10 Things I Learned at BlogHer

So, if you hadn’t heard, I went to BlogHer ’12 in NYC last week. I got upgraded to first class on my flight out there (thanks to Lenny’s god-like status), I had more toothpaste and coupons thrust upon me than I knew what to do with, and I got to spend time with some of my favorite people. It’s amazing how the connections you make online translate to real-life interactions. I found myself feeling so very, very lucky.

Lesson #1: Brands may still be trying to figure out how to work with bloggers, but they’ve mastered the freebie.

Lesson #2: Walking in new heels through NYC on the first (hot summer) night you arrive is a bad idea. I’ll be nursing these blisters until the next BlogHer. Thank goodness this California girl packed nothing else but pretty flip flops to wear the rest of the weekend. (Note to brands sponsoring BlogHer next year…having band aids at your booth will make you outrageously popular.)

Lesson #3: Before texting things to a fellow conference goer (you’ve been so excited to *finally* meet) like, “I swear I’ll find you somewhere today!” or “Psst, turn around, I’m right behind you,” you should really be sure you have the right number. (I’m pretty sure I’m wanted by the police in Kansas.)

Lesson #4: Slumber parties are still fun when you’re all grown up. Especially if those giggles are courtesy of the lovely and talented Christina (of Hooey Critic) and Cristie (of The Right Hand Mom and Real Life Wellness).

Lesson #5: If my kids spent the day complimenting me on the things I’m doing or the clothes I’m wearing, I wouldn’t need to go to blogging conferences. (Then again, if I dressed and acted the way I do at blogging conferences, maybe my kids would compliment me.)

Lesson #6: When you go to a Babble VIB (Very Important Blogger) party, it’s probably best not to start an introduction with, “I’m not familiar with you…” Even if you complete the sentence with, “…but I can’t wait to read your work after hearing such great things from Christina.” Chances are, she’ll only hear the first part. And, if that’s the case, it’s best to quit while you’re (a little bit more) ahead. Otherwise nervous energy will have you saying something like, “Don’t worry, I promise you’ve never heard of me either.” So. Not. Funny. (Well, I thought it was, but, you know.)

Lesson #7: Sometimes it pays to fly all the way across the country to hang out with your awesome, entrepreneurial friend (Leslie of the yummy, healthy BellyBar) you never get to see…even though she happens to live right around the corner from you at home.

Lesson #8: I could totally get used to lunching with Martha (yes, the Martha) and Katie (as in Couric). Especially after realizing they’re totally in the Sisterhood. (Martha was raving about the fun she has with her grandkids, and Katie said her girls are her proudest accomplishment.) Both were lovely, honest, funny, insightful, kind, and inspiring. (And I’m not just saying that because Martha’s people might be reading this…really, she offered to read all our blogs if we tweeted a certain hashtag. I found that to be extremely generous.)

Lesson #9: When you write from the heart (and have a really talented friend in PR), you connect with people. In this case, I just so happened to connect with a supermodel. Thanks, Christy Turlington, for reading, appreciating, and sharing the post you inspired!

Lesson #10: When you do your best not to wake your roommates as you’re sneaking off to the airport at 5:45am, be warned that one tiny misstep may mean your forgotten underwear get more online coverage than you do. (Then again, that’s not the only lack of coverage I’m concerned about after that incident.)

A huge thank you to those who made my time in New York so great. Until next time…