By: Sara Urquhart. Photo by: Justin Hackworth

If a phrase like, “Your network is your net worth,” sounds painfully cliché, it’s probably because, like most clichés, it’s quite true. The value of networking in today’s business and blogging world is undeniable.

From the beginning, the intention of Alt has been to build bloggers’ networks. Networking is simply a matter of connecting dots, and Alt helps people develop those valuable working relationships that connect the dots from one business’s needs to another business’s solutions. If someone is looking to go to Point B, and your relationship can help them get there faster, you’ve connected a dot, and you’ll likely both benefit from it.

Network with authenticity and value by:

Listening carefully and openly

• Being honest, confident and relaxed
• Making your interest in helping others clear
• Being memorable with a funny story or moment (that’s organic to the conversation!)
• Not leading with your “big ask”; focus first on understanding needs
• Offering to connect someone with other people when the need is outside your area

If you’re having a great conversation that helps move your work, or another’s work, forward in an interesting and useful way, you’re networking, and you’re having the right conversation.

By: Jennifer Little

Today is all about making your shoots at home as successful as possible. I hope to offer you some tips that will make your family shoots work for you so that you are happy with your photos for years to come.

Clear the Clutter

Keep the background and foreground simple and free of distractions. Let the focus of your photo be on your subjects. Remove miscellaneous toys, laundry, snacks and groceries from the photo. Feel free to keep large-scale architectural elements such as lamps, accessories and artwork in the photo as long as they don’t render all the attention. Clean photos will give you a fresh modern feel.

By: Sara Urquhart

The Alt summer conferences offer so many opportunities for building your business and your network. Be prepared to make the most of them with these suggestions.

1. Know what you want. You’ll get the most out of Alt by establishing clear intentions. Are you hoping to meet new friends, collaborators, or business partners? Looking for opportunities to contribute on other blogs? Hoping to connect with sponsors? Or just seeking inspiration and advice from the Alt community? Approach Alt with one or two goals in mind, and use them to guide your conversations and interactions.

2. Be flexible. Remember that great things often happen when we’re least expecting them. Be open-minded about unexpected directions or conversations, and you might walk away with an opportunity you’d never dreamed of.

3. Share openly, and listen well. Introduce yourself and your work with confidence and listen respectfully as others share their work and thoughts. Offer assistance, connections and introductions in the spirit of helpfulness that characterizes the Alt community.

4. Plan for success. Shortly after Alt, make an appointment with yourself (and keep it!) to review your notes and create a plan to implement your new ideas. All the great things you learned will serve you best when you put them into action.

By: Jennifer Little

Because you can never have too much inspiration, I have posted a few blogs that are amazing at capturing family at home.

1. The Glow
2. You are my wild
3. Katie’s Pencil Box
4. Pink Pistachio
5. Little Household (our family blog)

And because you can never read too much on how your camera operates, I am sharing a few wonderful, easy to understand posts on how to use your camera.

1. Picture Taking by Katie’s Pencil Box
2. Here’s Marla… by Fly Through Our Window

If you are really looking to get serious with photography, you should hop over to CreativeLIVE and you can learn everything you ever wanted to know!

By: Melanie Blodgett. Photo by: Oh Happy Day.

I have to admit when I was approached about teaching the new DIY Blogging 101 class, I was a bit intimidated. I mean, so many other bloggers have the DIY process down a lot better than I do. But of course they flattered me into doing it and as I prepare for the class, I’ve been so inspired to step my game up. I hope you don’t mind I’m learning along side you!

Here are just five (of the many) blogs that I admire for their tutorial game:

Oh Happy Day

I’m sure you’re already familiar with Jordan’s blog (if not already officially obsessed) but I could not not mention her. Jordan’s tutorials are a step above the rest because not only does she have a genius creative brain (that I’m sure we’d all like to pick), she has a talented team that helps execute her vision flawlessly.

A Beautiful Mess

I guess teamwork is a theme. A Beautiful Mess is run by the creative duo, Elsie and Emma. They’re constantly cranking out fresh ideas shared with well styled and well taken photos that make everything very pin-worthy.

Creature Comforts

Ez is a jack of all trades and it’s always a good day when she posts one of her tutorials. Consistent style, a variety of ideas and excellent photos make her the blogger to seek inspiration from.

Penelope & Pip

The fact that Rachael is a talented designer and illustrator shows. I think she can add photographer to her resume too because all her photos are crisp and clean, making her colorful and happy projects stand out.

The House That Lars Built

Brittany definitely has it. She’s the girl we all want to be friends with for her impeccable taste and the creative ideas she’s constantly coming up with and churning out. Plus she’s pretty darn nice too.

I believe that your unique selling proposition is, in fact, YOU. Nobody else was made like you, thinks like you, sees what you see, you are a complete original. Read that last sentence again. Let it sink in.

What you really need to do is learn how to express your originality. Get comfortable with it. Learn how to get your originality down on paper or in many cases, onto the web.

I meet dynamic people all the time at Smart Creative Women. A consistent trait they posses is a unique aesthetic that comes from their individual perspective. I call it their “creative style.” They have it nailed down, they don’t waste days wondering if this opportunity or that motif or color will fit with their branding.  They have complete confidence in their creative style.

They don’t worry if they fit in with the next trend or if they have replicated someone else’s idea.  They know who they are which frees mental space allowing them to move forward in their lives and businesses.

So how do you gain confidence with your own creative style?

Want more? Be sure to sign up for Kelly's class, Expanding Your Audience, on Alt Channel later this month!]]>http://www.altitudesummit.com/blog/rss-comments-entry-33891699.xmlblogging contestfathers day giveawayinstagram contestwin an apple productwin an ipadAltitude SummitMon, 10 Jun 2013 17:59:06 +0000http://www.altitudesummit.com/blog/2013/6/10/win-an-ipad.html722849:8580146:33886216

By: Melanie Blodgett

Hit a wall for content? Check out these great links to get you back on track:

- Megan discusses taking the mantra,create without fear, to heart

- 50 Post Ideas for the Rough Days

- Victoria shares ways to create original content (without having to bust out a tutorial)

- Avoiding getting trapped in the rabbit hole of inspiration

- In a nutshell: be yourself. That’s what the blogosphere really needs.

- Consistency. Plan. Research. Content is Key.

Don't forget to check out Melanie's class, Content is King, later this month for more tips about creating awesome content.

By: Melanie Blodgett Image by: Besotted Blog

With the saturation of blogs, creating content that stands out is becoming more and more important. Luckily original content comes in all shapes and sizes so there is always a place for more creation. Today I’m sharing five blogs that set a high standard for content in the hopes that they’ll inspire you.

Design Love Fest

I’m pretty sure Bri is prepping to take over the world. A lifestyle blog that covers a variety of topics, what really makes Design Love Fest stand out is how each post is taken to a professional, editorial level (often by collaborating with talented friends) and given the Bri spin. Even the product posts are made original with creative layouts.

Pencil Box

Katie’s blog is original because it’s all about her life and family, something that nobody else is experiencing. What makes it appealing to more than just her mom is the beautiful photos that accompany each post, her writing style and friendliness, and the glimpses she gives into her life showing the beauty she sees in the everyday.

Mer Mag

Just one glimpse at Merrilee’s blog and you’ll be able to see her outstanding talent. Mostly a diy blog, I think what makes it successful is that Merrilee focuses on what she knows best and creates art and projects that come naturally to her. And convinces you your final product will turn out as great as hers.

100 Layer Cakelet

Cakelet is a prime example of a niche blog that’s curated and edited with consistent styling and top notch finds to create a beautiful site with original content.

Wit & Delight

Not only is the layout of this blog original, Kate has a talent of finding products and topics that you haven’t already seen hashed out all over the place. Her witty writing adds to the appeal of the blog.