Twenty-Something Bloggers: The Bloggers With The Most To Say
The 20SB network is slowly taking over the Blogosphere. Finally the twenty-somethings are being recognized in an area where tech and mommy bloggers once ruled. With the first national meet-up just around the corner, I wanted to introduce you to the network and highlight some of our awesome bloggers.
What are these events we speak of?
20SB Featured Blogger
Every month members of 20SB nominate a blogger they’d like to see featured. That blogger, if chosen, will have their photo, link and “about me” section published on the site’s homepage for a month. Their blog is then added to the network’s blog feed. It’s just another fun way to highlight a really kick ass blogger.
This month’s featured blogger is LiLu from Live It, Love It. You can find a list of past winners here
A blog swap is just that. Anyone who is interested signs up by adding their blog and email address to a forum thread. They’re then paired up with another blogger and on a specific day, they swap blogs. It’s a really cool way to find other bloggers and bring a whole new readership to your own blog.
Many bloggers rarely post in video format. Vlog Day was an opportunity to switch it up a bit and come out from behind the computer screen. The very first 20SB Vlog Day took place on October 22, 2008.
(This video was actually my vlog entry.)
Bootleg Awards
The 20SB Bootleg Awards are a fun way of highlighting our favorite bloggers. There’s a variety of categories to be nominated for. If you’re new to 20SB, don’t worry! We have a newbie category :)
The winner of the Funniest Blog was Surviving Myself. Click here to see a full list of winners from 2008 and 2009.
Keep up with what’s happening inside the network on the blog. Watch out for event announcements!
The Meetup
Within the subgroups of 20SB you’ll find regional bloggers (i.e. Chicago bloggers, Boston bloggers, etc.) With all of these tiny local meetups happening, Jamie and I thought it would be a great idea to combine those groups and create the very first national 20SB meetup.
Our out-of-town bloggers are staying at the Ambassador East Hotel. While I haven’t stayed there, I’ve heard some pretty good things about it. It’s in Chicago’s Gold Coast area, so it’s surrounded by amazing restaurants and tons of boutiques and shops.
Our out-of-town bloggers are staying at the Ambassador East Hotel. While I haven’t stayed there, I’ve heard some pretty good things about it. It’s in Chicago’s Gold Coast area, so it’s surrounded by amazing restaurants and tons of boutiques and shops.
Not all blogger meet-ups involve alcohol, but it’s pretty awesome when they do. If it’s your first time meeting us, it’s understandable to be a big nervous. I was beyond nervous at my first meet-up, but one pomegranate martini later I was doing just fine :)
Our first “official” meet-up event will be a night out with all of the bloggers. If I drink enough, I might even bust out some smooth moves at karaoke.
Not all blogger meet-ups involve alcohol, but it’s pretty awesome when they do. If it’s your first time meeting us, it’s understandable to be a big nervous. I was beyond nervous at my first meet-up, but one pomegranate martini later I was doing just fine :)
Our first “official” meet-up event will be a night out with all of the bloggers. If I drink enough, I might even bust out some smooth moves at karaoke.
Goose Island Brewery Tour
1800 N. Clybourn Ave. Chicago, IL 60614
For $5 beer lovers get a tour of the Goose Island brewery, six samples and a GI glass to take home (for the memories.)
Who's Involved?
These Chicago-based companies have donated a product to our gift bags. I’m excited to have them involved. Definitely check out their sites!
Where I've Been
“Are you a know-it-all when it comes to your city? Show some pride and become an expert! Offer suggestions, show pictures, upload videos from your webcam, or give advice to first-time travelers and like-minded locals.”
Website
Twitter
Where I've Been
1927 N. Milwaukee, Chicago, IL
It's easy
Just post your project, watch the world submit ideas and choose the one you like. You can name your price and deadline! An old project used crowdSPRING for our logo. The process was simple and I was amazed by how many replies we received.
May’s Social Media Club was held in their new office space and I have to admit I’m quite envy of that team! Their space is amazing!
Twitter
A blogger destination
In 2007, Lisa started a network for bloggers in their 20s. She invited a few of the bloggers she knew and from there the network began.
Two years later, the network is healthy with almost 7,000 members – and it’s still growing! There are more than 300 subgroups and a very active forum. Bloggers within the network participate in Blog Swaps, Vlog Days, Blog Carnivals and local meetups (taking part in these activities is a great way to discover new bloggers!)
Who are the twenty-something bloggers?
We’re more than just bloggers in our twenties. We’re like the online version of The Breakfast Club.
We’re entrepreneurs, activists, musicians, artists, geeks, authors, athletes, dreamers, etc. We come from all over the world looking for like-minded people to connect with. We seek challenges, love, friendships and respect. We appreciate the subtle differences that make us unique. We respect opinions and jump at the chance to share our own. We’re, in our own right, awesome.
Dan Schawbel was one of my very first friends on 20SB. I’ve watched him and his blog grow in the last year and I have to say I’m impressed. He’s a personal branding guru with some pretty awesome advice. Follow him on Twitter. He always links some pretty interesting articles.
One thing I love about the 20SB network is how supportive it is. I have relied on many of our self-proclaimed geeks for help, including Nico, Nick and Drew.
Rachel from Mom In Real Life is a big supporter for gay rights. This year I’m hoping to join her in DC in October to march. You can help her support love by checking out her Tumblr
She’s even on Guidespot!
Gay Pride Parade
Intersection of Halsted & Belmont, Chicago, IL
On Sunday, June 28th, thousands will walk in support for gay rights. It’s a really fun weekend and a great event to be a part of. I know that some of the 20-somethings will be there. Feel free to join us!
Another great community to be a part of is GiveForward. GF is a unique new tool that makes it simple and even fun for individuals and organizations to fundraise or donate online. One of our own Guidespot authors co-founded this project.
One of 20SB’s very own bloggers created HandsIn, an organization for 20-somethings who want to make a difference in the world through dedicated community service and a shared commitment to a sustainable lifestyle.
Another Guidespot author and fellow 20SBer is an incredibly talented writer and musician. Check her out if you haven’t already!
In addition to the network’s Twitter account, you can check out some of the other 20SBers on Twitter.
SMC Chicago
I love attending SMC events. It’s a great opportunity for networking and catching up with familiar faces. I learn about a lot of Chicago companies this way. If you haven’t been to a SMC event, their next one is being held on June 25th! Twitter
Wheeler Mansion
2020 S Calumet Ave Chicago, IL 60616-1407
It’s definitely not where I’d picture a lot of social media geeks, but Wheeler Mansion is one of the few mansions that survived the Chicago Fire. It’s a pretty incredible landmark. If you get the chance to visit, I’d take it.
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About The Author
Chicago
Jennifer is a 20-something blogger from Chicago. She loves being challenged, which is why you can usually find her sharing her love for all things geek here at Guidespot, maintaining two of her own blogs & and organizing meetups for Chicago bloggers. As if that weren't enough, she is also the C...
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