Why in the world would a business search engine optimization (SEO) coach, strategist and consultant go to BlogHer 2012 in New York City? I mean, what could she possibly learn from a bunch of woman bloggers that are mostly moms and run baby blogs? Shouldn’t she be going to one of those big expensive search engine marketing conferences where it’s all technical and leader-driven?
These are just 3 of the questions that my business network has proposed to me over the last few weeks – after I told them that I was excited to be going to BlogHer 2012 New York City. And, honestly, I couldn’t help but laugh out loud in front of them. I know it’s a bit rude to laugh at another person but, in my defense, they caught me off-guard.
There is only one answer to these questions and I had, erroneously, thought it was clear to everyone why I would go to an all-woman conference that is gauged towards bloggers who are passionate, fun, and speak from the heart. The answer: it’s a conference for human beings that engage with other human beings online!
While I’m sure that the SEO conferences are all great, I’ve just never had the inclination to go, pay thousands of dollars and hear someone tell me all the wonderful things I already know about search engines, digital marketing and optimizaing online brands. I’ve been in 15 for over 15 years, own 4 online gift retail shops and have been providing SEO, social media and online brand marketing for over 7 years to clients that range from a dog trainer to a few Fortune 50 companies. When I need updated SEO or online information, I have my sources – some I already pay for but most are free. I just take that information and combine it with my innate skill for online marketing to provide my clients with the best service possible. No need to pay thousands of dollars to someone else so he or she can tell me how he or she thinks it should be done. My happy clients, from across the globe, show me that daily.
So, back to why I’m going to BlogHer 2012.
I’m going to people watch and help those people while learning from other people’s real-life experiences with their online businesses and blogs. I want to hear what works or what’s not working for them. I want to know their online successes and frustrations in order to be a better coach, consultant, strategist and human being to my clients and business peers.
I’m also going in order to see how I can help the attendees between sessions and during meals – just as I had done at Spark & Hustle Chicago 2011. (During that event, I helped others during breaks and over lunch with their SEO and online business questions. I love helping others succeed and these opportunities allow me to truly engage with those that have the spark and just need guidance.)
I want to feed off the passion and knowledge during the awesome BlogHer’12 speaking events so that I can bring the fresh news and information back to my network and clients through my free newsletter, speaking engagements and professional coaching program.
I go to be informed. I go to get my creative juices flowing. I go to eat myself silly on New York bagels, pizza and black/white cookies. (Remember, I’m a native New Yorker – born, bred and raised on Long Island. You couldn’t expect me to be all business and no food, could you?)
But, most of all I am going for the human engagement, the relationships and increasing the knowledge and skills I bring to you all. That is what Human SEOtm is all about – the relationships and understanding of your target niche or market online. How can you be successful if you don’t put yourself out there for the world to know, like and trust? Successful businesses and blogs are built on these factors and I see BlogHer 2012 New York containing all those and more.
That, my friends, is why I’m going to BlogHer 2012 in New York City and I hope to see you there!
Are you going to BlogHer’12 in New York City? If so, leave a comment below as to why you wouldn’t miss this event. I’d love to connect!
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