powerpoint presentations. Even if I have to do one I print them and give them to people rather than flick through slides, so I like that idea of handing them out.
I think you’re right Deb. I’ve asked each participant to give me a couple of dot points of what they felt they got out of it and I’ve been blown away by their responses – hope to collate them in a blog post soon!
My husband does a lot of presenting and his pet hate is people reading from a Power Point presentation – he says it should speak for itself while you speak naturally around it – sounds like your booklet would be the perfect answer. Shame you didn’t get more attendees – maybe you’ll need to use the library again next time! Also loved how honest you were in your wrap up.
Yes I hate that too – I can read for myself thank you very much!
I’m so sorry I couldn’t make it Janet as it looks like loads of fun and lots of information – which I could use. Everyone looks like that had a great time and I know it can be discouraging when numbers aren’t up to expectation, however, I think timing is an issue. Once November hits everyone goes crazy and thinks they ‘don’t have time’ for anything because of Christmas! I’d love to join the next one.
We missed you Sue but I know what you mean about the silly season! You never know I might still do one on the Gold Coast next year …
Love the pineapple theme and photos : )
Yes, booklets are a great idea (I’m someone who learns best from taking notes while I listen)
I’m sure those attending got lots out of it and small groups can be more interactive.
Good on you for going ahead.
Yes, it was fun and more relaxed I think.
That’s a shame Janet. I would have loved to come along but my life has been frantic at present. I hope that I can come to another one in the near future.
Welllll I am thinking of doing one on the GC next year …
That looks like so much fun. When it comes to the attendees, think quality not quantity!
Absolutely Sammie! It was a great bunch!