Our Attendee Spotlight is:
Tyece Wilkins who's blog is Twenties Unscripted.
What do you hope to experience at BWB 2013?
I hope to meet new bloggers and writers so I can continue to expand the network of people who keep me inspired and insatiable
Why did you decide to start a blog?
I started blogging in the winter of 2009 because I worked boring shifts at the front desk of a dorm hall and I needed something to do. That and I knew I had something to say. Four years later, I still have something to say. What I have to say has morphed with time (as it should). But, I have always found writing to be the medium I am most comfortable using and a blog provided a convenient way to use that medium.
Are there specific types of bloggers you are interested in connecting with at the conference?
I am definitely interested in connecting with bloggers who are also looking to publish books. I consider myself a writer first and a blogger second.
What are your top blogging tips for other bloggers?
1) Listen and network. I attended last year's BWB Conference with just a smile, a few last minute business cards, and a blog that was still on Tumblr. I remember emailing Melinda Emerson (aka Small Biz Lady) after to follow up and the first thing she said was, "Get that blog onto Wordpress ASAP." It was the best advice to date I have gotten for my blog. Investing in my own dot com has already helped expose my blog to a broader audience.
2) Invest in yourself. That just echoes the lessons I received from Melinda. Invest in your product and your education about it. And, do not just invest money (conferences, web hosting, books, coaching sessions, etc.) but invest time. Take the time to reread your work or that pitch email or the appropriate spelling of someone's Twitter handle. Take the time to let the writing hit you in a way that you produce something great and not just something to fill a page.
3) Consistency and content. Sometimes bloggers put too much emphasis on the readers and forget that you as the content owner are therefore responsible for driving traffic. And, it's impossible to drive traffic if the content isn't consistent or good. It's really that simple. People will not come back if they don't see anything new and they certainly won't come back if they don't see anything that's done well.
Where do you see you and your blog in 5 years?
Myself: alive, happy, working on the second book and getting ready for "Thirties Unscripted."
The blog: still kickin' and contributing to the content in the second book.
Do you need something from your fellow bloggers to take your blogging to the next level?
Encouragement! The blogosphere is mammoth but I think we can all carve out our own niche. I get discouraged by some of the blogging vets who have really capitalized on this space and found success, but then I remember there's a place for all of us in this big, bad microcosm.
Do you have something to offer bloggers to help them take their blogging to the next level?
My only "expertise" is really in writing and editing. And, I'm still a work in progress regarding those two things! But, without good content and an eye for detail, a lot of blogs will die easily. I am certainly happy to collaborate with other writers, brainstorm and edit!
Welcome back to BWB !
