Networking, Blogger Style

Ready to meet an entire community of like-minded people? People you can connect with without fighting traffic, who will encourage you to reach higher and support you every step of the way? Then, my friends, you must meet the blogger community. Here are a few places to start:

A to Z Challenge
This month I've been participating in the April A to Z Challenge, where 1000+ bloggers post almost every day for a month. It's been an incredible experience and I've met some great new blogging friends along the way. In particular, I'm a member of Pam's Unconventional Alliance, a small group of dedicated bloggers who help the Challenge co-hosts manage the 1800 bloggers who registered. Say hello to:

• Pam (our fearless leader) at An Unconventional Librarian
• Linda at The Publishing Bones
• Suzanna at One Hoolie Mama
• Claire at A Field Trip Life

International Blogger's Association

The IBA is a great place to meet other bloggers you wouldn't otherwise connect to. You do need to apply, but this ensures that all IBA members are engaged and participating. One of my all-time favorite pages is the Ultimate Blogger's Guide to Stock Photos, one of the best resources out there if you're looking for new visual content for your blog. 

We're hosting our first-ever online networking event and we'd love to have you join us! October 12-17, $10. Register here.

The SITS Girls

I've only just connected with The SITS Girls and I already love them. Capital L, Love. My first tweet chat was this weekend (7am PST on Saturdays via #sitsblogging) and I was blown away by the friendliness of the group. I even came away with Accountability Partners who have already been helping me keep on track. I'd love for you to meet them, please say hello to:

• Diana at This Imperfect Happiness
• Rose at Her Tainted Lips
• Teresa at Embracing the Spectrum

SoCal Blogger Society

I'm proud to be a founding member of the SoCal Blogger Society. This group has been immeasurably helpful for the in-person connections - let me tell you, our brunches are not to be missed! I've been especially lucky to meet:

• Alex from Stylelista Confessions, founder of SCBS, who has a talent for organization and a killer sense of style
• LaMesha from Fake French Girl who is an amazing Twitter connector
• Chelsea from Strand Style Fashion, a fearless woman with an incredible eye. I was lucky to collaborate with her on a street style piece in the LA Register, check it out here.

Two Point Oh! LA

I love Two Point Oh! LA for the endless stream of opportunities. Tickets to Fashion Week LA? Got 'em. Blogger picnic? Done (here's a photo). Invitation to participate in #Blogchella? You betcha.

Two Point Oh! LA events range from networking with the best LA bloggers to content-driven learning and everything in between. I get a little spring in my step when I see an email from them, I swear they're written to me personally. 

Linkups

Now that you've met all these new friends, a great way to get to know each other is by participating in  linkups. This post, for example, is part of Treasure Tromp's Treat Yo Self Thursday linkup. There are lots out there, some of my favorites are the SITS Girls Sharefest and That's What She Said via Mrs. AOK and Wilhelm Fam.

What about you? What networks are you a part of, and how do they help build you up? Comment below or send me a tweet, I'd love to hear from you.

This post is part of the April A to Z Challenge. Check out my previous post, Mother's Day Ideas, or see all the posts from the Challenge here.