This past September, I attended my first big girl blogger conference. The 6th Annual Type-A Parent Conference was huge on content and equally significant on inspiration. So much so, that it took me these six months to chew on my favorite takeaway. Nom, nom, nom.
As I sat with my third-grade religion class today, again trying to find relatable, real life examples of The Golden Rule, my half-written blog post flashed in my head. Though not appropriate or relevant to nine-year-olds, I AM hoping it resounds with my fellow bloggers. Do unto others…
For this gal, the Type-A Parent Conference Closing Keynote Speaker, Thom Singer, was both spiritual teacher and social media guru; he was able to reach across the crowded ballroom and speak TO ME. (Gosh, if only I could connect with Little Susie Sunshine so successfully.)
Though titled “The Power of IRL”, much of what Thom talked about was the power of networking and meaningful engagement to build valid and true relationships both virtually and in person.
The Power of Community
While simple (though for many it is not to be taken for granted) Liking and Following may create some basic foundations, it takes much more to create a friendship. Thom references this thought: If you are broken down on the side of the road, how many folks would actually leave their homes and come to rescue you? These are the true relationships you should be striving for. Be that person others know they can call on.
Consistency
Essentially, folks can tell if you are a phony. It may take years to build a social medai personna, but always be true in your interactions. Do little things consistently and you will start to build your community. Choose those in your circle carefully.
Compounded Generosity
Little things add up. Take those baby steps. You don’t have to be rich to make a difference, but make a difference. (Just what I told those third-graders today!)
Cooperative Significance
Want to make a difference? You can’t fake significance, only others decide if you are significant. So, what are you doing to make others significant? Personally, I find writing about myself BORING. Giving others significance? Now that’s interesting. I tweeted the same:
Cooperative Significance: most people want to make a difference; do that by lifting others up. @thomsinger #typeacon #notaboutme
— D Marie, PT (@Distherapy) September 21, 2014
#notaboutme! Yes, the light bulbs went off. During last year’s Virtual runDisney series, I found great delight in sharing the exciting, quality posts of my fellow runners and writers. I received greater joy and gratification pinning and posting their work; my own blogging seemed mundane in comparison.
Post-conference, the question, “What is my best actionable step?” rattled in my brain. How could I best answer Thom’s challenge? What would I tell my third graders to do?? Do unto others…
I joined forces with fellow conference-goer and most giving soul, Julie of Run. Walk. Repeat.. Together, we hope you will share your generosity of spirit in our blogging community; pin a post that moves you.
– Does it shine a light on a cause you believe in? Pin it.
– Did it make you smile ear-to-ear? Pin it.
– Do you know a new blogger trying to step into the blogoshere? Pin it.
– Have you found a remarkable piece of writing? Pin it.
– Applaud the blogging/life milestones of another. Trumpet it. Pin it.
– Does it feature a noble fundraising effort? Pin it.
– Was it written by someone that you admire? Pin it.
– Know someone experiencing a particularly difficult time? Lift them up and pin it.
Reach outside your comfort zone. Take a risk. Pledge below to #PinItForward. (No additional post required.) Once a day, once a month, one a year; focus your spotlight outward. Expect nothing in return.
I love this idea! You are such a kind and generous person, not to mention my favorite blogger! I am so happy to call you friend!!
You've got me blushing again Donna! (You ALREADY do this Donna- just add the hashtag!!)
What a great idea – I love to share and pay it forward. Thanks for casting this positive light.
Sean, you are just the man for the job! Your generosity always stands out. Thanks so much for spreading the goodwill!
Joining in! What an awesome way to pay it forward!
I couldn't be more thrilled Lisa; as a teacher I know you already pay it forward every day. Thanks for infecting the blogoshere with the same!
Love, love, love this! I have been looking for ways to connect and network with others and many of your points resonated with me. It's always great getting confirmation that there are others out there with the same goals and views! Joining in!
Proof that we are the silent majority! I Find Hope in you- welcome!!
What an inspiring post. It so easy to forget how the smallest gesture can impact another person. Making authentic connections in life is vital and taking time to cultivate these relationships is so rewarding. Maureen…..redcottagechronicles.com
You are so right Maureen- I am hoping that hashtag will be my daily reminder! Thanks for stopping in. Didi
Great post! It reminds me of a sweet time in elementary or middle school (can't remember exactly), where I mentioned the "golden rule" in one of my classes (at the time I wasn't aware that it was common knowledge or had a name, I simply talked about how I treated others how I want them to treat me in return) and the teacher loved the idea so much that he wrote the saying on a poster and titled it "The Tiffany Rule". It remained in the classroom for a few years but it has remained in my heart and mind forever.
Isn't that sweet! Proof once again that the tiniest gesture can have a lasting impact. I bet many of his students took The Tiffany Rule to heart! Thanks so much for sharing your personal connection to the post. Didi
This is probably the best takeaway from the conference. 🙂
They really did save the best for last, didn't they Melissa? Thom was warm, and funny, and the kind of speaker who could relate to either a blogger or CEO; I could easily listen to him again and again!
Love this idea of doing unto others 🙂 As a newbie blogger, I'm realizing how much people want authenticity in a blog and relationship, not just information.
How true, in the end it all comes back to people and relationships. Thanks for stopping in Michelle!
I love this post! Do unto others, indeed!
This is a great idea, and I'll definitely be joining in. I think sharing other people's posts across social media shows a sense of community. We're all so busy self-publicising that we forget to take a look around at what others are doing.
Wonderful idea! I love pinning great posts I find on others' blogs. There are so many people producing wonderful content, and it's fun to help people find that content.
Excellent idea! Definitely one I would consider doing for my blog with pinning blog relevant content.
I love reading people's posts from blogging conferences, it makes me feel like I was there. I have been tweeting more than I've been pinning, but I've definitely embraced sharing other people's stuff and not expecting anything in return. Everyone wins in the end.
I've never been to a blogger conference, but really want to one of these days. Love the idea of the pin-it-forward movement.
Thom's 45 minutes was well worth the price of admission Alli; Type-A is A+. Thanks!
What a great idea! I love the idea about celebrating others. I think the temptation to compare is removed when we chose instead to lift others up! Something I have found a little of, but not as much as I'd hoped, was the community of blogging. But maybe that just means I need to take more time investing in others.
I just knew there were a great many of us out there Nathana; you are correct, WE need to be the change. So glad you're here!
Inspirational stuff. I like the idea of building others up and building relationships.
Thanks Heather- accentuating the positive helps me get through the day! Have a good one. 😀
I think this is a great post and like to help other bloggers by sharing an inspiring story or post. And thanks for the linky as well, nice touch to our Commentathon. I Pinned to "Bloggers United"!
Enjoy your day!
Your words and pin are so appreciated Karren. I can't wait to get over to your blog and roam around. Thank you for sharing!!
I will try to do some of these things the next time I am on pinterest by pinning something that makes me smile or pinning something to help someone out. Shannon from http://www.moderndaysettlers.com
That's exactly the sentiment we're hoping for Shannon! #PinItForward is such an easy way to encourage and validate others; whether they be friends or strangers. (Now I'm smiling!!)
Awwww, such a great idea! 🙂 I love it! 🙂 I will try to join this challenge. Thanks for sharing!
That would be greatly appreciated Ginger. Thanks for joining in!
Thanks! I'm always looking for ways to make my blog more friendly – this is a great idea!
Thanks Bethan- a warm welcome to you!
Great idea! I am new to blogging and tend to get overwhelmed at times. I want to help others and I love this idea.
Welcome to the "joy of blogging" Kim- it really can connect you with many wonderful folks! Don't let it overwhelm you; the most experienced bloggers know that the blogoshere is constantly morphing and adaptation is necessary. Go with the flow and have fun!
Sounds like a great idea! Spread the goodwill and build great relationships along the way!
Oh, the places we'll go Meghan!!
Great Idea, I love to pay it forward and discover other blogs. Sharing the magic 🙂
It IS magic Diane- really! Thanks for being here, as always. 😀
I love to Pay it Forward (and the movie is awesome too). Now, to Pin it Forward sounds like an awesome idea. I love the idea and can't wait to start!!
Oh, what that sweet little boy created! I'd love to think we #PinItForward in his memory; every smile is in his honor Amanda!
I love this idea. Let's raise up others and build community!
What a beautiful post. I'd love to Pin It Forward as-soon-as I figure out how. I'm new to blogging, so it may take me a short while to figure it all out.
Thanks.
Love this idea. Thanks for sharing. I have only attended one blog conference; Bloggy Boot Camp by The SITS Girls. It was great. So glad that you were able to attend this one & have shared this insight.
What a great idea – I love that there is such an amazingly supportive event for parents and I love the name. Were I to have kids, I know I'd be a Type A Parent. It's nice to know I wouldn't have been alone.
We like your idea of pin it forward. You can help so many people simply by sharing. Reach the right person, encourage another all with a simple pin!
This is such a great idea. I love it and I like how you are spotlighting other bloggers. I'll have to start doing that myself.
I love to pay if forward and pin it forward sounds like such a great idea. What a fun way to build forward!
Consistency will build credibility. Yep, you are soo right about this part!
I love using Pinterest! I also like your "pinning it forward" idea 🙂 If you see something you like, share it for others to enjoy!
That's it Tina- Pay It Forward 2015 style. We hope you'll join us and spread/pin the word!!
I love this idea. Such a positive way to use social media – thank you!
This is a great way to pay it forward in the digital world. Thank you for sharing.
It takes but one pin… Thanks Renee!
Very inspiring! There are so many great ways to help others in the digital world…thanks for sharing!
Very inspiring! There are so many great ways to help others in the digital world…thanks for sharing!
Thank you Renee!
I love pinning but have been slow these days…
This is an easy and meaningful place to start Becky!
Great idea. I love the pay it forward idea used in social media.
Pinterest is such a great way to give other bloggers a helping hand. I always try to pin things of other bloggers I know in order to help them get continued exposure!
Add the hashtag and see what grows! 😉
Do you ever come across a blog that you are like, "wow!" that happened to me today, and it was you! You've really inspired my new little blog. I have another blog, but I've just given a new one life, thanks for the inspiration in regards to pinning!!
And you made my day! I wish you the best of luck with your blogs. #PinItForward!!
Thank you so much for sharing. I try so hard to give my daughters a positive insights on life.This is a great post. It is the little things that can make a difference.
Thanks Amy- you are raising hope for our future!