Getting my Bliss on at @BlissdomCanada #BlissDomCA

Social media conferences. They can be a wealth of information, networking and amazingness packed into a few days. Initially though, they can be really nerve-wracking and scary. If you’re starting out in the industry it may seem like everyone else knows what they’re doing, doing an awesome job of it and knows everyone else.

I walked into my first ever social media conference last October. My newly printed business cards in hand, a notebook, my purse and my most confident-yet-freaking-out-on-the-inside smile I could muster. I opened the doors and felt the heads turn. Let’s just say it wasn’t the most multicultural group and me with my hijab stuck out like a sore thumb. I gulped, then walked around the room introducing myself the best I could.

I slumped into my chair and within seconds thought I had made a huge mistake. Here’s a group of (mostly) accomplished women and me. I held my insecurities at bay and focused on connecting with some of the great brands and taking in the various lectures.

While it was a productive weekend and I learned allot I was disappointed by the lack of hospitality for newbies. That feeling stuck with me and embittered the overall taste left behind. I felt like an outsider and as such, less welcome.

Back in March when I met some of the Blissdom Canada ladies, we started chatting. I wanted to get a better idea of who they were, what they stood for and what they had to offer. My immediate reaction was warmth, kindness and what you see is what you get. No games. Shortly after this meeting it seemed like everyone around me was talking Bliss. Everyone wanted to know when tickets would go on sale, what the dates were so they could book well in advance. In short, it was all the buzz.

As the applications went up, I overcame my uncertainties and told myself, I have nothing to lose so I may as well apply to be a Community Leader. After all, worst case scenario they’d say thanks but no thanks. Much to my shock however, I was chosen as a Community Leader in the first round of selections. The more I learnt about the position, the more I have come to love it and embrace it. It embodies the spirit of Blissdom.

The position of Community Leader is essentially a friend for those who may either be new, be nervous or simply lost. It’s that lost piece of the puzzle that was missing from my first social media conference experience. It’s somebody you know you can walk up to and say “hey, what’s going on? what do I do now?” and if they don’t know, they’ll be sure to help you find out.

Believe it or not, it’s my first time attending Blissdom (gasp!)  but the head honchos Jennifer Powell (@hartgalla) and Shannon Mischuk (@shasherslife) have opened up their arms and hearts that I truly feel like a member of the Bliss family.

I’m really looking forward to seeing many of you this weekend. I’ll be leading three micro-sessions on Social Media for Beginners. There are so many first timer’s this weekend, it will be awesome to get our Bliss on together. Till then my friends.