Blogalicious 2015 Recap #BYOE15

This entire weekend filled with love, laughter, and learning.

I only had to travel to Baltimore for this year’s Blogalicious conference, but re-entry back to real life was hard. The blogger life is very conducive to being a hermit, which I usually don’t mind. I’ve yet to miss a year of Blogalicious because it’s a family reunion for me.

I kicked off the conference with a huge crab feast dinner, courtesy of Kikkoman. I was excited to see that they were a sponsor because we are a Kikkoman loving family. Seriously, I buy it their low-sodium soy sauce by the liter at H-mart. I don’t think I’ve ever had a Maryland style crab dinner. In Maryland, the crab is steamed but I’m used to Louisiana-style spicy boiled crabs. The Maryland blue crabs were delicious! (I even wore a plastic bib.)

Kikkoman also had some soy sauce ice cream in their suite. It sounds strange but so good!

Me with Blogalicious co-founder Stacey Ferguson (center) and Amy of TeachMama.com

This year I had no responsibilities during the conference. I wasn’t speaking. I wasn’t working. Best of all, I didn’t have to pitch my business idea on stage. Whew! Once is enough for a bit. Instead, I attended sessions and took selfies with my friends.

My favorite class was the one by Regina Anaejionu who taught us the ins and outs of creating e-products to grow our business. She’s got great tips for bloggers and freelancers on hers site. For me, her appeal is how down to earth she is and her passion for helping others. Her philosophy aligns with my philosophy:

Serving people authentically is about matching them with the right product, not just any product. PEOPLE’S NEEDS > SALES.  -@byReginaTV

People’s needs are more important than sales. Boom.  This was my philosophy when I was a multilevel marketing consultant and it still is. Regina has a thing for bad jokes/puns so I told her one.

Ready? “Why did the coach go to the bank?” Wait for it…” To get his quarter back.” Get it?

I definitely want to offer more e-products for you. I already have my free Vietnamese Pantry Essentials Guide, but I’d like to create more. Is there anything you’d like to see from me? A Vietnamese cookbook, maybe?

It was even better to catch up with my friend Leticia. She gave me a ride and let me room with her. That’s what friends are for. The food at Blogalicious was ah-mazing! Lots of seafood in honor of Baltimore (and Maryland). I’m sad that I have to cook my own meals and there’s no bacon for breakfast.

I left the weekend exhausted but with a full heart and mind.