If there was an overarching theme for me at Problogger 2016, it was “keeping it real”.
Other attendees might have a different take on it, but this was the message that I received loud and clear – and it really resonated with me.
Blog conferences sometimes leave me feeling depressed and overwhelmed. Everybody else seems to have such ginormous followings, with success after success, on a constant upward trajectory to the bigger and better.
It just isn’t something that I, as a blogger or as a person, can relate to.
This time, it was different. The presenters shared the failures, disappointments and mistakes – as well as the awards, the highlights, the boosts in earnings and recognition. They were Keeping it Real – and I liked it!
Lyndall from Seize the Day Project, Leanne from Deep Fried Fruit,
Deb from Debbish and me 🙂
I also found that the presenters were incredibly generous with their knowledge, especially when it came to sharing practical tools, tips and tactics. I don’t know about you but I’m much more used to others – whether they be bloggers or business professionals – jealously guarding their secrets, so this was a refreshing change.
Keeping it Real When You Blog
From the very first session, I was reminded that keeping it real is what matters in blogging. “Storytelling isn’t about bragging – it’s about sharing the why and how,” said speaker, Brian Fanzo of isocialfanz.com, during his opening keynote session.
Not sure if that’s Brian on stage or not, sorry – keeping it real guys!
He also recommended having a “Stuff I don’t know” page – as well as skiting about what you do know, on your website and blog. Being open and honest like this helps build trust – it’s about keeping it real.
Colin Gray’s session was entitled “Escape the Treadmill: how to create regular (and amazing!) content without killing yourself”. Yet he too emphasised the importance of keeping it real on your blog: “If you show who you really are, quite a few people won’t like you – but quite a lot will” – and they are the ones you want to attract.
Copywriting Workshop
After all, “when you write for everybody, you write for nobody,” said Ed Dale in the copywriting workshop I attended. “Sharing (your) faults, humanises you” – and means that you are keeping it real.
Sharon Gourlay from Travel with Kids, and Digital Nomad Wannabe, shared a brilliant session on Affiliate Marketing. She reminded us that there is no such thing as an overnight success. Although she might be making $25K a month now from her blogs (wow!), she has been running Travel with Kids for 11 years – and it has only been as she has been focusing deliberately on creating an income from her blogs in the last two years, that she has achieved this goal.
It is pretty hard to begrudge the success found by somebody working so hard, and so generously sharing how she has managed to get there!
Keeping It Real by Sharing the Setbacks
One of the highlights for me was hearing Daniel Flynn from Thank You Water on turning stumbling blocks into stepping stones. Daniel received a standing ovation, after sharing how his bottled water business came to be – including numerous setbacks, such as:
- Having an agreement with a big retailer to stock their product – until the category manager changed, and the deal fell through;
- The first batch had misprinted labels so they had to recall the product, a move which has broken bigger and far more established companies;
- When the fledgling company pitched their product to a particular retailer, their product idea was stolen – not only did they not gain a deal, but the retailer rushed through their very own range of bottled water to raise funds for a good cause!
Despite this, Thank You Water has gone on to raise over $4 million for projects to provide clean water in developing countries.
I heard similar stories about the ups and downs of the blogging business from Sam Jockel (Aldi Mum/School Mum), and Mr Problogger himself, Darren Rowse (pictured leading a session, below).
Why does keeping it real work? According to Emily Toxward from Have a Laugh On Me and Write Styling, “blog readers are searching for a connection, not just information”. They want something that’s authentic, they want to see you keeping it real!
With Jess from Peachy Keen Mumma
Problogger 2016: The Closing Session
And finally, I loved Emilie Wapnick’s closing session, because she told us to forget that old chestnut: “choose a niche” for your blog.
She encouraged us to remember that we are all multifaceted individuals (or multipotentialites, which she blogs about at Puttylike). Why shouldn’t our blogs reflect that?
Instead, why not have a common thread, an overarching theme, that brings your blog together? (Of course, this is exactly what I am doing here at Middle Aged Mama – blogging through the lens of a middle aged woman). As Emilie said, “Your personality is the ultimate overarching theme – so put it out there”!
But perhaps the best blogging advice of the whole weekend came from Brian Fanzo, when he explained that the best way to stand out among all the digital noise is to “be the one thing others can’t be – yourself”.
Have you ever been to Problogger or any other blog training or event? Have you ever felt it was all very fake (I know I have) – or were the presenters keeping it real?
Linking with Kylie Purtell for IBOT.
Cate@Life Behind The Purple Door says
so glad to hear there’s hope for me and my 9 year old blog, if I work hard (which I know I haven’t been doing) I’ve really loved the messages I’ve been seeing from everyone coming away from this year’s event, I’ve already booked hubby’s time off for next year!
Janet Camilleri says
It’s more than just working hard though Cate, it’s knowing WHAT to do and then putting it into practice. This year’s conference was awesome, I am so glad I went!
Hugzilla says
OMG OMG I loved Ed Dale so much!! And my other faves were Stacey Roberts, Emily Toxward and Emilie Wapnick. So many highlights! My one lowlight was that I never crossed paths with YOU!
Janet Camilleri says
I know! Such a shame Zilla. Ah well maybe next year?!
Deb @ inner compass designs says
Keeping it real and sharing your story are always underlying my blogging. Great round up.
Janet Camilleri says
Thanks Deb! Me too 🙂
Kirsty @ My Home Truths says
It’s good to know that I’m on the right track with the whole keeping it real thing! Love these messages and takeaways Janet – hoping we can actually meet up again at Problogger one day!!!
Janet Camilleri says
I’m sure we’ll cross paths again at some stage Kirsty. Overall I found this PB to be tremendously encouraging and informative.
Ingrid @ Fabulous and Fun Life says
The conference sounds like it was an amazing experience with so many keeping it real presenters willing to share their journeys and tips. I’m really do need to attend next year!
Janet Camilleri says
This is the 3rd time I’ve been … and the best so far, in my opinion!
Emily says
Great wrap-up post! I liked that message this year. There was still a focus on niche, I thought, so it was refreshing to end with Emilie. Although I felt a little like, instead of embracing nichelessness, she’d turned nichelessness into yet another niche! (And I’m pretty sure that’s Dan Norris on stage.) x
Janet Camilleri says
I think you could be right Emily, I thought it was Dan too but wasn’t sure!
Ness says
Glad you got so much out of the conference. Looks like everyone had a great time and learnt a lot. I have to say if I had a Stuff I Don’t Know page on my blog it would be VERY LONG! Or I could sum it up in one word: EVERYTHING! LOL
Janet Camilleri says
Haha … I’ve actually found this tactic useful in the profile pages I write for the psychologist website I manage. If a psych doesn’t do couples counselling or work with kids, much better to make it obvious to save problems later on!
Lauren says
I saw someone else share that quote “your personality is your overarching theme” and it really resonated with me (now I wasn’t at problogger – just jealous of you all who were there)… so off to read some other links and try and learn a thing or two 🙂
Janet Camilleri says
It *was* an amazing conference, but I’m sure you’ll get almost as much out of reading all the blog posts that come out of it 😉
Rachel says
So nice to finally meet you face to face, even if it was only for 30 seconds!! I did feel there was a level of authenticity there this year – speakers very happy to share their failures along with their successes, and I’ve come away with some very useful tools. Em Toxward and Ed Dale were my faves :).
Janet Camilleri says
HI Rachel, yes I was very glad to meet you too, us TeamIBOTers need to stick together LOL!
JF Gibson says
Fantastic wrap up. I like how problogger has evolved from being purely about stats and monetization. Keeping it real is the number one prerequisite why I keep coming back to blogs I love. So, here’s to keep on keeping it real I say!
Janet Camilleri says
It was a fantastic combination of both Jodi, which is what I loved about it. I’m looking forward to doing bigger and better things with my blog and my business, as a result 🙂
Vanessa says
I don’t think presenters were fake previous years, but there was that slightly guarded feeling. Maybe because this year there seemed to be less about working with brands – contacts are closely guarded secrets sometimes?
Janet Camilleri says
Yes perhaps “fake” was the wrong word. Closely guarded secrets describes it much better Vanessa!
Melinda says
Thanks for the recap for the nonPBers. Sounds like it was pretty awesome if not as ‘high energy’ as last year. So glad it was useful for you 🙂
Janet Camilleri says
It was great Melinda 🙂
Deborah says
Great summary Janet and I agree with you. The speakers most definitely skipped the bullsh*t and told it how it was, and encouraged us to do the same.
It was lovely getting to spend some time with you!
Deb
Janet Camilleri says
Deb, hanging with you and Leanne was probably one of the best things about my entire PB experience. So nice to find my tribe in the blogging world at long last. I used to feel like a kid with my nose pressed up against the window of a candy shop looking at all the other wonderful bloggy friendships and wondering if I would ever have any? And now I do!
Bec Senyard says
This is such a great wrap up post Janet. So glad to see you again too. I got the same messages too and walked away from the conference less overwhelmed but more determined to get to work on things I have been avoiding.
Janet Camilleri says
I have already tackled quite a few things on my action list, so fair to say this year’s #PBEvent has had a lasting impact on me and my blog!
Renee Wilson says
Oh I love those last two messages, especially your personality being the niche. Great way to look at it!
Janet Camilleri says
I missed seeing you there though Renee x
Sarah says
It certainly was nice to hear about people sharing their challenges and failures instead of just their wins for once! I agree it was a very “real” conference! I had a ball and it was great to see/meet you 🙂
Kathy Marris says
I have been waiting for someone to blog about Problogger since I missed it! Sounds like it was worthwhile attending. I’m glad they were a little more down to earth with their advice for bloggers instead of it being a “bragfest” of all the successful blogs. Thanks for the overview. 🙂
Janet Camilleri says
My pleasure Kathy x
Denyse Whelan Blogs says
That sounds like a much more relaxed, realistic and great sounding ProBlogger. I really enjoyed seeing you all on IG too. Great wrap up for me too!
Sarah @sarahdipity says
Some great little gems in there. From someone who couldn’t go, thanks for sharing
Robyna | the Mummy and the Minx says
Loving reading the problogger posts. Seems this year was less gloss and more grit. Good to know and hopefully how it may continue next year.
Janet Camilleri says
Yes I hope so too Robyna; I would love more of the same!
Maria Parenti-Baldey says
Wow. That must have been amazing. So much to think about.
Janet Camilleri says
I know, I still feel like my head is ready to explode!
Melissa says
What a great wrap up post! I agree this conference felt different from other ones I’ve attended, and you’re right: we hear so much about the successes and wins, and forget that behind all of that shine is a tonne of failures and hard work.
Toni {Finding Myself Young} says
It seems {from various wrap ups I’ve read} that this year Problogger was very different to last year. To me last year was all about ‘here are all the rules you must follow to be a successful blogger and if you don’t follow them you won’t be successful’, but this year seems to be very much about going your own way and following your own path which I think a lot of bloggers have been doing the last few months. I’m hoping to go next year albeit with a very small child attached to me.
Janet Camilleri says
Yes this year was the best by far of the 3 I’ve been to. Part of it is that I’m in a better headspace, but it also had a much more relaxed and inclusive vibe this year. The babies at this year’s event were spoiled rotten as I’m sure yours will be next year – plus babies make great ice breakers!
Kathy says
Good to read your roundup Janet – sorry I missed PB and you this year. I think its great how you show that middle aged women have diverse interests – its more about an attitude of joyfully combining experience with a stay-young perspective.
Janet Camilleri says
I think you would have loved it this year Kathy, but you have lots of other exciting things happening instead x
Ashlea | Glamour Coastal Living | says
It looks like such a great weekend – lots to learn and so many lovely people to meet! Wish I could have been there. I love the story of Thank You Water, so brilliant. How inspiring!! Great roundup of the event 🙂
Janet Camilleri says
Thanks Ashlea!
Veggie Mama says
I love nothing better than keeping it real! I’m so glad you had such a good time at pbevent. Here’s to blogging! xo
Leanne @ Deep Fried Fruit says
Keeping it real! That’s the perfect summary.
Soooo happy to meet you IRL Janet. I feel like we’re besties!
Janet Camilleri says
Me too Leanne. So happy to have found my tribe!!!! x
Clare says
“Keeping it real” and “being your self” I like it. This sounds achievable. I have been too scared / overwhelmed to go to a problogger event thus far. Maybe next year will be my brave year (who knows!?). But I enjoyed reading your recap. thanks….. I might buy a virtual eticket 🙂
Janet Camilleri says
Clare, I hope you get a chance to go coz you will never regret it x
Helen K says
Great wrap up! I’m still getting my head around what I learned too – plus keeping track of who I met – but for me it was one of the best things I’ve done. So nice to read the other reviews too x
Janet Camilleri says
Yes I’m really enjoying catching up on all the post #PBEvent posts too Helen 🙂
Brian Fanzo says
Love the recap and yes KEEP IT REAL… thanks for the kind words and the mention and I’m so glad you took away what I believe has been my secret to success… always finding ways to #BeYouRself
Janet Camilleri says
Brian!!!! I am honoured that you have taken the time to pop in, visit and comment on my little corner of the blogosphere! Thanks for your part in making #PBEvent so REAL!
Shari from GoodFoodWeek says
So many people are still preaching “choose a niche” for your blog, so it’s nice to hear that it is not the be all end all. GoodFoodWeek started in 2008 as a way of sharing recipes with uni friends and family who were spread near and far. It has evolved over the years to contain my ramblings as I’ve searched for a house, planned the perfect veggie patch, stumbled through farmer’s markets with my eye half open (because you need to be there at 6am to get the fresh eggs), had babies, gathered family and friends around a shared table, laughed out loud and enjoyed life to the fullest!
I hope that I might be able to make ProBlogger next year to meet all these amazing bloggers in real life. Shame I was too pregnant to fly this year 🙁
Janet Camilleri says
Fingers crossed for next year Shari! Off to stalk your blog now – it sounds right up my alley!
Fairlie says
I didn’t make it there this year, so I’ve really enjoyed reading your round-up of the event. ‘Keeping it real’ sounds like a theme I would have really enjoyed and quite different from last year.
Janet Camilleri says
I skipped last year, and from what I’ve heard if I had to miss a year, I’m glad that was it!
Seana Smith says
Love it! Wish I’d been there. When is the damn audio coming out??!!
My Hello Sydney Kids is so so so so factual…. aarrghhhh…. but I think it needs to be… good figures but fairly low visible engagement…. hmmm….
I have a plan for another grown up blog for my post-kids years and am storing away lots of nuggets for that.
Janet Camilleri says
Seana I heard the audio should be ready by mid this week. I’d say I can’t wait but I’m snowed under with work at the moment so won’t get a chance to listen to any for a while now!
Nina | Nutrition Milk Bar says
Loved reading your highlights Janet. I was a big fan of Ed Dale’s copywriting session too. Hands on, practical sessions always resonate with me. Can’t believe it is already a week since we were there!
Janet Camilleri says
I know right! What was your one thing? I am already working hard on mine – getting my SEO certification!!!
Bronnie - Maid In Australia says
I love this recap – particularly the part about not having to choose a niche! That’s me! Sorry I missed it.
Janet Camilleri says
You could always buy a virtual ticket – or just keep reading all the blogs about it – and you’ll get most of the gist of it I’m sure!
Emily Toxward says
Holy crap Brian commented on your post!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You’ve made it – ha ha
But seriously thanks for coming to my session and for asking a question. I got a lot out of it this year, but as usual it’s finding time (and money) to commit.
xxx
Janet Camilleri says
I loved your answer Em, it is something I have really struggled with. And you did a fab job!!!
Sharon says
Hi Janet, I’m so glad that you found my session useful. For me the thing that has stuck in my head since the conference is to take imperfect action. It’s something I can find difficult to do as I am a perfectionist but with a new baby, it’s the only way I can get anything done!! I’ve repeated in my head a lot over the last month and it’s helped.
Janet Camilleri says
Hi Sharon! I’m chuffed you have stopped by my blog 🙂 . I really wanted to go to your table talk at PBEvent, but when I rocked up at the tables at lunch on Saturday the helpers looked at me blankly and had no idea what I was talking about. I thought I must have muddled the days up, and it had happened the day before so let it go … but I checked when I got home and it was definitely Saturday! Wish I’d persevered and found you!!!!