What I learnt at the BlogCamp afterparty

After today’s Birmingham BlogCamp I’m sure you’ll be seeing plenty of ‘What I learnt at BlogCamp’ posts over the next couple of days. I finally worked out how to use Snapchat thanks to Aly Hodge and, as ever, enjoyed watching Sally masterfully explain the Tots ranking system (and somehow manage not to gouge out her own eyes in frustration when people didn’t get it for the hundredth time) but I shall let others fill you in on all that. Instead I’m going to share the most valuable learning I gathered in the less than salubrious pub across the road afterwards. It’s always all about the afterparty, right?

• It’s worth spending time on social media channels that help your blog or ones you enjoy, otherwise don’t bother, life is too short!
• The pool of parent bloggers is growing, driving down the pay for sponsored posts for ‘average’ bloggers. If you want to make a living from blogging then diversify your income streams. Affiliate sales and selling your own products may be a safer bet.
• If you want to work with a brand just ask. What’s the worst that can happen?
• Play nice! Using a conference talk’s question session to grind your personal axes in public might make you feel better but you will look like a prat so save it for an email.

And most importantly:

• Blogging friends help your blog. Not in a comment thread, tit for tat sort of way but by sharing their experiences, listening to your plans and giving their honest advice and encouragement. They’ll also hold your virtual hand when your marriage breaks down, share their contacts when you’re skint and send you messages in the middle of the night when you’re sitting by your kid’s hospital bed.

So thanks to the Tots100 team and their sponsors, Wood Windows Alliance, for a great day and thanks to these ladies, and many others, for being brilliant everyday.

(And thanks to Donna for letting me steal her pic)