This week, I’ll be attending a blogging conference, IzeaFest. The schedule is full of learning and networking experiences. Normally I’d be worried about being fatigued and not feeling well but after attending the Affiliate Summit I learned how to balance having a chronic illness and being a conference attendee. Here are the Top Ten Tips To Get The Most Out of a Blog Conference When You Are Chronically Ill:
- Rest Up the week before. Get yourself into a good sleeping pattern and even take some naps during the day so you can feel well rested before the conference.
- Schedule Your Time at the conference. Go through the schedule provided including the speakers, events and parties. Prioritize what is most important for your needs. In case you need a break, you can take it during the least necessary events. Although being there in person is the perfect scenario, most conferences are available on video later so you can take advantage of viewing what you missed.
- Eat Healthy Meals so that you are taking good care of yourself. If food is provided, take fruit or some other snacks with you. Also, remember to keep well hydrated.
- Take Advantage of Breaks. If you are going to attend parties and other networking events, then use the allotted break times to either nap or just find a quiet place to close your eyes and it easy for a few minutes.
- Take Your Medications on Time. Keep a timer to remind you to take your meds. I use the silent alarm clock on my cell phone. It can get so hectic that it’s easy to forget to take your prescriptions.
- Find a Buddy. A buddy can take notes for you, pass out your business cards, let people know that you needed a break, etc. There are many things that you can do in return - write a blog post about that person, mention their help on Social Networking forums, write a reference for them, etc.
- Be Prepared to Miss Something. Even people who are healthy end up missing an event or even more. Sometimes it’s just too overwhelming. Travel problems may occur. Healthy people get sick too. There are many reasons. So don’t be disappointed if you don’t hear a speaker or attend an after party.
- Take Lots of Photos. Keep your camera with you at all times and take photos of the people and happenings around you. Try to write down a short note about the photo so you’ll remember the details later. This will allow you to post about the conference later and create lots of memories.
- Hand out Business Cards. Don’t push them on people, but after you start a conversation about the other person, ask them for their card, write down some notes on the back and then give them yours. If you can’t do a lot of networking, you can quickly introduce yourself, say that you need a break and really want to get to know them. Ask for theirs first again.
- Relax and Enjoy! You’ve made it to the conference and that in itself is a big accomplishment. Have fun, meet new people, network and focus on the positives.
My advice for photos is to use an 
xshot so you can be in the photo too. Plus, using this camera extender will get people to notice you.
It is possible to work from home when you are disabled or have a chronic illness by blogging. If you can use a computer, spend a few hours a week online and can learn directions on writing blog posts, you can earn money online.
One of the main things you will need to help you in this endeavor, is web hosting. Having your own domain name and hosting helps you to earn more money because you will have more work options available to you. Finding a reliable web host can be difficult, especially when you are brand new to blogging. You can follow this guide to learn what you type of web host you need. You’ll need to know how much disk space you need, the cost you will pay either per month or per year and the type of support that is provided.
I suggest going with a host that has 24 hour support with a toll-free number. When you are brand new to blogging, you will have a lot of questions. You may also run into problems that you are unable to deal with on your own, so look for a good support program.
Finding dedicated server hosting does not have to be a daunting task. It can be the start of working at home by blogging.
This post is sponsored by PayPerPost.
Izea, the company that owns PayPerPost and Social Spark now has another new blogging site open, PayPerPost v4.0. There are a lot of features that I like about this:
- It is simple to join. Just add your blog name, URL and just a bit of information about your blog
- There’s no eligibility process for blogs. Join and you’re in!
- You chose how much money you want to earn per word for your posts and per link. Plus you can edit this price as often as you wish.
- If you need to make changes to your post once it’s completed, you just sign in to your account and follow the directions. Easy!
I don’t like that not accepting an opportunity reflects poorly on my blog and my account. If I receive an offer that doesn’t have anything to do with my blog theme, I most likely won’t accept it. I’m hoping since PPP V4.0 is still in Alpha that this will be addressed.
That’s the only issue I have with this new Izea program. Other than that I’ve received a few offers and have been pleased with them. Here’s another way for people with health issues to earn some money. Why not give it a try and join too?
As I am growing as a blogger I want to continue to provide you with resources to assist you in your endeavors. I’m finding that I am able to work in this capacity even with my multiple health problems and earn extra money. Especially now, with the economy as it is, this money helps pay for my medications and extra medical expenses.
Search Engine Optimization is an necessary part of blogging and of website design. It is somewhat difficult to learn and retain for me. I use as much help as possible. Now that blogging is worldwide, that is you may see or read blogs in Spanish, Italian, Chinese, etc. you will want your blog and website to be able to be picked up by search engines in other countries as well. Multilingual SEO can provide this for you. Imagine your blog being picked up by search engines in Russia.
Some bloggers or owners of websites use Pay Per Click ads. The same holds true for this endeavor. If people from Portugal or the Netherlands click on your ads you will earn money. So why not make use of Multilingual PPC? Go with professionals with years of experience in this field. Search Laboratory has language specialists that work with you blog and website and provide the tools you need to help you earn money.
New or experienced bloggers this is the place to be! You’ll get to network with top bloggers and other bloggers like me (I’d love to meet you), learn about blogging techniques, get swag (free stuff), free food and do all this at SeaWorld.
No need to worry if you’re disabled or have chronic illnesses. I’ve talked to people who have attended the last three years and was told that you don’t need to take part in everything if you’re not able to do so. I doubt I’ll make the late night parties. And yes, I’ll be taking my scooter with me.
I’ve written about the details and how to get tickets on my blog Brain Foggles. There’s even a sneak peak video of what’s to come at SeaWorld.
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