Our Attendee Spotlight is:
The Empowered Mocha Patient by Meredith Hurston
What do you hope to experience at Blogging While Brown 2014?
I hope to get some tips that can help me grow my audience, meet new bloggers to partner with, get current info on the ever changing SEO and social media algorithms and trends, and learn how to monetize my content.
Why did you decide to start a blog?
As a result of working in healthcare for over 15 years and being an advocate for my Mom while she was sick for many years, I had a wealth of knowledge. I decided to blog to share what I know about navigating the healthcare system. I also use my knowledge of quality assurance in healthcare, patient safety and laboratory science to balance out my offerings to readers. There is great disparity between the clinical outcomes of minorities and the average American. I want to raise disease awareness, teach people who to navigate healthcare and how to be safe when a patient in a healthcare environment.
When people come to your blog, what will they find?
They will find: 1) current topics in healthcare that are particularly relevant to people of color 2) disease awareness campaigns 3) health information 4) products or things I like 5)patient safety and advocacy information 6) where to find credible sources of health information on the web.
What is your promise to the people who visit your blog?
I promise visitors that my site is devoted to improving the quality and safety of healthcare delivery for people of color, a.k.a. the mocha patient. The site will empower you to successfully navigate the healthcare system and be an active participant in your own care. This is achieved by arming you with the appropriate resources to develop a strong interactive relationship your healthcare provider(s) and build your confidence to make informed decisions regarding your care. The vision of The EMP is to present relevant healthcare topics that will broaden your understanding of chronic conditions, diseases that affect minorities at higher rates, and ways to close the gaps on disparities in care, treatment and outcomes. With this knowledge, you and/or your healthcare advocate will be prepared to expect and experience safe and effective healthcare treatment when the need arises.
Who are your blogging heroes?
Luvvie Ajayi, Marie Denee and Martine Ehrenclou.
Do you need something from your fellow bloggers to take your blogging to the next level?
Creative ideas for how to monetize my content. One of my unique challenges is that I provide useful content to people, usually when they are facing a health crisis or when a loved one is facing a health crisis. I find it difficult to "sell" this sort of information.
What are your top tips for bloggers?
1) Make sure your outbound links open in new tabs.
2) Treat your blog as a business.
3) Don't be afraid to ask for scholarships and sponsorships to conferences where you can perfect your craft.
4. Start building an email list, if you haven't done so.
Where do you see you and your blog in 5 years?
I see myself covering healthcare, health disparities and disease awareness on an international level. I want to improve the health and access to healthcare for all people of color. I would like for my blog to be translated in at least 3 other languages within the next 5 years.
