This year, I attended my very first BlogHer conference in Orlando, after being encouraged to do so by my dear mentor Danyelle (check her out at The Cubicle Chick). The BlogHer conference is one of the biggest gatherings of content creators, social media influencers, and entrepreneurs in the US, garnering an attendance of over 2,000 women content creators every year who can connect in person and through apps like the Muses app. This incredible event also features female powerhouses in their own businesses, industries or sports. This year, I was honored to be in the same room as extraordinary women such as Serena Williams, Joy Ann Reid, Chelsea Clinton, Cecile Richards, Tai Beauchamp, Luvvie, and so many others…

As a newbie, experiencing a conference of this size in the presence of inspiring female role models, from the celebrity speakers to all the influential women in attendance, not to mention the supportive brands and sponsors, is almost surreal. Yet, it all comes down to one simple, very often overlooked fact: the power of being in the room!

There’s power about being in the same room as people who may have done the things you want to do, have the careers you want to emulate, or just speak to you in one way or another. Proximity brings in us a new level of renewed confidence and trust that if someone else could do it, so can we!

 

The conference started every morning with a short yet powerful meditation session filled with empowering quotes, led by amazing women such as CEO of the Still Going online meditation coaching service Starr Barbour.  These meditation sessions were then followed by powerful keynotes, and various sessions with topics ranging from how to build a successful business, to SEO secrets and business tax tips.

Even more than the powerful tips shared during the conference, what impacted me, and I believe the majority of the attendees, was to be in the same room as successful career women and entrepreneurs. Here are 6 powerful lessons I learnt during three incredible days of #BlogHer17:

1. Do Not Fear Failure!

My most anticipated keynote was the one given by tennis champion Serena Williams, who walked on the stage as a proud mama-to-be, a living image of the strength and power of women everywhere! Her message, one of resilience, courage and championing other women, resonated with the entire audience! I mean, the woman won her 23^rd grand slam while pregnant, and knows a thing or two about coming back from hardship to reach new heights!

 

“People have to make mistakes to become stronger” – Serena Williams

2. We need to fight for women’s health!

Chelsea Clinton and Cecile Richards of Planned Parenthood’s keynote was a crucial reminder of how endangered women’s health is nowadays. Legislations are being passed that are putting maternal care in danger, and it’s our responsibility, not just as women, but as human beings, to ensure that we participate in the electoral process.

Both Chelsea and Cecile reminded us that not only do we have the power, but we also have the responsibility, to reach out to our state and local representatives to ask for the changes we need. It’s important that we play our role to advocate for ourselves, for our mothers, sister and friends.

 

“Women are the resistance in this country.” Cecile Richards

“Everyone has a mother. Maternal care is in danger.” Chelsea Clinton

 

3. You should buy your time instead of selling yours!

This was a powerful quote and lesson from author and blogger extraordinaire Luvvie Ajayi, author of the New-York best-seller “I’m Judging You” (read my review of “I’m Judging You”). First of all, can I tell you about Luvvie being on stage! Hers was a hilarious keynote address that had the audience in stitches. Yet she was dropping all kinds of business and life truth bombs on us…

As a blogger who is now a successful author, Luvvie shared her story of becoming a full-time entrepreneur, writing a best-selling book, and running a thriving business. Out of it, she extracted impactful nuggets of wisdom for entrepreneurs and career women alike, such as the need to outsource our lives, and to buy time back so we can out more money in our pockets!

“You do not have the same 24 hours as Beyonce.” Luvvie Ajayi

 

4. Fill a void in the market!

Let me first preface this by saying I’m a huge fan of Tai Beauchamp! She’s a veteran journalist, entrepreneur and media personality, as well as the founder of TheTaiLife.com. She led the Passion to Profit panel on the first evening at BlogHer17, featuring social media influencer and ex-surfer and model Anastasia Ashley and style blogger turned swimwear designer Gabi Gregg.

The conversation was chock-full with tips to build and scale a business from scratch, basically! It was a powerful session for bloggers, influencers, and pretty much any entrepreneur looking to grow their business. My biggest take-away from it came from the talented Tai Beauchamp, and was around identifying a gap to fill in the market and positioning yourself accordingly.

“Ask yourself if there’s a void in the market!” – Tai Beauchamp

  

5. Use social media to disseminate the right information!

Another one of my sheroes also spoke at the conference. MSNBC’s own Joy Ann Reid shared the stage with political commentator Ana Navarro, and Editor-in-chief of the Daily Beast John Avlon, to discuss the current political scene.

My biggest take-away here came from Joy, as she emphasized the importance of the role of social media in politics, and how we can participate through this medium.

“I think social media has been great…to be able to disseminate information quickly.” Joy Ann Reid

 

6. Dare to Pitch Yourself!

Last but not least, one of the most powerful lessons I got from the BlogHer conference this year can be summarized in four words: “Dare to Pitch Yourself!”

There were many brands, from Olay to Best Buy and LG, that were in attendance, and were looking to connect with influencers like myself. Being there allowed me to really dare to introduce myself, share my message and pitch my brand. If you think about, those are three things we’re called to do constantly in our careers and businesses.

It was also interesting to attend and vote in the Pitch Competition that took place later during the conference. How impactful to witness brilliant female entrepreneurs defend their business ideas and pitch them to the audience ! My personal favorites were Esosa Ighodaro’s money-making app CoSign, and Spotlight Girls Camps creator Lynn Johnson (Lynn Johnson ended up winning the Pitch competition).

I also had the pleasure to be interviewed by ForbesBooks Radio, and share my message about working women on their podcast (I will share it in a couple of weeks when it comes).

As a recap:

1. Do Not Fear Failure!
2. We need to fight for women’s health!
3. You should buy your time instead of selling yours!
4. Fill a void in the market!
5. Use social media to disseminate the right information!
6. Dare to Pitch Yourself!

Overall the BlogHer conference was an amazing experience, which taught me invaluable lessons to implement in my life and business. Can’t wait for next year!

 

To Your Success,

The Corporate Sister.