Lest you think I am talking about my personality in the title (I might be a little…) I am actually talking about the conference I went to last week, Type A Parent.
I cannot say enough good things about this conference! It was a wonderful size, in a great venue/location (Grand Hyatt in Buckhead area of Atlanta) and was FULL of information on many things online and involving blogging and social media. I went to sessions on writing, video (not Periscope but YouTube-type video), Instagram, and one on how to negotiate with brands/companies for sponsorship, etc. The last one I mentioned had the most info I found interesting and relevant to me at this time. I could have gone to three or four more sessions offered, however, I had to nap one afternoon because yeah…. waking up in the MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT to travel is not really my jam.
I’m going to give you a few nuggets of wisdom I wrote down and took away from the conference and I’m going to show you photos, as I do. Because I saw and met some amazing online friends (who are also real life friends!) and that’s always one of THE BEST parts of these things for me!
Opening key note was Brian Littleton from Share A Sale. The most profound thing he said that I wrote down was:
“When you live in reaction you give the power away.”
The session on Instagram was interesting. There were a few things she said that I did not agree with and I was hoping the tips would help me grow my following but I’m not so sure they will. She did say this about your IG profile, which I thought was good:
Have a good photo, tell people who you are and what you do and add your location.
Amy Volk talked about YouTube videos and gave great tips on getting started and how to do them. She also encouraged us to not be scared of editing videos (which I am). Amy was also one of my roommates, who I JUST met at the conference. She is awesome. Y’all should follow her everywhere online at least. She inspired me to try video again so stay tuned on that…
Cindy Reed talked about writing narrative pieces and reminded me to “show don’t tell”. I really liked this quote she put up my Mark Twain: “Don’t say ‘the old lady screamed’. Bring her in and let her scream.” I adore writing and do it a lot and think I’m pretty okay at it, but I always love hearing new perspectives and ideas on writing.
Like I mentioned above, the session on negotiating with brands was extremely informative and also made me aware that I am worth more than I am giving myself credit for, in most cases.
I wish I could write it ALL here for you, but you’d probably get a bit bored, especially since you do not have the two dynamic ladies presenting, here on my blog. 
One thing I took away from this conference that I NEVER would have expected was the pull to possibly be a speaker at some point. Other conferences I have been to, that idea has always seemed so intimidating, but not at Type A. I could see myself doing it, especially with someone else. I even wrote down some possible topics while I was there. SO, who wants to speak with me?
Perhaps my friend Deborah. Although she pretty much brought the house down in her session ABOUT speaking so, maybe I don’t want to mess with her good thing.
I also supported my other roommate and friend, Nicole in her session at the beginning of the main conference, on Thursday afternoon. She did great as well. She talked a bit about working for herself as a freelancer, etc. And I accidentally popped into a session with the owner of Baby K’tan, Michal, and Julie from Mabel’s Labels (on the way to Deborah’s) and had the pleasure of hanging out with both of these inspiring women over the weekend as well.
Nicole’s session
In both of those last mentioned sessions, they talked about making sure your email was on your blog and how they do not care for those pesky “contact forms”. So do that, put your email right on the main page of your blog. That may be THE best tip from the entire weekend. I kid. Kinda.
So, as you can tell, it was a fabulous conference! From the feel of community and not being left out of anything, to the information. The food was pretty good and the sponsors were great. Kelby is quite awesome, as is her team that helps her put this thing on. I will certainly go back, it’s just a matter of choosing when and where…
Now. Peek-tures. 
At lunch with friends, a quote from the writing session, Friday night party, dinner with Domain.me and in the Best Buy suite with Chef Willis
Chatting it up in the bar the last night, me and Nicole, after dinner on Friday night, me and Krystyn (!), Cheers and me and my roomies!
One of THE best things about this specific conference is that I got to meet Krystyn. She has been a friend online for many years and she designed my blog as it is now. I was SO happy to finally meet her in person and give her a big hug! And hang out some… (but not enough).
Clockwise: At the Disney party with Nicole, Michal, Deborah, 80’s party with Virginia, Lizz and Amy, me and Katy, me and Deborah, me and Jana (a LTYM sister), bathroom selfie.
IF you’re looking for a great conference to attend, check out the Type A schedule and pick one. You won’t regret it!
p.s. A piece of my writing is featured on Mamalode – “Love Comes Back Around“. It’s short and heartfelt. Thanks for reading!
