Portland Blogger Meet-Up: Social Media Strategies

A couple of weeks ago I finally had the opportunity to attend a Portland Bloggers' Meet-Up.  When they announced that this particular meet-up would feature a workshop on social media strategies, I thought it was a great way to learn and try to meet new people.

Even though I was very excited about the event, my anxiety was through the roof that day. I touched on this a little bit in a previous post, but I was just so overwhelmed with being in a new and unknown situation with people I didn't know that I had trouble trying to be myself.  I was so nervous I thought I was going to vomit in the elevator on the way to the meet-up.  Sean was with me (which usually helps me feel calmer), but that didn't help get rid of my urge to hide in the corner and cry.

I pulled myself together in time for the elevator doors to open.  Sean and I approached the office and wrote out our name tags.

Portland Blogger Meet-Up - Photo by Hurtienne Photography
     Photos by Hurtienne Photography


We were greeted by two local bloggers, Jenni of A Well Crafted Party and Bee of The Spicy Bee, who were very welcoming and nice.  It put me a bit at ease.  Sean and I found seats, grabbed some refreshments, and awaited the presentation.

The class was led by Ashley Stuart and hosted at the SwellPath office.  Ashley discussed ways to better use common social media and introduced some newer platforms and how they can benefit bloggers.  If this interests you, you can view the Power Point presentation here.

The coordinators of this event pulled together a delightful array of local vendors who provided the treats.  At intermission, I sipped on tasty coffee from Water Avenue Coffee Company and snacked on a beautiful macaroon from Nuvrei Cafe & Patisserie.  Sean chose a couple tasty Blue Star Donuts to get his sugar fix.


Portland Blogger Meet-Up - Photos by Hurtienne Photography
         Photos by Hurtienne Photography


As I've said, I was going through all kinds of crazy anxiety in my head so I hope I didn't seem stand-offish to anyone.  I found it hard to approach people on my own.  I would think of something to say and go to say it and then second guess myself, not say anything, and the moment would pass.  I will say that the people who approached me were so nice and friendly.  The atmosphere was great.  People were laid-back and cool.  Maybe some of them were as nervous as I was; I have no idea.  I felt dumb for being so scared.  Next time, I am going to try to talk to at least three new people. 


Portland Blogger Meet-Up - Photos by Hurtienne Photography
      Photos by Hurtienne Photography


After the presentation and questions and discussion were over, the photographers, who had been hard at work capturing the afternoon, offered up their services to do some head shots for attendees.  I summoned all my available fortitude, touched up my makeup, and waited in line for my turn at posing for the camera.

Grace and Jaden of Hurtienne Photography (like Martini, but better!) are energetic, kind, and very fun!  For the couple minutes I was in front of their cameras, I could tell they are good at what they do and love it as well.  It actually made me realize that I shouldn't be so "in my head" when I am taking photos for the blog.


Portland Blogger Meet-Up - Photos by Hurtienne Photography
       Photos by Hurtienne Photography


Despite my anxiety attack, I had a great time and am so glad I went.  I learned new things, met new people, and have a better sense of what to expect in going to another blogger meet-up (which I will definitely be doing!).  I'm sure the more I push myself out of my comfort zone, the better I will be at talking to folks.


Portland Blogger Meet-Up - Photos by Hurtienne Photography
       Photos by Hurtienne Photography

If you are a Portland-area blogger, check out the Portland Bloggers website for more information on past and future meet-ups.

6 comments

  1. It looks like a lot of fun. It's tough not to second-guess and be nervous, hopefully next time will be a little less stressful now that you know what to expect :)

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  2. Great post! I will have to seek you out at the picnic since I know what you look like now! Totally normal to be nervous at the bigger events. I still have to think really hard to form full sentences when I help lead the Portland Blogger events!

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  3. Great post! I will have to seek you out at the picnic since I know what you look like now! Totally normal to be nervous at the bigger events. I still have to think really hard to form full sentences when I help lead the Portland Blogger events!

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  4. such an amazing recap. Thank you!!! And, thank you so much for coming to the event— It was great meeting you. (BTW... your necklace was FAB!)

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  5. I certainly hope so. I should just stay busy so I don't get too "in my head" and I also need to blast NKOTB to keep me calm and keep my mind busy. lol I know they have some great meet-ups planned for this year, so I will keep going until it is easy peasy!

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  6. Thank you so much! I greatly appreciate your welcoming kindness and am so happy I was finally able to attend an event. Looking forward to more!

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