I attended Bloggy Conference in Cincinnati. I like conferences because of the opportunity to meet people, chat them up and learn what makes tick. But I like staying connected online, too. Bonus: I found local Cincinnati bloggers I hadn’t met, yet.

If you were at the conference and wondering if we met, I’m the one with this blog and Lunch It Punch It, the lunch packing blog. My business cards are the mini-Moo cards.

Pick your passion to connect: Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Pinterest

As I collected your cards, I made notes. I know my time limitations and that it will probably take me two weeks visiting only a few sites each night to get through my cards. My memory is not that sharp and I need my notes.

For those not at the conference wondering what was shared, here are my quick take-aways from the presentations:

When it comes to blogging, remember the why. Why are you blogging?

Have a written purpose for your blog.

Multiple speakers mention the why or purpose of your blog

Your blog isn’t necessarily your business, it is platform for other business opportunities.

If you’re on WordPress, change your permalinks so they don’t include the date. That way you can repost previous content when relevant.

Give yourself grace.
In conversation with others, I shared that during the summer I’d rather be at the pool on a weekend than writing a posts for two blogs.

The best camera? The one available to you, learn to use it.

Photography is not about the camera, it is about the lighting.

Photos say 1000 words, be inspired by others but do your own thing.

Don’t steal another’s photos. Borrowing without permission is still stealing. Even if you give credit.
You think it is okay because you’re not making money, but that’s where you misunderstand copyright law. Btw, if you’re running ads on your blog, you’re making money.

If you want to work with brands, start by working for free. Work with a non-profit.

Have a portfolio and sample reporting
How to get a portfolio? See the point above this one.

Presentation Links:
BloggyCon 2012 Opening Keynote
Turning Your Blog Into a Business
Photography and Your Blog

You can search Twitter for the #BloggyCon hashtag and see what else was shared.

If there’s a conference you’re interested in attending, I recommend finding a way to go. Having sponsorship isn’t the only way to get there, check out volunteer opportunities.