There is a lot of talk about what newcomers to Blissdom can do to have a great experience and a great time at Blissdom. Everything from how to prepare your kids and your partner for your absence, to what great pair of shoes to bring and what to pack in your suitcase. If the newcomer, however, is standing in the corner at lunch with fabulous shoes and a great new sweater, then it is a fail.

Much of the onus is on new Blissdom attendees to personally shape the outcome of their own Blissdom experience, but we would be amiss if we didn’t talk about how the actions of Blissdom alum can be a big part of the newcomer experience too.

Tip #1
1. Don’t immediately mention how many years you have been blogging. I really don’t know many professionals that do that. For example, when people ask me what I do for a living, I say I am an attorney. I don’t say, I am an attorney and I have been writing laws for 15 years. Sure, it is who you are, but make it part of a conversation later on. Otherwise, you are just going to freak out the newcomer who will now think her new blog she started last year is not worthy of anything.

Tip #2
In our advice to newcomers, we tell them not to be afraid to walk up to people and say hello. Or if you see a space at a table for lunch, sit down with women you don’t know. However, if you are that person who is already sitting at a table with your best blogging buds, don’t turn your head back to the conversation after someone sits down. Make eye contact, smile and perhaps mention what is the topic of conversation. Then make sure to share inside jokes at the table, like “We are all laughing because Charlene had to sing karaoke during her legal panel last year because the sound system didn’t work.” (Sadly, a true story…)

Tip #3
There are going to be a lot of crowded rooms for various sessions that are really popular, but if you see a new mom with her baby, a pregnant woman, or a blogger in a knee cast, offer your seat even if it means catching up with friends after the session is over. I know it seems like a no-brainer, but sometimes we can get lost in the chatter and forget to look up and see that someone needs some help (or a new friend).

Tip #4
It has been mentioned that newcomers will see tweets about dinner plans being made and that they should jump into the fray. In reality, that is easier said than done. If your group does want to invite other people to come along, say it in your tweets. It makes it a lot easier for someone else to jump in to the dinner-making plans if they know you are welcoming.

Tip #5
A lot of bloggers know each other from years of blogging or going to blog conferences, and they will say they are not being cliquey, but just catching up. That is true, but it still looks cliquey regardless of intentions. So consciously leave an empty chair or leave a gap in a standing circle. If you happen to see someone looking for a seat in a session or at breakfast, flag them over. Blogging besties are great, but so is meeting new bloggers.

Tip #6
Break away from the pack. Again, it is natural to hang with people you know, but once a day, go solo. See who you will meet. Put aside your number of Twitter followers or your power in the Blogaverse and keep it real. Get back to your roots and find inspiration in a new friend. People follow you because they think you are funny or cool. Show them it is real.

All in all, our individual Bliss comes from what we put into it. Our Blissdom experience can be fierce based on what comes out of it. So if you are a newcomer reading this, welcome, and take all the advice and make it work for you. But if you are a Blissdom alum, the newcomer experience starts with us. There are a lot of fabulous people to meet, so meet them halfway.

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Charlene is a Vlogging Community Leader at Blissdom and is always up for hanging with people and making new blogging friends. Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Google+ – you will find her there. And then at Blissdom 2012!