~In My Words~

THE CREATIVE CONNECTION EVENT

 Lisa Tutman-Oglesby

I can’t recall a time when I’ve been around so many people in one place who totally “get” the whole creativity thing. What an amazing feeling that is. What an awesome feeling that is. That’s how I felt after attending the first-ever Creative Connection Event last September and I still feel that way today, one year later. My trip to TCC last year was actually a last minute decision that was prompted by the spontaneous need to take a break from everything else I was doing at the time and re-charge my creativity. The entire 3-day event was a whirlwind of activity, filled with good conversation, fellowship, food, fun, fantastic shopping, crafty and creative classes, TCC giveaways, networking and just plain listening to other creative women who are just like me.

Every hour was jammed-packed with purposeful, useful information including panel discussions on a variety of subjects ranging from jump-starting a business and improving or starting a blog to maximizing exposure through social media to getting your work published, to the future of the digital marketplace in today’s business environment.

Like me, perhaps you’ve also had the occasional doubt about the creative path you’ve chosen for yourself. For me, The Creative Connection Event helped lay to rest some of those nagging insecurities because I was reminded in no small way that I’m not alone in my creative pursuits and passions, insecurities and all. There is strength in creative numbers and when that strength comes together in one place like this event, the collective power is shared and touches everyone who is there. The energy created by so many like-minded individuals is palpable, thick enough to cut with a knife and everyone leaves a little bit more empowered for having been exposed to the experience. Sounds corny, right? Maybe, but I truly believe that. I felt that.

Unfortunately, personal schedule conflicts prevent me from attending this year and I’m totally bummed about it. Still, I’ll be there in spirit.
Come September, I’ll be sending good vibes and good wishes for success to all my creative sisters at The Creative Connection Event 2011.

Have fun and happy creating! ♥
Lisa Tutman-Oglesby
www.celebrate-creativity.com

MY TOP 5 TIPS FOR MAKING THE MOST OUT OF TCC EVENT

PACK LIGHTLY
You won’t need a zillion outfits. Save the extra luggage space for all the goodies you’ll buy at the Handmade Market. Don’t forget if your bags are overweight on the return flight, the airline will charge an additional (ridiculously hefty) fee.

MINGLE, DON’T BE SHY
Venture from your comfort zone or group and introduce yourself to strangers. Everyone is welcoming and the event is a great opportunity to network and connect with new people.

CARRY BUSINESS/BLOG CARDS
Hand out your contact cards (even if you only have a blog) and collect just as many. You won’t remember everyone you talked to and the cards are a good reminder of who you met and an added resource when you get home. Visit the blogs of people you met when you get home.

ENGAGE THE VENDORS
I learned a lot from talking with the vendors at The Handmade Market about their products and business experiences (I also bought a ton of stuff). Many of the vendors have traveled long distances to be at TCC and put great care into their merchandise and booth presentation. They really do like to know that you appreciate them.

TAKE PICTURES
I didn’t take as many pictures as I could have and when I got home, I regretted it. Photos of the event will not only remind you of the fun you had, but they’ll also help support a nice blog entry if you choose to write about the event later. (Click HERE to read Lisa’s TCC blog post)

I had the great pleasure of meeting Lisa at TCC last year. She was just as nice in person as she seems on her blog. She is truly a creative force! PLUS, she is the only person I know who has an EMMY!

That’s right! In 2006 she won an Emmy for her outstanding news reporting in the Chicago area.

Thank you so much Lisa for sharing these tips and for inspiring us with your beautiful blog~Paige

Fabulous Friday will be back next friday, but we wanted to take this opportunity to share our BRAND NEW issue of

Where Women Create. 

We are ESPECIALLY proud of this issue. 

Look at these ARTISTS!

And GUESS what?

They will be at TCC and will sign your copy at our 

Autograph Party at the Market!

{click on the picture to enlarge}

SO now that you’ve been given a peek inside, how would you like to win a copy?

Of course you do!

We’re going to give FIVE of you each a copy of this issue!

HAPPY DAY!

All you need to do is comment to this post with who from this issue YOU would like to have sign your copy  …

EASY! I want all of them to sign mine:) 

GOOD LUCK!

Additional entries:
*Follow WWC and TCC on Twitter
@WHEREWOMENCREAT @TCCEVENT (1 Entry)
*Tweet about this contest (1 entry)
*Blog about this contest and mention THE CREATIVE CONNECTION (1 Entry)
*Have a WWC button or link on your blog (1 Entry)
*Post a Comment on THE CREATIVE CONNECTION BLOG (1 Entry)
Remember to post separately for each additional entry and please only post the amount of entries allowed. Also, make sure we have a way to contact you. This contest ends on Tuesday, August 23rd at Midnight (MST), so make sure to get your comments in by then.

One more thing … Facebook rules are ever changing, so we never involve them in any contest we have. However, we would appreciate a “Like” on our THE CREATIVE CONNECTION EVENT Facebook page.
Creative Karma will be bestowed on you!

AND THE WINNER IS …

CONGRATULATIONS Pamela!

Thank you Charlotte for giving us such a FABULOUS prize!

~Have a GREAT day everyone~

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