Things I Learned at iRetreat 2014

I’ve been going to blogging conferences for a long time, but I always learn something. Always. Here are a couple things I came away with after my 2.5 days at iRetreat 2014 in Hershey, Pennsylvania.

1) No matter how much technical stuff you learn, the best takeaway from a conference is the relationships you make. Exhibit A, the amazeballs women above, Joey and Steph. I had the BEST time with these ladies and now I’ve got two new forever friends, FER REALZ.

2) If you want to move forward with your blog or whatever is important to you in life, you need to silence your inner critic at some point and just GO FOR IT. Be willing to fail. This is a hard one for me.

3) Hershey, PA is a pretty cool place to visit. I am really looking forward to bringing my family back one day! Plus, you can’t walk two steps without tripping over a HUGE PILE of this:

4) If you need help, ask for it. If we are talking blogging, there are always other bloggers willing to help you promote or share your stuff if you are willing to do the same. Collaborate. There is POWER in partnerships. I think this holds true for just about every area of life. Struggling with a problem with your kids? Ask another mom. If she hasn’t gone through it, she probably knows someone who has. Reach out. Don’t try to do it all alone.

5) Don’t be a wallflower. You never know who is sitting next to you in a session or at breakfast. Open your mouth, introduce yourself, and be a person! You never know what kind of amazing connection might happen. You can lose a LOT by keeping to yourself.

6) I should never go anywhere without Emily.  I missed her A LOT! Also, when I was speaking, it was way too short, because I didn’t have her there to add in her brilliance. At one point I texted her: “I have never wished you were here with me so bad in my life!”

Also, the coffee might be gone after breakfast. When in doubt, get two cups!!

I loved all the people I met at iRetreat! It was great to speak as well – thanks for having me! If you guys haven’t checked out the organizers, the Double Duty Divas – check ’em out. I work with them on the Pampers Baby Board and I LOVE them!

That’s what I learned at iRetreat – have you gleaned any new life lessons lately?