Blissdom '10 - What I Learned About Women

At this year's Blissdom 10 women blog conference, I think Isabel Kallman summed it up best - "It's not just about sharing information, it's about sharing understanding."

That's what women bloggers do - they don't just share information about their lives, the products they use, their dreams and disappointments.....they share understanding of all of these things.  Bloggers give a voice to women's unique experiences in this world.   I believe women are flocking to the blogosphere because it is one of the only places their true authentic voices can be heard, unfiltered.

One of my all-time favorite quotes came from a woman who said, "The Internet has given women a voice, and they're screaming their heads off."

Blissdom'10 - top insights

Great presentations, stories and conferences are judged by their beginning and end.  Blissdom got it just right.  The opening keynote was by Kevin Carroll - author of Rules of the Red Rubber Ball. 

Insights from Kevin Carroll

Two of Kevin's quotes really resonated with me:

"You must take your chance"

"For those important moments in life, we need to take time, show up, pay attention, be present."

Blogging forces us to be present for those important moments in our lives, to record them, to bring our unique perspective to them.  Those most important moments are often the smallest and the simplest things - the joy of an early morning wrestling match with your two year old in your hotel bed, waking up one morning to find your facial hair problem has exploded to the point you feel like you are channeling Burl Ives.   

Women really need to listen up when Kevin says, "you must take your chance."  He points out "there's another you out there that needs to be encouraged."  One of the consistent themes that came out of the conference is that blogging builds and inspires confidence.  And, trust me, there is nothing more beautiful than seeing a woman who has found her confidence.

Blogging is an amazing way to discover yourself.

Blog about what interests you.  You win readers by daring to be yourself.

One of my favorite quotes from the Blissdome conference was, "Don't ask what the world needs, ask what brings you alive."  I hosted the Blogging With the Stars panel, and a consistent theme was that "good content is what interests you."  

Don't be cautious.  One panelist said, "the sign of a good post is if it makes you nervous to hit "publish."   When you're brave enough to truly put yourself out there,  that's when true connection happens.

Another favorite quote was "If you don't take up space, no one can find you."  Women often feel isolated and invisible in this world.  Blogging helps them take up that space. 

Which brings me to the closing keynote.

When women come together and share their stories, they change the world

The last speaker was a mother sharing the story of her son, Stellan.  He was diagnosed with a serious heart problem while still in the womb.  This woman shared her journey with her dying her son.  (at least, that's what the doctors told her would happen).  

She said, "I just wanted his name to be known." 

Well, one blog reader in England sent her a picture of Stellan's name written in the sand.

 
This one picture turned into pictures from all around the world.  Blog readers from every corner sent pictures of Stellan's name written in everything from fruit loops, to human beings posed as letters. 

Her readers granted her wish.  Her son's name was indeed known to millions of people.  And, he is still alive and doing well despite all the odds.  Read Stellan's story here.

So - the best way to sum it all up is - When women come together and share their stories, they can indeed change the world. 

 
Major kudos and much love to Blissdom conference organizers Barbara Jones, Allison Worthington and Paula Bruno.   I knew these women would put on a kick-ass conference and they totally threw it down.  

Watch my video on why women blog.

 

Comments

[The (Un)Experienced Mom]

Such a fabulous post! The quote: "the sign of a good post is if it makes you nervous to hit 'publish'" was not one I heard at the conference, but it gave me chills. It is such a true statement. Taking chances often results in growth as a writer and a person.

I unfortunately did not get to meet you at Blissdom, but there is always next year.

Tamara
www.theunexperiencedmom.com

[rachel]

This is absolutely perfect.
I love the quotes you pulled and the whole time reading this, I felt like a bobble head just nodding along with you.

Blissdom was amazing.

Thank you for writing this.

[Melissa Silverstein]

Great post. You articulated exactly why I blog. Because I blog I have literally changed my life, gained confidence in my voice and am trying to build a business on my passion. Passion is what resonates with other people and hands down the fact that people are responding and connecting with my writing but more importantly with me is the one reason I keep on blogging even on the really tough days.

[Holly Buchanan]

Great point about passion - so many women have discovered and mentored their passion through blogging. I love seeing that.

[Melissa, Multitasking Mama]

It truly was a memorable fantastic weekend! Great recap post!

[Musings of a Housewife]

Fabulous recap! I feel so privileged to be there. :-)

[Alli]

I never had enough time to hug you and tell you *exactly* how long I have stalked you, I mean read you.

Thank you for such a great recap of the conference.

I am honored you were such a big part this year.

xo

[emily]

Great recap, Holly! And I think you did such a fantastic job moderating the Blogging with the Stars panel...so organized and easy to follow.

In case you want that entire Howard Thurmond quote: "Don't ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive."

Wish I could have met you face-to-face, but I was glad to hear you speak from afar!

[melissa @ the inspired room]

Great recap! So many good lessons and great thoughts to ponder.

You were a fabulous moderator! It was so great to meet and sit up in the blinding lights with you!

[ds r4]

Hello
This is a nice post and I like both those photographs.That is well written "When women come together and share their stories,they can indeed change the world".I really like this sentence.Thanks..

[Debba / Girlfriendology]

Thanks for this review and for reminding me of all the great quotes of this conference. It was an honor to meet you and thanks for doing what you do! I agree - When women come together, we can (and do!) change the world. Thanks for inspiring and sharing!! Debba / Girlfriendology.com