So you’re not going to BlogHer

So even though last year I had a fantastic time, learned a lot, got to hang in a giant bathroom with The Bloggess (I call her ‘Jenny’) had a margarita with Ricki Lake and danced in a flash mob… I am not going to BlogHer this year.

The closest I’m getting to Sparklecorn this year. App here

BUT, but, I am still going to be hanging out with all of the lovely ladies in New York..

On Twitter.

I know it’s not the same thing, and Twitter doesn’t include a swag bag full of snack-sized food items you can leave for your brother because you crashed at his apartment, nor three days away from kids or spouse and free drinks and… well, anyway.

found here

But there is ways to enjoy yourself while other people are at #BlogHer12.

First- follow @BlogHeratHome on Twitter. Just do it. Here’s why.

Second- plan your strategy carefully. Sure, following a conference hashtag can work when it’s a one-day SITS Bloggy Boot Camp event (true story, I crashed the San Diego one last year) but just following along on the #blogher12 hash on Twitter and you will be blown away- there’s 4500 people expected at the conference!

Last year I used the hashtags provided for each session to send out choice tidbits I learned and to converse with others in the audience. Be sure to check out the Virtualcon from last year to get a head start in learning and then watch for sessions your interested in (check the agenda) on Twitter.

Third- if you know/admire/notice anyone going to BlogHer make a list on Twitter and check in there to see what they’re saying and tweet them back. If they’re talking about a brand be sure to use the brand’s handle too!

Fourth- do a little research for everything that is happening in and around BlogHer. MomSpark has a great forum dedicated to BlogHer every year. Pick out some of the parties you want to fantasize about and attend via Twitter.

Some other ways to have fun at your own #unblogher12…

• Get dolled up and Instagram pictures of yourself looking cute, even if it is only in your closet. Bonus points if you use this as a means for your significant other to take you to dinner.
• Start planning a new layout. Fantasize about new business cards to go with them. If you don’t have any business cards, get some. At least get the free ones from about.me.
• You don’t have a media kit? Write one. Here is one of many guides.
• If you know anyone locally who is a blogger and is also not going to BlogHer arrange to meet. Wear name tags anyway, exchange business cards and talk loudly about the amount of followers you have. Drink one too many and avoid Twitter until you sober up.
• Revel in the spirit of BlogHer business-card collecting and pass out some of yours. Pin them on the coffee shop bulletin board, drop one by that children’s boutique and offer one to that lady with the cute dress. Just do it.
• If you are not part of a blogging community, find one. The SITS Girls are a great start, and if you are a SoCal resident check out SoCal Lady Bloggers #notsponsored #shamelessplug

My last piece of advice.

Not going to BlogHer 2012 can help you stand out from the crowd in the sea of social media. The week surrounding BlogHer is full of, well BlogHer.

Make sure you do NOT write about BlogHer right before/during/after the convention. Take the time to write something really good, take a little risk, whatever. make yourself conversation-worthy.

Let yourself shine. be refreshing, unique, dazzle.

“See” you at #BlogHer12.

If you’re not going to BlogHer 2012, what are you planning on doing that weekend?