BlogPaws 2018 - Love, Change, New Beginnings and Owning Your Awesome | Lola The Rescued Cat
Wednesday, April 25, 2018

BlogPaws 2018 - Love, Change, New Beginnings and Owning Your Awesome

After attending a BlogPaws conference, I always do a round-up post.


BlogPaws|social media conference


Lola and Lexy were “less than impressed” with my posts for the 2015 and 2016 conferences, so I made a concerted effort for 2017 by tapping into the emotional side of the conference and wrote about Four Reasons BlogPaws Made Me Cry



BlogPaws|social media conference

Throughout the 2018 conference I was waiting for that "ah-ha" moment to spark the topic for this year’s post, but it was eluding me. Upon waking on Saturday, the morning after the announcement of somewhat shocking news and moving closing words from the BlogPaws team, it hit me. The 10th Annual BlogPaws Conference was filled with love, change, new beginnings and owning your awesome. 


I was an ambassador – and a finalist! 

I was looking forward to this conference even more than previous ones because, in addition to being chosen to be a BlogPaws Ambassador for the 10th Anniversary Conference, I was a finalist in two Nose to Nose categories

When I was initially chosen to be a BlogPaws Ambassador I was unaware of just how important this experience would turn out to be for me. Jenise Carl, Alison Reder, Joely Smith, Elizabeth Keene and I would be the last Ambassador group with the BlogPaws team we had all come to know and love. 


BlogPaws|social media conference


We would be the last Ambassador group at a BlogPaws conference as we know it. I couldn’t have asked for better comrades in this task and I’m so happy I got the chance to know some of them better and work with them. 

I didn’t win a Nose to Nose, but the competition in my categories was tough. I am honored that I was nominated as a finalist amongst such talented bloggers and writers and I am even more driven and determined to hone my craft so I can see “Lola The Rescued Cat” on the screen next year as a finalist once again. 


BlogPaws|social media conference


Love

If you’ve been involved in the BlogPaws community through the News and Boost Group, Social Learning Community (SLC), sponsored campaigns, etc., you know how family oriented the team is. They are truly a family and it was obvious there is a great love amongst them. This conference confirmed for me what I already knew; that each team member pours that love back into the BlogPaws community. They honestly and genuinely care about our community members and view all of us as family. Working closely with them I could see it was even more abundant this year, and I realized how their love for us has set the tone and brought a certain energy to past conferences.


Change and new beginnings

Throughout the conference, the air was full of a lot of buzz about impending changes. We all knew that BlogPaws was acquired by Chewy, and many were concerned not only about the future of BlogPaws as a social media and learning community, but for the team as we know it. When I heard the news from Maggie and Bernard that only one member of the team was returning, my initial response was “Oh no! I’m going to cry.” Both told me “no tears!” and assured me that they had big plans for themselves. Change is scary, change is often unwanted, and change is difficult. I felt like I had just become a part of this wonderful family that was now dispersing. For a minute I felt lost, and the future of pet blogging seemed uncertain for me. As they allayed my worries, I realized they were embracing the upcoming changes in their lives and were looking forward positively. And in respect for them and everything they have done for me and taught me, I realized I needed to do the same. Change isn’t always negative and looking past our fears of losing what we know and welcoming new experiences that are on the horizon makes it more palatable.  New beginnings are on the horizon for all of us who have immersed ourselves in the culture of BlogPaws, and lucky for us, we have the biggest support group anyone could ask for – each other.


BlogPaws|social media conference


Owning Your Awesome

During an ambassador meeting, Bernard shared a quote he heard in a session during the conference: “Own Your Awesome.” I paid that quote forward several times during the conference with people I felt needed to hear it. Bernard Lima-Chavez, Aimee Beltran, Carol Bryant, Maggie Marton, Felissa Elfenbein, and Chloe Divita you are all totally awesome and I know you will not only "Own Your Awesome", you will wear it like a finely tailored suit. I have learned different things from each of you that have made me a more confident blogger, a better writer, and stronger person that I will always carry with me. I will miss those of you who are moving on, and I'm looking forward to seeing the next steps in your journey. 




What’s next?

We are all anxiously awaiting updates to learn what’s next for BlogPaws. Many are wondering about education and sponsored opportunities, while others are worried about losing the community. What we can’t forget is that we are the community. No matter who runs BlogPaws, no one can take away the relationships we have created and the support we give to each other. Collectively we have a big voice, and when it’s used effectively we can have a big impact for our group. We need to keep owning our awesome!


Paying it Forward

We’ve all learned different things from BlogPaws in general and from specific people, so let’s pay homage to them by paying it forward. Change does not mean things will end, it just means it will be different. 
Dawn

P.s. Stay tuned... I'll be sharing my conference photos in an upcoming post.  

Would you like to comment?

  1. It'll be interesting to see what Chewy has planned for BlogPaws in the upcoming year.

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  2. I never did see a list of who won what at the Nose to Nose Awards. You are right, the bloggers are the community and I know a new path forward will be found. I just feel so bad for the BlogPaws staff that gave their hearts to the group. Unfortunately profits will be front and center with Chewy ownership. They might own the name but they don't own the community.

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  3. None of us like change...and I hope Chewy continues on with the community that has been built...and any changes are for the better. Loved spending time with you at the conference...I only wish we had had more time. oxox

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  4. Awesome post! Having not atteneded the conference, it is great to read posts like this and feel connected. You're right, change isn’t always negative - and I always try and stay positive. Negativity takes too much energy and is just draining for all involved. BP couldn't have found a better ambassador than you. You are an awesome blogger and friend, and I look forward to what Lola the Rescued Cat brings this year!

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  5. We're all like cats -- we hate change -- but with positive experiences comes acceptance of a "new norm" and I pray that we'll all have a wonderful time with BlogPaws going forward. Thanks for the recap.

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  6. Change IS scary, isn't it. But change can be good, too. Even if things change for the better, we're bound to miss some of the stuff from the past, 'cept, of course, when it comes to litter boxes. Litter box changes are ALWAYS good, with no need to miss whatever was tossed out. But I digress. The trick is, I believe, is to bring whatever you need from before with you, while explorin' what lies ahead. PURRS

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  7. Dawn; Sorry about the no trophy but you're a winner with Lola, Lexy, Will and all your friends, so there's that { we aren't sure WHo won WHAT, but conga ratz to them as da tabbies say } I hope going forward the "change" remains positive, and more importantly, community focused. I saw what "change" did to Catster/Dogster....and we'll just leave it at that :(

    ♥♥☺☺ glad ya made it home aye oh kay !

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  8. We will be waiting for any updates you will have for us. Sometimes a change is scary at first, but just have to see what's next in the future. We will be waiting for photos from the conference. Thanks for the share. Have a great day.
    World of Animals

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  9. I have tried to write this post and just haven't had the heart to do it. Thanks for putting many of my feelings (and probably many other people's) into words. The conference was definitely bittersweet and I still have so many mixed emotions. The community is most important to me and all the amazing friendships I have discovered along the way. Whatever happens next I hope we all stick together and continue to support each other. XOXO

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  10. Dawn, you owned your awesome with an awesome post. I had my tearful moments at BlogPaws, not just for the changes coming but for the lack of cat bloggers present. So many members of the huge family I became a part of in Las Vegas in 2014 were missing. I am praying the changes ahead will not keep them away. We all have different things to contribute, and I, like you, want to keep our community intact...growing and thriving in the years ahead. We deserve that, no matter who is in charge. Thanks for being an ambassador and an AWESOME blogger and friend. XOCK, angel Lily Olivia, Mauricio, Misty May, Giulietta, angel Fiona, Astrid, Lisbeth, Calista Jo, Cooper Murphy and Sawyer

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  11. Dawn, I share your optimism about change not being all bad. At someone who has worked in corporate America for over 40 years, I can say that when people leave a job, everyone promises to stay in touch but seldom do. People go their own ways and often become immersed in a new world which doesn't leave them time for the old one. I have an excellent relationship with Chewy and don't want to risk it going forward. I do wish they'd change the Blogpaws name because it isn't BP without the DiVita's and some of the other staff.

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  12. I think the sudden departure of so many of leaders feels very dramatic. and consequently, scary. I'd love to read something from the new Admins that is reassuring, but so far, I haven't come across anything.

    Although I had a ticket for this year's event, I wasn't able to attend. I feel even more conflicted about missing it now!

    I'm sure you were a great ambassador and I hope that the community remains cohesive.

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  13. I am really concerned about the changes and what is going to happen to our community as I have learnt so much since I started blogging and although I cannot attend the conferences I really hope we all stick together

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  14. I WAS A NEWBIE TO THIS CONFERENCE AND WAS IMPRESSED ON THE QUALITY OF TEH EVENT AND THE GREAT COMMUNITY. WHILE CHANGES ARE HAPPENING I ALSO BELIEVE IS FOR THE BETTER. GLAD YOU HAD TEH CHANCE TO BE NOMINATED AND ALSO AN AMBASSADOR.

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  15. Fabulous post, Dawn! Friday night was very upsetting but as the weekend went on I started to feel quite excited about the future with BlogPaws and Chewy. Change is scary...but it can be really good too!

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  16. It was so great to talk to you in person as I read and admire your blog. The ambassadors were a wonderful group. I was a finalist but did not win either which of course was disappointing but motivating (clearly need to continue to up my game). I learned a lot and was glad I went to see everyone and reinforce some wonderful relationships. Of course change is scary and I will miss the warmth and support of the amazing team. I had the chance to talk to some of the new Chewy team and they were very nice and responsive so hopefully things will be different but great going forward. XS

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  17. Change really is scary, but it's also how new, great things happen. We'll be waiting to see it all unfold over the upcoming year.

    It's hard to believe we were at the same conference, since I hardly saw you in the whirlwind of activity. We'll spend more time together next time around. :)

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  18. Well said. For all the "panic" about change, we stand together. Change has come before and will again. We can fear it or face it. But you are awesome and so are the pet bloggers that make up our community.

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  19. I guess nothing stays the same fur-ever. But I hope for continued success for all the wonderful BlogPaws team members as they purr-sue new adventures. I sure hope that Chewy chooses to keep all the great things that made BlogPaws what it is today. I can't wait to see your photos of your conference experience! Purrs!

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  20. Thanks Dawn for putting a positive face on the changes that have been made. I am so happy that we are still following the lead of the admin for the news and boost group. As an independent rep for another company, but also a consumer of Chewy products, I have an open mind about this buyout. Teams change. I had attended two BP events in the early days and really enjoyed the authenticity of every person involved.

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  21. Thank you for being so positive and for owning your awesome! I had to leave the conference before the Nose-to-Nose awards and was baffled at what I was hearing when I checked in on Sunday. I did finally watch the whole ceremony and was shocked and hurt by what happened. I'm looking forward to the Friday post to see what will happen. Ever since I joined this boost group, I feel that I have really gotten to know people a lot better. I hope we can stay a community, no matter what changes are in store.

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  22. As someone who's been in the BlogPaws community for less time than you, I completely relate to your Oh No! feeling that the community felt like it was dispersing. For a good portion of the second half of the Nose-to-Nose Awards, I wasn't certain what I was hearing or what was going on, but I do agree that staying positive is the way forward. Change is inevitable in any community, so we need to keep forging ahead.

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  23. What a wonderful post, Dawn. We, too, are curious to see what Chewy has in store for Blog Paws moving forward.

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  24. Such a wonderful post! Congratulations on being nominated, your blog is so lovely! I'm very new to the BlogPaws community, but everybody has been so nice in the Facebook groups! It is definitely important to keep a positive attitude whenever there is change!

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  25. Sophie and I loved meeting you at the conference - we were competitors in the Best Written Post and I agree that it was tough competition! I hope that the Nose-to-Nose awards continue as does the spirit of BlogPaws at future conferences. I definitely see the possibility for growth and change.

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  26. ConCats to you Dawn. Glad you enjoyed BlogPaws and all that went with it. We look furward to the future and can't wait to see where it goes. We hope to one day be nominated, recognized, or noticed too. Who knows, we can dream. Big hugs

    Luv ya'

    Dezi and Raena

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  27. Dawn I never thought of it that way. We ARE the last Ambassadors aren't we!? Wow.
    I feel even more blessed to have been selected now!
    Lump forming in throat.
    I was in that session with Bernard where we heard Jill Caren say Own Your Awesome!
    Such a powerful session indeed!
    I saw him write it in big letters on his notepad!
    It really hit home with a lot of people for sure.
    Inspiring - that is what I found this 10th Anniversary Conference to be.
    Seeing so many amazing people going through huge change stand up proudly and owning their awesome!
    I am SO very very happy we got to meet in person too because Dawn, YOU are awesome!

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  28. I can't believe I missed this post. Thank goodness for e-mail notifications. For me, change is always hard. But at the same time, you're dead without it. Congratulations on being a first class Ambassador!

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  29. We loved the conference this time. No stress for us but lots of positive meetings. I am sure Chewy will do a good job!

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  30. Amazing post. Thank you!
    In Egypt cats were like Gods!
    So yesterday I bought some beautifull cat earring from https://beautyofcats.com/ to remind me every day that :)

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