In Conclusion...

So that’s it...OBC ’13 is almost over. It’s kind of hard to believe it! We hope that you have come away from these posts with new ideas to implement, new techniques to try, and new friends who will be with you for the long haul. If you have, well then, we’ve done our job.

Last spring I attended a really informative blog conference, Bloggy Boot Camp (Brand Edition). On the way to the airport a few of us shared a cab, one of whom had been a speaker. Her panel had been on jobs bloggers could do outside of blogging (think: social media manager). In our conversation, she made this remark:

“You know, most of the bloggers in that room are never going to be big. So you have to have something to fall back on.”

That comment really affected me. Actually, it kind of depressed me. I mean...if I wasn’t going to make it then what’s the point?

And then it hit me...maybe I’m not The Pioneer Woman; maybe I never will be. But I can be the best Dorothy from Crazy for Crust that I can be. I can work my hardest to grow this thing that is mine. All mine. I’ve built this blog from the beginning. I get to decide what successful is. Not some random person; not another blogger, not even my husband. I get to decide what my goals are - and then I get to reach them. Only I get to decide when and if I’ve “made it.”

I’ve been blogging for what feels like a long time: 3 years. But I still think of myself as a baby. I’ve learned so much, but I still have so much more to learn. It’s just like in any job; you learn something new every day. Over the three years I’ve built up something I’m proud of. And that’s the key: be proud of your work. Be happy where you are, be eager to grow, set a goal, and learn what you need to get there.

Use what you’ve learned here this week. Make a goal for yourself; for your blog...and then go for it. Really, don’t ever be afraid to dream too big. If you believe in yourself, you can make it.

Thank you to everyone for being here this week. Ashton and I are humbled by what this group has become. What all started with one idea turned into something we’d never imagined. Even though we will not be continuing the actual OBC conference in the future, we hope that this group continues on, grows, and stays a valuable resource for everyone who uses it. We hope you have enjoyed it as much as we have.

And now...I better go get out of these PJ’s. I must say, that’s one of the best parts of this conference. I didn’t need any new clothes! ;)

Be sure to come back in a few hours for giveaway winners, swag, and final thoughts!