If you’re a blogger, this is probably a question you ask yourself often – should I go to these blogger events? Or are they worth it? Or should I just stay home and watch Netflix while eating popcorn. Been there, done that. So let’s talk about when to go and when to stay home and do just that!
Taylor Reese – Reese’s Hardware – Dress | Lauren Schwaiger – Lauren Schwaiger – Dress | Erica Taylor – Tayloring Style – Dress | Anna – Peppered in Style – Dress | Laura Leigh – Louella Reese – Dress | Kristina Williams – Dear November Days – Dress
Here is Charlotte we have a CRAZY amount of blogger events. Which is absolutely amazing and us Charlotte bloggers are so incredibly blessed that is the case. However, going to every single one just isn’t possible and also, is it beneficial? More times then not these events fall on the same evening. Like seriously nothing for two weeks and then three-four events on the same evening. It is bananas! Deciding which one to go to can be hard! I know, I know first world problems BUT blogging is my business, it is my job so attending these events can really help me or not. Same goes for every other blogger on that guest list. And those in other cities!
Therefore, we need to put some thought into the events we choose and also, when we decide to stay home! Because, y’all that is okay too! So let’s chat about a few things to think about before sending in your RSVP.
PHOTOS BY DEAANNA KOURTNEY PHOTOGRAPHY
Should I attend this Blogger Event?
Do You Want to Go?
This is a serious question. Do you WANT to go to the event? Is it one you immediately felt excited about upon reading the invitation? Is it a spot you’ve been wanting to visit or a restaurant you’ve been dying to try?
If you answered yes to any (or all of these) then go girl friend! You’re bound to have a great time if it’s something you’re looking forward to and excited about. If you answered no to any (or all of these) then put it on hold for a bit. Spend some time thinking about it and move on to the additional questions below, before sending your RSVP.
Will It Benefit You/Your Business?
Do you see yourself walking away from this event feeling thankful that you went due to potential opportunities gained from going? If yes, then 100% GO! If blogging is your business (your lively hood) then it’s important that you go if you truly see a benefit in it.
Whether that’s making connections with the brand or PR company hosting the event, meeting other bloggers in your city that you’ve been wanting to connect with, or networking with others attending. Think about those outside of the blogging world, it’s important for them to go to networking events to expand just that, their network. It’s important for bloggers as well!
If you don’t see if being beneficial, then you definitely should not feel bad about passing on the opportunity. For example, there is a brand in Charlotte that hosts events almost monthly. While they can be fun for connecting with other Charlotte bloggers there is no real benefit in going. The brand is going to work with any of us (on paid campaigns) and we’re not going to connect with others that could offer up a beneficial partnerships. So yes it’s fun but not beneficial. Therefore, if Grey’s Anatomy is calling my name, I’m RSVPing no and not feel an ounce of guilt about it.
What’s the ROI?
What are you getting from attending this event? A good time, yummy food + champagne, social time with your blogger besties, an opportunity to chat with a brand you love, or great networking. Is whatever you’re getting from this event worth the time it takes to get ready for it, drive to, and attend. That may sound harsh or a little too straightforward but ladies and gents, your time is valuable. You need to make sure you’re getting something in return for the time your investing. And then double that if you’re sharing/promoting the event while there or afterwards with the brand/company/restaurant tagged.
If you’re happy with the ROI then heck yes you should go. If you aren’t sure if it’ll be worth it then maybe reply with a maybe (if possible) and make a game time decisions or a straight no if you’re definitely not feeling it.
Are you burning bridges by not going?
The chances of that happening are SUPER slim y’all so please, please do not stress about that when making your decision. Everyone understands that everyone is busy and if they aren’t busy, maybe they need some down time. So rest assured, you will not be burning bridges if you say no to a single event.
What’s your take on attending or passing on blogger events? Share below in the comments, I would love to hear! p.s. these snaps are from a recent event with Scoop Charlotte at Neiman Marcus.
This is great feedback Laura! One thing I do miss about living in Charlotte is how many cool events there were. One week during my last few months living there, I remember I had an event every night, M-F haha!! It was crazy.
xoxo A
http://www.southernbelleintraining.com
Thank you Annaliese! I am really happy to hear you found it to be helpful! Oh wow, that is bananas! Definitely starts to pick up when the temperatures rise.
xo Laura Leigh
Ahhh this looks like so much fun! I need to go to more events..
x Lisa | lisaautumn.com
Definitely was a fun one!
xo Laura Leigh
OBSESSED with both of those looks on you!
And I definitely agree that not all events are created equal and that it’s okay to say no sometimes even to those that sound great! Because the truth is, if you’re not in the right frame of mind to attend you won’t get out of it what you should.
-Morgan
How 2 Wear It [] http://how2wearit.com
Thank you so much Morgan! Definitely wanted to bring them both home with me. If only I had an occasion to wear that dress to!
So glad you agree and I 100% agree with your statement as well!
xo Laura Leigh
I totally ask myself these questions too! There are so many events in Chicago that I have to prioritize. Girl, these dresses are gorgeous on you!
http://www.rdsobsessions.com
Glad we’re in the same boat! Thank you so much Rach 🙂
xo Laura Leigh
You took the words right out of my mouth!!! These are such true tips and sometimes when I am feeling guilty about “missing out” on an event I need to remind myself of these!
xx rebecca
Thank you so much Rebecca! We all definitely need to remind ourselves more often that it’s okay to say no.
xo Laura Leigh
Such a great post! All of my invites are LA based and since I’m 2-3 hours away, it’s hard to find time to drive down there during the week so I’ve become VERY picky 😉 It has to be right event for the right brand. Also that first dress is magical!!
Thank you Liz! I really, really appreciate that 🙂 Oh yeah, that’s a long ways!! Totally understand being very picky. I definitely would be as well.
xo Laura Leigh
I LOVE how unique this post is – I havent seen another blogger do a post like this, and I really like it! We don’t have a lot of events here in Vancouver, but for some reason this week and next we were suddenly hit with like 10 events and I’ve been stressing about going to all of them. I’m going to take your advice and go through and figure out which ones I actually should go to since I just can’t do them all!
You are making my day with your comment! Thank you so much Lee 🙂 Isn’t it just crazy how that happens? Nothing and then all at once! So glad you found these tips to be helpful!
xo Laura Leigh
Such a great read. As a Long Island blogger, I find myself wanting to attend all of these amazing blogger events that take place in NYC however, I am not always able to attend as it does take over an hour each way to get there and come home. The struggle is REAL but reading this made me feel better about my decisions!
xoxo Sarah
Thank you Sarah! I truly appreciate that! Yes, that is a long way to travel for an event. Being picky is definitely important in that case!
xo Laura Leigh
I couldn’t agree with you more on this post! We have a ton of blogger events in Houston and I am also picky about which ones I attend. You look AMAZING in both of those dresses also! I’ll take one of each!
xoxo,
Kim
Thank you! So glad you agree 🙂 and thank you tons gal! I super appreciate that. Right, totally wanted them both!
xo Laura Leigh
Oh my gosh, this spoke to me today! I have the hardest time deciding whether or not to go to events on a regular basis. This was so helpful to read!
Aw yay! I am beyond thrilled to hear that – thank you lady!
xo Laura Leigh
I love going to blogger events! In the last year and a half our community has really grown and I love spending time with my blogger friends even if it’s just brunch or drinks on our own dime.
Chic on the Cheap
That is awesome girl friend!! It is always so nice to get together with people who understand your industry.
xo Laura Leigh
This is such a great post girl! I love this advice, the desire to go is a huge one for me!
Kileen
cute & little
Thank you Kileen!
xo Laura Leigh
Love this post Laura! I 100% agree with your thoughts on going/not going to ALL the events we get invited to.
PS. You look so pretty in that pink dress!! xx
Thank you Lauren! So glad you agree 🙂 and you’re so sweet, thank you!!! You were a total bombshell in that white dress!
xo Laura Leigh
I’m dying over the color of that first dress! It looks stunning on you.
Is it not amazing? 100% the prettiest dress I’ve ever tried on (minus my wedding dress, of course haha). Thank you so much Anna!
xo Laura Leigh
I never considered the value of attending the events until I started going to some last year. Over the past few months, events have been places for me to connect with other bloggers in my area! I’ve formed amazing friendships and business relationships through the bloggers living in my hometown and I am very thankful that I chose to leave my comfort zone and start branching out 🙂
XO Amanda || Affordable by Amanda
I absolutely love hearing this Amanda! I am so glad you have had such a wonderful experience with events and been able to connect with some wonderful people!
xo Laura Leigh
I accidentally stumbled upon this post and I’m so happy I did. I live in Durham, North Carolina and create Day Planners and Wedding Planners. I’m currently planning to host a Planners and Pastries event at my office for several local bloggers. My concern is exactly what you wrote about. If there are multiple blogger events occurring, why take the time to come to mine. Can you offer me any tips or suggestions?
Thank You for this great post.
Aw I am so happy to hear that Shea!!! I would recommend doing something that will really make your event stick out. Something like a super fun/beautiful photo backdrop, a giveaway for the attendees or a giveaway for the attendees to host for their followers, or something creative for them to do during the event to take home. Just unique things that’ll set you apart and be a little fun event for them to attend and to cover/share with their followers! Thank you a million times over for reading and checking out my site!
xo Laura Leigh