The Influence Network

Can I tell you, I didn’t know a thing about what an actual conference was going to be like before my first year at Influence. I was super sick with my first pregnancy (no, really.. I spent every break puking in the bathroom in my room or stuffing my face with a Costco muffin). I wasn’t sure if this whole online thing even mattered and honestly, I was planning on quitting the internet once my baby was born.

But I am so thankful that I went.

For me, the Influence conference was a game changer. I don’t have a shop, and I don’t have a business. But I found my purpose in blogging. And I found my tribe of women. And, although I didn’t know it at the time, I found a job that would become unbelievably life-giving for me. And I want that for you, too.

We hear from women every day who say the Lord used the Influence Conference to change their lives. We asked a few of them to share with us, and these are the responses we received…

The Lord used last year’s Influence Conference to help me step out of my comfort zone a bit. Not only was I forced (in a good way) to talk to others at the conference, but even after I got home I was able to stay in contact with new friends. -Meaghan

Looking back, I’ll always remember attending the Influence Conference for the first time as a road sign pointing me back to my identity in Christ. Every single talk came down to the truth of who we are in Jesus: you can walk creatively and intentionally in your business or writing because your identity is secure; you can boldly speak love over your people because your identity is in Christ; and, you can be smart and vulnerable and strong and feminine all at the same time, because in Jesus you are so much more than the sum of your roles- Leslie

I arrived at the conference feeling weary. I walked into a room where all I heard, all weekend long, was truth. I heard the Gospel spoken over and over, and each of the speakers pointed me to the cross. It was refreshing and inspiring.- Nadine

I feel I have a network of people who know the right things to say, know how it feels because they have been through a similar situation, or simply make it better by their witty humor. The weird thing is sometimes these ladies have no idea they are doing that, they are simply writing a post, posting a picture, etc. I am so thankful for the fellowship that can and does occur over this crazy thing called the internet, and for the Influence conference that makes this fellowship even stronger by giving a space and place for The Lord to do his will.-Kristin

Influence, ultimately, has restored my faith in community. When the conference was first announced in 2012, I was cynical about church or any formal Christian community. What I found in Influence was an emphasis on living free under the banner of the gospel, and I saw a community come alive before me that actively believed it was possible. The Lord is moving vibrantly through the Influence community; I know this because I’ve seen it, and it’s an absolutely beautiful sight. -Annie

I really don’t know if I would still be blogging if it wasn’t for what the Influence Conference did in my life last year. It rocked me to my core to see what my influence really is. Since that time, I’ve been through a wild journey of finding my voice, growing my blog by the grace of God, and being able to start a ministry for moms. Wow, I owe so much of that to you guys and your hearts to make my online life mean something! -Kara-Kae

Wow!  The Influence Network has brought me so much encouragement and sense of community over the last year. I’ve learned so much about myself and what I am capable of through Christ from the classes and the conference. Thank you to everyone who makes  The Influence Network such a wonderful community!- Sarah

Not only has my business grown immensely since attending the first conference, but the Lord has given me true friends through this community. God has been leading me in finding what I hope is just the beginning of a vibrant community of believers that I can share life with face to face. I value the relationships I’ve made through the internet SO MUCH, yet we all need people that we can look in the eye on a regular basis without a computer screen between us. The Influence Conference has helped me see my need for that and has given me the courage to go wherever the Lord leads -Natalie

The Influence Network has allowed me the opportunity to connect, grow and establish my influence online and offline; in the most positive and God life-going ways.- Ashlee

The Influence Conference was so good for me…it helped me feel validated in taking my blog seriously and was a great reminder of my anchor in all of that. Before I went I had felt a lot of tension in my identity online – am I too Jesus-y for some people and not enough for others? Am I too sarcastic to be Christian blogger? The reminder of my perfect identity in Christ was a great help to me. -Kristi

God used my time at The Influence Conference to heal me, to clarify my goals, and to light a fire in my soul to use my influence for His glory. And, to quote one of my (many) blog posts on the subject: “I met women who have a passion for writing, for creating, for Jesus, and for one another–women who look at the world just a little bit differently, like I do. Women who, when they poured out their hearts and shared their dreams and struggles, made me exclaim ‘me too!!’ There was no competition, no snarkiness or back-handed compliments-just women cheering one another on and lifting each other’s arms in support.” -Caroline

The Influence Conference was life changing for me in many ways. God brought friendships into my life who are champions and challengers to me in my walk with Christ. In that weekend, God spoke to me and I felt His love all around me. It was one of the safest places I have been in. In addition, God used the speakers to really challenge me to get off my butt and get started in what He has called me to do. I am so thankful for the encouragement and connections I made at the conference and I cannot wait to see what God does in my life (and others) through it next year! -Carrie

The Influence Conference changed my “online” life. No longer did I feel pressured to bow down to the number of followers or the likes or the shares. None of that matter there – the only thing that mattered was making much of HIM. I have made some of my very closest (and most loyal) friends from this conference. They encourage and support me, no matter what storm I’m passing through. I’m so very grateful to be able to go again, and I cannot wait to be blessed again this year. -Lena

The LAST sentence spoken at the conference was simply, “We love you. You are our people, and we are your people.” Those words will stay with me forever! I recently finished a class with the network, and the teacher ended with, “I love you & I’m praying for you.” Hallelujah. Forever & Ever Amen. I am SO thankful for The Influence Network, Conference, and my new people. -Holly

You can join the network here and grab your conference ticket here!

Now – for our fun giveaway! Everyone who has  purchased their tickets by midnight tonight (including early bird tickets) will be entered to win our final giveaway of the week which is an iPad Mini!! The winner of yesterday’s giveaway is Allison McLendon! Email us at conference@theinfluencenetwork.com