Two weeks ago, I was part of a very special blogger’s retreat. It was a conference at sea, organized by Audrey McClelland and Vera Sweeney, the dynamic duo of the blogging world. The conference took place on a Carnival Cruise, aboard the Carnival Paradise, shoutout to Carnival!
The Hustle at Sea event was the first of its kind for Audrey & Vera, who run a blogging community called Permission To Hustle. I was one of 40 lucky bloggers in attendance. This small, intimate conference was just what I needed.
Being around other like-minded women, who were willing to speak openly about their blogging struggles (and successes) reignited a fire inside me.
We had powerhouse speakers and sessions. Our small group was able to connect and brainstorm on many different levels, about numerous blogging topics.
We heard from bloggers who are making six figures a year. When was the last time a blogger earning over $500,000 a year gave you advice? Learning from these masters of the game was amazing! I’m still trying to wrap my head around everything we covered.
Here are a few blogging secrets to take your blog to the next level:
1. You should be pitching at least five times a week.
2. Pinterest matters. You should be pinning, pin your stuff more than other people’s stuff. You want eyes on your posts!
3. Don’t accept the first price you’re quoted. Negotiate everything!
4. Affiliate money is huge! This is an area I need to explore more. Expect to see me sharing some great (affiliate) deals with you all in the near future.
5. Niche down! Become an expert in your field.
These are a few of the tips we received during our five day retreat at sea. But don’t think we spent all our time working. We had lots of fun too! Besides all the cool things to do onboard the Carnival Paradise (comedy club, broadway musical type shows, bingo, family games, casino, dance clubs, pools, spa, etc), there were the ports! We stopped in both Grand Cayman and Cozumel.
I’m a very private person, I’m an introvert and tend to observe rather than participate. That all changed during this conference. Why?! The answer is twofold.
First, I celebrated my birthday aboard the ship! I was feeling thankful and blessed, happy to be alive. I also remembered something Audrey & Vera said during one of the sessions. One of them said they hate to hear women say “I can’t” … “I can’t do that.” That really struck a nerve with me.
How many times have you said “I can’t” … I know I’ve said it quite a few times, and not just when it comes to blogging. There are things I want to do in life, but I’ve been standing in my own way. How silly is that?!
One of my biggest struggles, as of late, is my fitness. I’m not where I want to be physically. I’ve been my own worst enemy, listening to the voices in my head telling me “I can’t” … but not anymore!
Being surrounded by my Permission To Hustle sisters was just the inspiration I needed to realize “I can”! Not only can I accomplish great things with my blog; but I can accomplish great things in life! Mind blown.
This is me, on my birthday, smack dab in the middle of the ocean, surrounded by stingrays! I did that, ME! Never in a million years would I’ve thought I’d be in the Caribbean, with stingrays, on my 52nd birthday! But I did, with my Permission To Hustle sisters (and my SIL) by my side.
Hustle At Sea (for me), was about so much more than just blogging. Being among women who respect, uplift, and applaud your accomplishments was cathartic. It was much needed and much appreciated.
I’m looking forward to the growth and change I know is coming, both professionally and personally. Permission To Hustle’s Retreat At Sea was the catalyst to the metamorphosis about to take place. Buckle up and enjoy the ride!
Can’t wait for the next one!
*If you’d like more info about booking a cruise, I’m also a Travel Consultant & would love to help you plan your next vacation! Let’s talk. Email me at Rthorn@archerluxurytravel.com
