One week ago today in Melbourne the first ever ProBlogger training day took place. What started as a spur of the moment idea less than 4 weeks before ballooned into a very worthwhile experience.
Originally I had thought it would just be a day for 10-15 bloggers gathering around a board room table talking about blogging – but it quickly turned into a sold out training day with 150 bloggers from around Australia (and one from New Zealand) packed into a hotel’s conference room to spend a full day learning about four aspects of blogging.
Speaking on the day were Chris Garrett, Yaro Starak, Collis Ta’eed, Pip Lincolne, Shayne Tilley from SitePoint and myself.
We covered four main ‘pillars’ of blogger:
- Creating Killer Content
- Finding Readers
- Building Community and Reader Engagement
- Monetization
Here’s Yaro, Chris and myself – and no we didn’t coordinate our clothing for the day but we’re wondering if perhaps jeans and grey shirts are the new blogger uniform. Image by TheCreativePen.
There was also a couple of panels and two case studies as well as a work-shopping session.
I wasn’t quite sure how we’d pull it all together in such a short time but considering there was only a few weeks lead time the event went swimmingly with loads of requests to do it again both in Melbourne and around the country (and overseas). I’m not quite sure when or how we’ll put on another one – but I do hope we can do something similar again.
A number of people kept great notes on the day so I’ve compiled the ones I’ve found below for those of you not able to be there. Some of them are blow by blow accounts so you’ll be able to pick up a lot of the tips touched on during the day. Also below is a video shot on the day by Lara from Social Rabbit asking attendees for tips on what they learned.
Summaries/Notes from the Day
- The Value-Add – Notes from ProBlogger Event Round Up (detailed notes – 6 parts with more pics)
- The Blog Stylist – 15 Useful Blogging Resources and Tools Discussed as a result of the ProBlogger Event
- Brendans Blog – ProBlogger Training Day Wrap-up and Part 2.
- Connecting Librarian – Part 1, Part 2 and Part 3
- NuffnangBetter Blogging Tips from ProBlogger Training Day
- Would You Travel 1846 miles for this man?
PS: we did record the day and are trying to work out what to do with the 7 or so hours of content recorded. One option is to bundle it into a DVD – if you’re interested in buying a copy please let me know in comments below to give us an indication as to whether it’s feasible to do so.
Thanks to Darren, Chris and everyone else who made it happen and who attended – I not only enjoyed the day, but came out with new inspiration for action, including a “killer” idea that I have been working on since, stay tuned…
Well worth travelling 1,864 miles for! Any blogger who gets the chance to go to an event like this should. The speakers were informative and inspiring and as a blogger whose friends don’t even know what a blog is it was a fabulous opportunity for me to hang out with people who do get it. I met many bloggers who I’ll be keeping in touch with, got some great advice and have been helping some of them too.
For me it’s about being confident enough to make money directly from my blog and getting a kick up the pants to do stuff that I know needs doing but keep putting off. I left the conference with a long list of things to do but ever more determined to do them and make my blog a success. The money I spent going to the conference was an excellent investment and I’d love to go to another.
I got the shock of my life seeing my face on the still of the you tube video. Wish I had my website on a cap (like race car drivers). Maybe that’s a lesson too.
That was crazy dood value for 100 bucks. Even after my airfare and cab ride it was cheap.
Am currently implementing implementing implementing.
Many thanks.
Oh and love the concept of Social Proof.
Just wanted to say what a great day the #pbevent was. Learnt alot of stuff that I should have started doing years ago, and some things I had not even considered. Thanks for teaching us all to become better bloggers.
There are a lot of positive things happening in Melbourne not only with blogging but also with personal development in general.
Australia now has some pretty god blogs. World class.
Yes please create a dvd of the event. For us folks who are not able to attend it. Thanks!
I LOVED the Problogger Training Day in Melbourne. It was even better than I expected.
It was well-run, well organised and more importantly – informative. All 4 main speakers bought a different yet valuable dimension to the day.
I learnt something from all of them.
The fact that Darren organized a panel was fantastic – it’s one thing learning from a blogger by reading their blog, but another seeing them reply to your question on-the-spot.
My eternal gratitude to you Darren for organizing this day.
Renee.
I wish :/ these would look great!
Darren congrats on putting together what seems like a great event in such a short time. It’s amazing how it went from a 15 person session to 150 people packed in a hotel conference room. I would totally be interested in purchasing a DVD of the event.
Hi Darren,
Sounds like you had a very successful seminar and turnout. Well done!
Yes, I would be interested in a DVD to add to the excitement and experience of Blogging. As well as geeting all the other “senses” involved and the creativity flowing.
Sorry, I could not attend, maybe next time.
Best regards,
–John
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Wow. I wish I was able to go there! No matter how long you’ve been blogging, it’s always nice to hear the views of other professional bloggers, and experts at that. There’s always room for improvement, after all.
If you have any seminars in the US (esp CA), I’d be there in a heart beat. I’d also love to buy the DVD covering this one if it ends up being put together!
Thanks for sharing Darrin.
I would love to be there. Actually, I knew, but I could not make it…. I heard it was very good. This meeting are good not just for information, also to make connections!
I can’t believe I missed this! It looks like it was awesome.
Yes make that DVD Darren :-). And you are being quite modest, I am sure if you hadn’t capped registrations at 150, there would have been over 250 people signing up…
The chance to hear people who have made it online reveal their approach and insights is too good to miss up. Looking forward to the next time around!
Cheers,
Krishna
I’m sure that would be a great gathering since it’s full of similar-minded people that has a lot of great ideas.
Wish I could have caught this – looks great!
We, the people, demand a webinar!