Yesterday was my first day at the Affiliate Summit East and I’m excited to be attending IzeaFest in October and any other conferences there may be coming up next. I wandered into the Meet Market alone, afraid and unsure. I had to use my scooter because I was unable to to walk well. This caused me to be not at eye level with the people around me and either in a traffic jam or causing one.
After a while though, I lost the butterflies in my tummy and started to introduce myself to lots of new people. I handed out my business cards, and networked with other bloggers and affiliate marketers. When I met Murray Newlands, I felt a lot better. I was able to thank him for the contest he ran and which this blog won, that allowed me to attend the Summit. Soon after, I met HeatherinBC, CorrinRenee and Laurie_Pooh.
Meeting people IRL, helped me settle my nerves down, but more importantly, it made the Summit even more fun for me. Knowing people online for a while and then having the time to hang out with them, get to know them better and laugh, makes blogging even more positive for me, if possible.
I’m learning new ways to monetize my blogs through affiliate marketing. With the contacts I’ve met, I have a new “arsenal” at my hands.
WOW that is wonderful I can’t wait to go to my very first conference too.
come on by for a visit
.-= Night Owl mama´s last blog ..3 year olds Imagination: Bugsby Great Race Adventures On the Moon =-.
It’s so cool that you got to go, and I know exactly what you mean about being nervous! I went to Wordcamp Dallas alone and some of the time I was really happy and upbeat, and some of the time – I was really nervous, quiet and shy. Crowds can definitely get overwhelming. I’m about to go to another workshop this weekend (NAMS) and I think maybe I’ll be too busy learning and working there to be shy. We’ll see. Ha!
.-= Lisa Marie Mary´s last blog ..Jill Bolte Taylor Gave One Of My Favorite TED Talks =-.
Good for you, Connie!
.-= Creative Junkie´s last blog ..It’s like brain yahtzee on crack =-.
That is a great experience, congrats on winning!
Will you be sharing what you learned from the conference on your blog?
Hi Connie! I absolutely adore your blog! I’ll be moving back to New Port Richey in just a few days! Great to see that there is such another kick butt and take charge femme blogger in the area! I also plan on attending Izeafest as well!
Im adding you to my blogroll at Destructo Deviations! 
.-= Miss Destructo´s last blog ..Where were you during the Twitterpocalypse? =-.
Conferences are great, but the initial stepping out of your comfort zone can be hard. I’m glad you learned lots and met great people.
.-= Paula@Organizing Tips 4 Moms´s last blog ..School Tips from a Teacher =-.
you lucky girl! To experience a conference sounds exciting.
.-= ALS of Nevada´s last blog ..ALS and Dogs? =-.
I would be nervous as a cat on a hot tin roof. Glad you were able to calm down and enjoy meeting new folks. Have fun!
.-= Linda´s last blog ..Greensburg – Main Street =-.
Don’t forget to check out Blog World Expo in October right after IZEA. I’d be happy to give your the super secret code for a discount!
.-= Jim “Genuine” Turner´s last blog ..Sponsored Status? Not Facebook =-.
Glad you’re having a wonderful time at the Affiliate East Summit!
.-= Diane Scott´s last blog ..Magic Eight Ball Never Lies =-.
I read where you met Drew. He is so nice, isn’t he?
That sounds so fun and exciting!
.-= Sadie´s last blog ..So I Bought an iPhone =-.
I love meeting online friends “for real”
.-= vein´s last blog ..For the record: Baby Glutton =-.
Izeafest and Blogher, baby!
.-= corrin´s last blog ..Bluelight Specials are Back! =-.