This post is sponsored by HP. Photography by Brittni Mehlhoff.

Alt is a time for creativity, inspiration, education, and…showing off your business card! The business card trade is a proud, distinguished tradition here at Alt that celebrates individuality and encompasses what the summit is all about— design and making connections. The classic use of the “business card” is to be informative, polite, and provide an easy way to keep in contact with connections you make.

A pretty business card can be the perfect icebreaker, whether you’re a networking pro or on the shyer side. You’ll get a stream of questions like, “How did you make this?” or, “Where did you get the idea?” and, “Tell me more about your blog…” Don’t be afraid to showcase your talents and do a little “humblebragging” about your awesome craft and design skills. After all, you created it!

By Sara Urquhart. Photography by Painting the Roses Black.

We have high standards here at Alt, and we think you should, too. You can set yourself apart as a blogging pro by instituting blogging best practices, whether you’re brand new or a seasoned veteran.

Be consistent. Readers like knowing what to expect, so blogging consistently is key. If you’re taking a break, tell your readers. If you’re going offline for a couple of weeks, it’s a professional courtesy to let your readers know that you’ll be gone…and that you’ll be back.

Be upfront about advertising. Tell your readers when it’s time to take on sponsors. Explain that sponsors will allow you to keep blogging, or to make blogging a profession. And do your homework about FTC guidelines regarding sponsored posts and product reviews to protect yourself and your sponsors.

By Tiffanie Turner.

Work from my blog has had a lot of exposure in the past year through larger blogs and outlets, yet my readership is still pretty low. I’ve learned to really appreciate contributing spots and being featured elsewhere. It’s validating to get that kind of opportunity, and it can carry you through your moments of doubt, or when you feel like you deserve more attention than you’re getting.

Here are some of the things I’ve learned in this past year that have helped me keep it together, and keep my chin up. First the practical:

FINDING EXPOSURE FOR YOUR ORIGINAL IDEAS

• Submit relevant ideas to blogs who solicit work from others. Blogs actually seeking content are more receptive when it comes to featuring work you’ve already published on your blog (although some blogs want work that has never been seen before, so think about submitting ideas before you post them to your own blog). 
• Build relationships with writers and editors. That person who featured your work might be back to mine your blog for more good stuff. 

By Victoria Hudgins. Photography by Maclufus.

During our Alt panel Melanie, Capree, Chelsey, and I had an open discussion about the value of our freelance work. Here are some of the points we found most important (for more detailed information come to the Alt Channel Freelancing to grow your brand class I am teaching next Tuesday):

How much should you charge for freelance work and how can you be sure you are doing something that is valuable?

Providing free content:Sometimes it is worth it. Sometimes it is not.

• Working for a big site that doesn’t want to pay you can be exciting – at first. Weigh the benefit of possible exposure and networking opportunities and decide if it’s worth your time. Will this site send me enough traffic to justify my time and effort? Is this blog/company someone I’d like to build a relationship with? Can this relationship lead to other contributor positions?
• >Consider agreeing to a trial period (3-6 months, depending on post frequency) and then evaluate. If it’s not worth it, politely let them know and thank them for the opportunity.