Speak at Blogging While Brown 2015

The Call for Speakers is now open.  The deadline to submit a session idea is January 3, 2015.

Here are a few topics attendees are interested in learning more about based on our post conference surveys. 
 

  • Platform-Specific Analytics
  • Leveraging Your Blog for Online Activism
  • Measuring and Analyzing ROI
  • Affiliate Marketing
  • Information Products
  • How to work with the media
  • Selling Tangible Products (t-shirts, hair products, books accessories)
  • How to get started marketing and selling online.
  • Blogging Fundamentals
  • Ad Serving
  • Becoming Your Own Agency
  • Latest Tools in Online Activism
  • Media Planning and Scheduling Tools
  • Mobile
  • Platform-Driven Conversions
  • Writing & Finding Your Voice
  • Collaborations it other bloggers
  • Starting Your Blog/Ending Your Blog
  • Transitioning to Blogging After a Career Change
  • How to effectively use video and vlogging apps an tools
  • And of course, the latest updates in Facebook, Twitter, Google +, Pinterest, Linkedin, Email Marketing, Tumblr, Vine and Instagram. 

Win Tickets to Blogalicious Weekend 2014

Conference season is still in full swing and we're here for it. We have partnered with our friends over at Blogalicious to bring the Blogging While Brown community an awesome opportunity.

*drumroll please*

We're giving away two complimentary tickets to Blogalicious Weekend 2014 on November 6-8, 2014 in San Antonio, TX.  

Not familiar with Blogalicious? 

Blogalicious is a platform for multicultural women social influencers to collaborate, connect and uplift one another while celebrating diversity in the social media space.

Visit them at http://beblogalicious.com/ for more information. 

Now back to those free tickets... Again, we are giving away two passes but this DOES NOT include travel and lodging. One winner will win via Instagram and another winner will win via Twitter, so that doubles your chances. 

Entering is easy: 

Tell us why you want to attend to Blogalicious Weekend 2014. 

  • Tag @BWBConference & @BeBlogalicious on Instagram sharing your why using the hashtag #BeGreatB6.  

and/or 

  • Tag @BWBConference & @BeBlogalicious on Twitter sharing your why using the hashtag #BeGreatB6. 

If you're looking to purchase your tickets for Blogalicious Weekend 2014 now, you can use the promo code "FRIENDSOFBWB" to save 30% off tickets. 

Good luck and giveaway ends, September 9th at 11:59 EST. Winners will be announce September 10th. 

Attendee Spotlight: Around the Blogs by Janice Tosto

Our Attendee Spotlight is:

Around the Blogs by Janice Tosto    

What do you hope to experience at Blogging While Brown 2014? 

I attended last year's conference in New York City and walked away with a wealth of information. This year, I will be attending on both days. I am looking forward to hearing presentations that will help me as I seek to establish and promote a new blog that I am currently developing.    

Why did you decide to start a blog?

I accepted an invitation from the Editor of the New York Nonprofit Press to write a blog for the New York Nonprofit Press E-Newsletter. At first, I was unsure about my ability to blog, but nearly six years and hundreds of thousands of hits later, I am still writing and still being read!       

When people come to your blog, what will they find?

When people come to my blog, they will see an array of posts about human services. Some of the topics I write about regularly include mentoring, minority mental health, violence against women, career development, economic and social justice. I also share resources on my blog such as job seeking tips, career fair information, special community events, etc..    

Who are your blogging heroes?

I thoroughly enjoy reading the Blackandmarriedwithkids.com blog. The blog celebrates Black family life and offers lots of practical suggestions for families and singles.    

Do you need something from your fellow bloggers to take your blogging to the next level?

Share your stories! I want to hear about your successes and your failures as a blogger. I find hearing others' stories to be very instructional.     

What are your top tips for bloggers?

Use your platform to help elevate and inspire!        

Where do you see you and your blog in 5 years?

I hope to be writing my own blog in five years. I am still developing my idea.

 

Welcome to BWB!

Attendee Spotlight: FilmSwag by Warin

Our Attendee Spotlight is:

FilmSwag by Warin

What do you hope to experience at Blogging While Brown 2014? 

I hope to really connect and share stories/experiences with other bloggers of color, and learn tips on how to expand my platform.

Why did you decide to start a blog?

I decided to start a blog because I felt that when it comes to film and media, too often, the voices and experiences of people of color are either not told or acknowledged. Also, being able to reach people and connect with them and using video and photos to do it, was something that deeply intrigued me.    

When people come to your blog, what will they find?

They'll find a collection of photos, articles, quotes and music videos, about a number of topics in relation to film and media.    

Who are your blogging heroes?

A guy who really inspired me was someone who I had reached out to in college by the name of Tambay Obenson. He runs the Shadowandact blog on Indiewire. In just 5 years, it has become the premiere site on the web for people of color and the diaspora about film.    

Do you need something from your fellow bloggers to take your blogging to the next level?

I guess to find out what's the best way to build a strong audience. I know consistency is key, but I also am curious what platforms people feel are the best ways to reach others.     

What do you have to offer blogger to take them to the next level?

Consistency is key. Also doing research on your subject and offering a perspective/view that is unique to you.    

What are your top tips for bloggers?

Don't write with the thought of "How will others react to this piece?" It's your blog, your voice.    

Where do you see you and your blog in 5 years?

Hopefully continuing to offer more information and perspective on media and people of color that isn't offered in the mainstream. I also would like to form more partnerships with people and produce more original content.

 

 

Welcome to BWB!

Attendee Spotlight: Money reVerse by Carolyn M Williams .

Our Attendee Spotlight is:

Money reVerse by Carolyn M Williams .

What do you hope to experience at Blogging While Brown 2014? 

Connect with fellow bloggers, learn the blogging business and those areas that lend to a successful blog including blog design, attracting readers, keeping it fresh, writing pointers, partnering with fellow bloggers…

Why did you decide to start a blog?

This is to be my primary method of sharing biblical financial management principles and tactics.

When people come to your blog, what will they find?

Interesting and relevant subjects with easy-to-understand instructions for practical application of self improvement steps..

Do you need something from your fellow bloggers to take your blogging to the next level?

Insight and pointers that come from experienced bloggers will be welcomed!

What do you have to offer blogger to take them to the next level?

I bring to fellow bloggers a vivid storytelling and taking complex "in the news" financial info and breaking it down in a way that makes it understandable by the average individual. I also bring to the table a passion for my focus subject - managing finances following Christian Biblical principles

Welcome to BWB!

Attendee Spotlight: "Tiffytalks" by Tiffany Wilson

Our Attendee Spotlight is:

"Tiffytalks" by Tiffany Wilson

What do you hope to experience at Blogging While Brown 2014? 

I hope to network with other bloggers that I can collaborate with and learn from. I also want to know the business side of blogging, i.e. maximizing earning potential, legal aspects and SEO.

Why did you decide to start a blog?

I believe blogging is apart of my purpose and a way in which God is helping me to solidify my voice as a motivational speaker, thought leader and writer. I also enjoy words and I respect the power of words to heal and help others.

When people come to your blog, what will they find?

Tiffytalks.com is an inspirational blog, helping women to live intentionally, love fully and believe boldly. It's a unique mix of spiritual insights from my life, the world and pop-culture.  

Who are your blogging heroes?

I like Ali Brown & Lysa TerKeurst. I'm new to blogging, so I know more about speakers that also blog, like me.   

Do you need something from your fellow bloggers to take your blogging to the next level?

I'm interested in collaborating, by doing guest blogging or spotlights, tips on SEO, top industry things to do and not do. I have good content, but if people aren't able to find my blog then it's not effective.    

What do you have to offer blogger to take them to the next level?

I can help other bloggers ensure their content and blog image aligns with all of their social media platforms i.e. branding, creativity. I can also help other bloggers find their authentic voice and stick with it! In addition, I have a unique way of writing about difficult topics or things people think about, but opt not to talk about, in digestible and relative ways.

What are your top tips for bloggers?

1. Be the expert you are by offering your readers more than just your opinion, do research and include links and industry facts to show that you care and know what you're talking about.
2. Be clear and concise about the "how to's." Make sure your content will enrich your reader's lives by detailing "how to" get it done.
3. Be authentic, there's a lot of copy cats out there, but nothing beats an original. Stick to your voice, your vision and do your best not to vacillate!

Where do you see you and your blog in 5 years?

    In 5 years, I will be a notable motivational speaker living in New York, Philadelphia or London with my family, and Tiffytalks.com will be a go-to inspirational blog for women, spotlighting those who continue to take the leap of faith to live a life of purpose on purpose.

 

Welcome to BWB!

Attendee Spotlight: Independent Underground News & Talk by Monica RW

Our Attendee Spotlight is:

Independent Underground News & Talk by Monica RW   

What do you hope to experience at Blogging While Brown 2014? 

Information on Monetizing our Blog and Podcast - Independent Underground Radio LIVE. Also, possible introduction to venture investors in particular for our podcast -- which averages over 100K listens and downloads per month.

Why did you decide to start a blog?

After being laid off in May of 2008, I decided to write about my experiences as a long-term job seeker. From there, the blog converted into an advocacy point of reference for what was then termed as "The 99ers" -- individuals receiving or had exhausted Federal Unemployment Benefit extension -- and their efforts to return into the workforce. 

From there, our podcast originally named Reach Out Job Search -- started October 2010 as another advocacy point for motivating and presenting opportunities for career change and coaching. 

In 2011, we realized that truly advocacy could not happen without evoking change on the political aspect. Thus, we changed the name of our podcast to Independent Underground Radio LIVE -- were we regularity interview finance, economic experts, political officials, activists and consultants on subject manners ranging from state and federal legislation to causes for supporting the empowerment of America's Middle/Lower economic classes

When people come to your blog, what will they find?

News, articles and information about what Independent Underground News & Talk advocates, along with resources to research pending State and Federal Legislation. Furthermore, information on how to connect into our podcast via Stitcher, Soundcloud, iTunes, Blubrry, Blog Talk Radio and Learn Out Loud is readily available.    

Who are your blogging heroes?

The Young Turks, Ring of Fire, The Minority Report, Norman Goldman and Tom Athens -- the Co-Founder of former Air America Radio.    

Do you need something from your fellow bloggers to take your blogging to the next level?

Support -- Sharing Information or Cross Posting in the Social Media Sphere, developing partnerships with Bloggers (Business Owners) ready to take their venture to the next level.     

What do you have to offer blogger to take them to the next level?

our podcast - Independent Underground Radio LIVE where we average over 100K listeners per month. We would enjoy opportunities to work with fellow Political or Opinion Bloggers for Monthly Guest Feature interviews on our program.

What are your top tips for bloggers?

Realize that this is a tough business with competition. Develop a niche. Brand and nurture your Blog. Remember blogging in most cases is not a "get rich or get noticed" venture right away. It will take time. Focus on the content and delivery -- then the awards will come.

Where do you see you and your blog in 5 years?

A full time media resource with News delivery, web video content plus our flagship podcast on a similar to the success The Young Turks have achieved.

 

Welcome to BWB!

Attendee Spotlight: Rogue Style Maven by Danielle D. Washington

Our Attendee Spotlight is:

Rogue Style Maven by Danielle D. Washington

What do you hope to experience at Blogging While Brown 2014? 

I started blogging a few months ago and I'm super excited about learning about the business side of blogging, but also networking with others in the community. I've already learned so much from the BlogBetterBWB Twitter Chats.

Why did you decide to start a blog?

I’ve always known I wanted a platform to express my perspective and life experiences, but was always too busy or worried that nobody would care. Then a few months ago I took a trip to reflect on my life and realized I wasn’t fulfilling my true purpose. I quit my job of 7 years and began blogging.    

When people come to your blog, what will they find?

An interesting perspective on fashion, food, travel, music and culture.            

Who are your blogging heroes?

Paul Carrick Brunson, Fashionista, AFROPUNK, The Bold Italics,     

Do you need something from your fellow bloggers to take your blogging to the next level?

Words of wisdom and pitfalls I should avoid to get to the next level   

What are your top tips for bloggers?

Be authentic and consistent

Where do you see you and your blog in 5 years?

   Transitioning into an online magazine and being a unique and sought after voice on key topics

 

Welcome to BWB!

Attendee Spotlight:The Trendy Socialite by Adeea Rogers

Our Attendee Spotlight is:

The Trendy Socialite by Adeea Rogers

What do you hope to experience at Blogging While Brown 2014? 

I hope to gain further insight and clarity on how to progress my blog, brand and business forward.

Why did you decide to start a blog?

Initially it was to give me a voice and place to discuss the things in my life that are important to me. Those things have changed and evolved over the years, but the desire to have that voice and place is still there.

What do you have to offer blogger to take them to the next level?

I have 14 years of corporate, religious, educational and special event planning experience. This experience allowed me to create International Natural Hair Meetup Day, the #1 multi-city natural hair event in the world. I think I have unique ideas on using events to help promote blogs, create or re-define a niche or launch a new project.

What are your top tips for bloggers?

1. Be consistent in your posting. 2. Add value to your readers lives, even if it's entertainment value

Where do you see you and your blog in 5 years?

I see my blog as the entry point for people to become connect with me and my coaching and consulting arm. It is my hope that after they visit my blog they will want to become more involved and inquisitive about the things I do--International Natural Hair Meetup Day, iGrind, my webinars, etc.

 

Welcome to BWB!

June Blog Carnival: Father's Day Edition

I first heard about Blogging While Brown last year after it was over, and knew I didn't want to miss getting involved this year. I heard so many people talking about it, and blogging about, and tweeting about it that it immediately went on my "must attend this conference" list.

To make it even better, I was selected to host this month's Blogging While Brown Blog Carnival and Twitter Chat.  And since Father's Day is in June what better time to hang with my fellow dads and talk about being a dad out here in the blogosphere. Mommy blogs have been the pioneers in this space, but dad bloggers are representing in 2014, too.

The weak Father's Day gift

A chat about and with dads is a great way to show dad bloggers and dads in general some love as we get ready for Father's Day. Father's Day sometimes is an after thought, and the gifts that dads receive show it. I'm not pointing the finger at anybody but myself because I have to admit I've gotten my dad some pretty weak gifts.

You'd think as a dad that I'd go all out because I know how it feels to be appreciated, but year after year my gift ideas come at the last minute, if they even come at all. The thing is my dad doesn't make a big deal about it. And neither do I when Father's Day comes around. I typically tell my wife, "I just want to spend time with my family."

The power in blogging

That "no big deal" attitude has to change. It's okay for dads to want something, that they real want, for themselves. Whenever I think something has to change, I blog about it. Blogging and social media for me has not only been that outlet to share the things I care most about, but it has provided me an opportunity to create something valuable that can bring about change in the lives of others, even change to the way we treat Father's Day.

When I sit at my keyboard to write, I think about that dad or that husband who might be experiencing the same challenges I face, or that mom or wife who is having a hard time understanding what her man is going through. And my voice is not the only voice out here. Through blogging I've connected with many other dads who are doing the same thing.

The voice of the dad blogger

Now for the Blogging While Brown Blog Carnival and Twitter Chat, we are bringing our collective voices together. Check out some of the dads who are sharing about their lives in one of their most important roles, the role of dad.

In addition to what these bloggers have shared about their fatherhood experiences, we'll be chatting up it next week on Twitter. Be sure to join us!

I'm hosting the #BWBDads Twitter party on Thursday, June 12th, from 9pm-10pm EST (details on how to join are below). We'll be talking about life as a dad, and Father's Day. If you are a dad you'll want to join and share your ideal Father's Day and best Father's Day gift ever!

If you are a mom, you'll want to listen in so you can get some great ideas and make this Father's Day one of the best for the father of your kids. We'll also be giving away FREE Neflix subscriptions throughout the Twitter chat.

I'm looking forward to it all during the month of June as hundreds of brown bloggers from all over prepare to gather in New York for this year's annual Blogging While Brown Conference on June 27th and 28th.

If you haven't registered you need to do that ASAP. Click here to register. And keep in mind, a registration for Blogging While Brown is a great Father's Day gift idea for your favorite dad blogger.

How to join us at the Twitter party

  1. You'll need to have a Twitter account. If you don't have one you can sign up at twitter.com.
  2. It's a good idea to follow our Twitter accounts for upcoming info (@BWBConference@jbledsoejr).
  3. Beginners can follow along during the Twitter party here (Tweet Chat): http://tweetchat.com/room/BWBdads

Party details

Jackie Bledsoe is an author, blogger, and speaker, but first and foremost a husband and father of three. He helps men better love their wives and lead their children. He’s the creator of The 7 Rings of Marriage™, and the author of  The Man Your Family Needs.  In addition to his blog, JackieBledsoe.com, he's a regular contributor to several well-known and award winning sites like BlackandMarriedWithKids.com, Disney's Babble.com, Tony Dungy's AllProDad.com, and the NFL's USAFootball.com. You can stay up to date on all Jackie's work by subscribing to his newsletter.

 

Attendee Spotlight: Memoirs of a Clueless Woman by Carin Kilby Clark

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Our Attendee Spotlight is:

Memoirs of a Clueless Woman by Carin Kilby Clark   

What do you hope to experience at Blogging While Brown 2014? 

Enlightenment and education on various aspects of blogging - producing and promoting content. And networking with fellow bloggers.    

Why did you decide to start a blog?

I love to write. I began by writing articles for Yahoo! Contributor Network and started my blog as an outlet for additional writings and entertainment (giveaways, reviews, etc) that I wanted to bring my audience.     

When people come to your blog, what will they find?

Relatable stories, anecdotes, insights, advice, reviews, and opportunities to win free stuff.            

Who are your blogging heroes?

My blogging idol is Nicole Dash of Tiny Steps Mommy. She was actually the reason I started my blog. Her writing is so real and honest, and it was her authenticity that made me know that I could do this. That I could bring my true self to the world and be accepted.                

Do you need something from your fellow bloggers to take your blogging to the next level?

Support with spreading the word - sharing content.          

What do you have to offer blogger to take them to the next level?

I can offer bloggers advice on building their platform - I built a following of over 35K combined in just under a year. I also have a great understanding of how to best use Google Plus to grow your blog/business.    

What are your top tips for bloggers?

Interact and engage with people - build genuine relationships with your audience and peers. 

 

Where do you see you and your blog in 5 years?

I see myself as a bestselling author and my blog will continue to grow and support my platform-building efforts, as well as serve as a way to extend the book I'm going to write (same title as my blog).

 

 

Welcome to BWB!

Attendee Spotlight: Naturally Glam by Jonna

Our Attendee Spotlight is:

Naturally Glam by Jonna       

What do you hope to experience at Blogging While Brown 2014? 

I hope to network with other bloggers, to be inspired to create content for my blog, and to learn techniques on increasing my readership and monetizing options.    

Why did you decide to start a blog?

I wanted an easier way to share what I was learning about caring for natural hair with those in my community.    

When people come to your blog, what will they find?

Product reviews, healthy recipes, style tutorials, event recaps, brand or event announcements, skin care and hair care information              

Who are your blogging heroes?

Curly Nikki, The Chic Natural, Naturally Fashionable, WhoIsSugar, CharyJay, Jenell Stewart, Gorgeous In Grey, Afrobella             

Do you need something from your fellow bloggers to take your blogging to the next level?

Collaboration and tips/tricks on SEO and website development       

What do you have to offer blogger to take them to the next level?

Blogging basics for the new blogger, branding yourself as a blogger, and collaborating with brands    

What are your top tips for bloggers?

Content is King
Do it because its your passion, then make a profit.

Where do you see you and your blog in 5 years?

I see me and my blog as a resource for black women. I also want to continue to work with brands, and host/speak at events.

 

Welcome to BWB!

Attendee Spotlight: Xklusive Thoughts by Troy Spry

Our Attendee Spotlight is:

Xklusive Thoughts by Troy Spry    

What do you hope to experience at Blogging While Brown 2014? 

I hope to meet other bloggers from different niches and to learn more about the business of blogging.

Why did you decide to start a blog?

I actually started a blog as a way to express my emotions after the death of my Mother. The blog was so inspiring to others that I began to do it more often and speak about everyday life and relationship issues that we all face.    

When people come to your blog, what will they find?

They will find useful content that can help us all become better people and better mates so that we can ultimately have better relationships and better communities! They will also find pictures from events, videos, and information about what I do and why I do it.        

Who are your blogging heroes?

I am inspired by Ronnie and Lamar Tyler as well as Paul C. Brunson. I admire their commitment to producing great content and adding value to peoples lives!           

Do you need something from your fellow bloggers to take your blogging to the next level?

I need insight, insight, and more insight. I am more of a novice to the business of blogging, thus I need more education on how to turn my blog into a more consistent revenue stream.       

What do you have to offer blogger to take them to the next level?

I have CONTENT! I have very popular and intriguing life and relationship content and my audience is very loyal. I already write content for Paul C. Brunson, for Ronnie and Lamar Tyler at Black and Married With Kids. I contribute to numerous other sites and I am always looking to provide good content to various audiences.    

What are your top tips for bloggers?

-Stay true to your mission and be authentic.

-Allow your audience to drive your content, your answers lie within them!  

Where do you see you and your blog in 5 years?

I would like my blog to be the "go to" place for all things life and relationships! 

-I want to blog to have grown to a place where it has made me a best selling author.

-I want the platform to launch me into a tour doing conversation parties, seminars, speaking engagements and workshops world wide.

-I would also like my blog to take me to television to become the desired relationship expert for segments on television shows.

 

Welcome to BWB!

Attendee Spotlight: Dr. Drai - OBGYN & Media Personality by Dr. Drai

Our Attendee Spotlight is:

Dr. Drai - OBGYN & Media Personality by Dr. Drai

What do you hope to experience at Blogging While Brown 2014? 

I hope to connect with other bloggers who are passionate about sharing information, especially those with a keen interest in topics that impact women and transgender individuals. I am a physician who believes in the marriage of media and medicine.    

Why did you decide to start a blog?

I believe in the marriage of media and medicine. Although I have 8 offices, there are still people in the world who don't visit the doctor for a number of reasons. Blogging allows me to reach people where they are in life. No judgement.    .    

When People Come To Your Blog What Will They Find?

They will find "real" advice on a variety of health topics, such as "Why Women Shouldn't Take Bubble Baths" and "Why Men Should Keep Their Underwear on During Sex." No topic is off limits on DrDrai.com.      

Who are your blogging heroes?

I'm inspired by those with the least resources and access to affordable healthcare. It's why I became a doctor. It's all about reaching back. No matter your profession, we can all reach back.       

Do you need something from your fellow bloggers to take your blogging to the next level?

I'm interested in sharing and providing health content.    

What do you have to offer blogger to take them to the next level?

I am always open to sharing medical knowledge and advice - whether it be in the form of an expert opinion for a piece you're writing or through written and video content for your site visitors to enjoy. 

What are your top tips for bloggers?

Make sure you're connecting with your audience. When I write, I try to stay current and relevant.    

Where do you see you and your blog in 5 years?

I hope to create a national brand and powerhouse. I hope 'Dr. Drai' becomes a household name and trusted source for medical knowledge and advice.

 

Welcome to BWB!

Attendee Spotlight : CandidBelle by Martine Foreman

Our Attendee Spotlight is:

CandidBelle by Martine Foreman    

What do you hope to experience at Blogging While Brown 2014? 

I am looking forward to learning new strategies that I can implement as soon as I return home to help me take my blog to the next level. I am also eager to meet new people, connect with old friends, and get my networking on!    

Why did you decide to start a blog?

To help me heal. I felt less crazy when I talked about my experiences, and its become something I can't imagine not doing.    

When people come to your blog, what will they find?

I started blogging because I LOVE to write and I love to share ideas, information, and experiences with others. I've never really been about that 9-5 life and I realized that if I find a way to just do what I love everyday, it will never feel like work (or at least not that kind of work that makes you want to crawl under a desk and have a drink).    

When People Come To Your Blog What Will They Find?

When you visit CandidBelle you will find information about parenting, relationships and wellness. I also do reviews on products, services, and experiences that I think are awesome. Many of my reviews are not sponsored because I just write about anything that I think will enhance the lifestyle of my readers. I also write many personal posts in my "from the heart" section. It gives my readers a closer look into who I am as a woman. Soon my readers will also find me vlogging. I'm excited!    

Who are your blogging heroes?

Wow, that is tough! I have to say Lamar and Ronnie Tyler from Black and Married with Kids inspire me a lot. They are all about the hustle, but they have high standards, integrity and they always put their family first. I have nothing but respect for that! That's the kind of blogger I want to be -- willing to put in the work, but never forgetting what matters most.       

Do you need something from your fellow bloggers to take your blogging to the next level?

Collaboration is key. If we all work together we can lift each other up. There is nothing better than that!    

What do you have to offer blogger to take them to the next level?

I'm pretty savvy when it comes to social media and I pride myself on being a great researcher and creating great content.    

What are your top tips for bloggers?

1. Only blog about what you have a passion for.
2. Don't let anyone dim your light.
3. Work smarter, not harder. 
4. Be real with yourself about why you choose to blog.
5. Help others along the way. The more you give of yourself, the more you receive.

Where do you see you and your blog in 5 years?

In five years I would like to have at least 2 published books on the market. I would love to see CandidBelle continue to grow and become a place where today's modern woman goes to laugh, gain knowledge and get to the bottom of what they really want out of life. I would also love to see myself as a speaker and a social media strategist. I mean, I gotta shoot for the stars, right?

 

 

Welcome to BWB!

Attendee Spotlight: 2Chicksand1OldLady by Pamela Davis

Our Attendee Spotlight is:

2Chicksand1OldLady by Pamela Davis        

What do you hope to experience at Blogging While Brown 2014? 

I hope to network, and learn tips to help me do the following.

1. Grow my audience
2. Monetize my site
3. Increase my relevance

Why did you decide to start a blog?

To help me heal. I felt less crazy when I talked about my experiences, and its become something I can't imagine not doing.    

When people come to your blog, what will they find?

Lots of content and images. This is an area that I will be working on moving forward. I envision them finding content from myself & others who face these challenges. Along with resources.    

Who are your blogging heroes?

Demetria Lucas    

Do you need something from your fellow bloggers to take your blogging to the next level?

I think this will be a good springboard for me to go to the next level.    

What do you have to offer blogger to take them to the next level?

By day I'm a Retention Manager for the Digital Marketing Services division of the Orlando Sentinel. We are a Tribune owned newspaper that dominates the Orlando Market. I'm very familiar with SEO, SEM, Reputation Management, etc. I'm definitely will to share any tips I can to help in these areas.    

What are your top tips for bloggers?

Be consistent
Be honest

Where do you see you and your blog in 5 years?

That my blog is a resource for caregivers, and supported by organizations that provide services and support to caregivers and their families. This is a growing trend in our society that has to be addressed. When I became a caregiver, I felt lost and overwhelmed. I want to help eradicate that.

 

Welcome to BWB!

Attendee Spotlight: Living Happier After by Wilma Jones

Our Attendee Spotlight is:

Living Happier After by Wilma Jones    

What do you hope to experience at Blogging While Brown 2014? 

I hope to learn about how to improve my blog and increase traffic to my website. I look forward to meeting other bloggers and finding out what the sponsors can offer for my blog and the community of women I am building

Why did you decide to start a blog?

I decided to start my blog when I began writing my book, "Living Happier After: 20 Women Talk About Life After Divorce." It was a way to start engaging with other women on the road to living happier after a relationship breakup.    

When people come to your blog, what will they find?

When you visit my blog you'll find inspiration, humor and insight. There are free tips and tools to motivate you - I've been there after heartbreak and I help you focus on the good things that are in front of you. Living better, not bitter and being a better co-parent is what the Living Happier After community is all about.

Welcome to BWB!

Attendee Spotlight: Tourism Exposed by Kimberly Ramsawak

Our Attendee Spotlight is:

Tourism Exposed by Kimberly Ramsawak

What do you hope to experience at Blogging While Brown 2014? 

I hope to learn more about how to transform my blog into a business, including traffic generation and email list building, branding and monetization.

Why did you decide to start a blog?

I love the travel, tourism and hospitality industry. I don’t think any other industry could’ve allowed me the chance to travel and see the world and meet so many fascinating people, all the while growing my professional career quicker than I ever thought would be possible.

However, this industry get’s a bad rap and I take it personally. They are a lot of people out there who think that this industry is for those who can’t get a “real job” in a “real industry” or that the industry doesn't offer good salaries or that the only jobs are in hotels, airlines and travel agencies.

In an effort to give back to this industry that has given me so much, I’ve created this blog to help students and career changers who are interested in this industry learn about what this industry has to offer and how to always push themselves to succeed in this industry, take big risks and go after the career success they desire and deserve.

When people come to your blog, what will they find?

Tourism Exposed is a community focused on career development for students, recent college graduates and career changers interested in the travel, tourism and hospitality industry, where they'll get proven strategies, tactics and tools. I’ll cut through the fluff, and show exactly what works and how they can start doing it to find and land their travel, tourism and hospitality dream job.   

What is your promise to the people who visit your blog?

The promise I make to people who visit my blog is that they will learn how to find their dream jobs in travel, tourism hospitality in months instead of years. 

Who are your blogging heroes?

Penelope Trunk
Ramit Sethi
Derek Halpern

Do you need something from your fellow bloggers to take your blogging to the next level?

I would like to have the opportunity to guest blog or be a guest contributor on blogs that are appropriate to my niche (i.e., travel, tourism, careers, self-help).

What do you have to offer blogger to take them to the next level?

Regarding my niche, I believe smart people who want to become successful travel, tourism and hospitality professionals must learn about the unknown career opportunities that are available and how to use hidden job search strategies to get out of their rut, find their dream jobs and take control of their future. I provide not just tactics, but the strategy behind the tactics needed to break into the travel, tourism and hospitality industry quickly.

Regarding overall blogging I can offer editing, proofreading services.

What are your top tips for bloggers?

1) Promoting your blog and blog posts are 80% of the work, while writing content is 20%.
2) Create a writing schedule and stick to it, whether it's daily, weekly, etc.

Where do you see you and your blog in 5 years?

In 5 years I see myself known as the definitive expert on career development in the travel, tourism and hospitality industry. My blog, Tourism Exposed, will be the leading resource for the overall industry as well as for colleges and universities that offer travel, tourism and hospitality programs. Students and career changers will use Tourism Exposed as their only resource to help them find their dream jobs in the industry.

Tourism Exposed will be a successful business for myself and for my family, in which it will provide 100% financial support.

Welcome to BWB!

2014 Conference Panel Descriptions

Blogs and Brands

Marie Denee, The Curvy Fashionista; Tola Lawal, SixOne7Creative; Nadia Jones, Niche Parent Network; Brandi Jeter-Riley, Sr. Manager of Community Relations at Collective Bias

Eliminate the guesswork about working with brands.  What are the best practices for bloggers who want to work with brands? What opportunities are available to bloggers? What are brands looking for when they partner with bloggers? How can bloggers convey their audience, reach and influence in an effective manner?  Join bloggers and agency veterans as they explain best practices for bloggers who want to partner with brands.

Blogging 101
Arsha Jones, BrandBuildSell

Learn the basic building blocks of blogging: hyperlinking, embedding, block quotes, images and video. 

Email Marketing
Kendra Webb-Scott, Ideazio, Inc and ClosetConfections.com

When it comes to conversions, email is still the most effective way to connect with your audience. Learn how to build a high quality email list and avoid wasting your time and credibility on ineffective email campaigns.  Hear about the keys to list-building and email marketing and learn the latest strategies for improving your email response rates. 

Girls Compete Women Cooperate: How to Use Bloggers in Your Niche to Build a Network

Presenters: Tiffany “The Budgetnista” Aliche, The Budgetnista; Kara Stevens, The Frugal Feminista; Tonya Rapley, My Fab Finance; Marsha Horton Barnes, Financial Empowerment; Tiffany Victoria Williams, My Fab Finance

Learn how 4 different brands in the same niche leveraged their respective personal finance brands to create a collaborative brand called The Frugal Fab 5. Questions this session will answer:  How do you maximize your online relationships with other bloggers in your niche to create offline opportunities and brand exposure? How do you successfully identify and initiate contact with bloggers in your niche? What are the logistics for maintaining this type of relationship? (legal, meetings, culture, expectations, communication etc.)

How To Build A $100K Blogging Business
Jullien Gordon, SideHustla.com and B.P.A.I.D.

Need to monetize your blog? Can't wait to get a million views a month? Well there are many ways to monetize your blog that aren't ad-based.Questions the session will answer:   How to create a business model that isn't just advertising-based? How do you build an email list by creating a valuable, yet free, "hook" for readers? How to use your blog to get speaking, coaching, and consulting opportunities 

How to Get Invited to Speak at Conferences
Presenter: Sarah Milstein, Lean Startup Productions

Writers often want to make the jump to speaking, and with good reason: giving presentations can increase your visibility and can lead to new income streams, too. This session will give an insider's view on how conferences pick speakers and how bloggers can greatly increase their chances for getting onstage. Questions this session will answer: How do conferences pick speakers, and how do I get invited to speak?  How do I give a great presentation? How can I get paid to speak?            

How to Form Kickass Collaborations to Boost Your Web Traffic & Increase Your Social  Media Following
Presenters: Sheree Adams, Smart & Sassy Mom; Christine St. Vil, Moms ‘N Charge
Heather Hopson, Diary of a First Time Mom

This session will be a dynamic and interactive experience that teaches concrete collaboration ideas/strategies that could gain more readers and attract more social media followers. Questions this session will answer:  How do I gain more readers and attract more social media followers?  How can can I connect and collaborate with other bloggers?  How can I make my blog stand out from the crowd and build a positive reputation through blogger endorsements?

Law for Bloggers
Presenter: Miriam Nicole Huffman, One Loop Consulting

This session will discuss laws bloggers must know in order to protect their intellectual property online as well as not violate copyright law.  Questions this session will answer:  How to protect intellectual property (i.e. copyright and trademarks law overview). How to avoid a copyright infringement lawsuit.  How to respond to a letter from an attorney requesting a cease and desist and removal of information from website.  

Learn to Code 101
Presenter: Keisha J. Reed, KJR Consulting

Learning how to manage your site is one of the most important rights of passage of a website owner. Come along for the journey in taking the first steps in decoding the jungle that is your website. Questions this session will answer: Do I need to go back to school to learn to code?  How can I juggle learning a new skill on top of my other responsibilities?  Where can I find additional resources to help me learn more?

Media Relations and Pitching
Presenters: Matt E. Stevens, Prune Juice Media;  Michelby L. Whitehead, Everything Girls Love; Jorian L. Seay, Ebony Magazine

This session features veteran journalists, bloggers, and public relations professionals that will address media relations from all angles. Participants will learn what type of media coverage they should seek and how best to partner with those outlets.  Participants will learn how to brand themselves, write an attention-grabbing press release, and determine what media outlets and publications fit the platform they are seeking. Attendees have the chance to hear from a member of the media and learn tips, tools of the trade and information that will serve as a blueprint for initiating and maintaining a relationship with media outlets. Questions this session will answer:  How do I initiate a relationship with mainstream media? What's the best way to pitch my brand to media and PR outlets so that I am taken as seriously and professionally as possible?  How do I determine what media and publications suit my blog/voice?   How do I contact talent coordinators and producers for radio and TV interviews?  How do I write a clear and concise press release?

The New ABCs of Growing Your Business
Presenter: Elisa Camahort Page, BlogHer

Think differently about diverse funding and revenue generation opportunities for online entrepreneurs. Go beyond advertising and affiliates and think of your blog as a business.  Learn about funding and alternate methods of funding your business.

Productizing & Ideation for Bloggers

You’ve built an online community, how do you leverage your community to create a suitable commercial product? In this session we’ll introduce the concept of productizing. We’ll generate ideas for products that marry well with your blog audience.  

Six Ways to Make Six Figures From Blogging Without Ad Revenue
Lamar & Ronnie Tyler, Black and Married with Kids    

In this workshop the Tylers will demonstrate six different streams of revenue that bloggers can tap into, in order to create a six figure income, without ad sales. The Tylers will also give first-hand insight on how they've leveraged all six of these models to generate enough income to replace both of their full-time salaries. Questions this session will answer:  How can you make money from blogging without selling ads?  How can I make money if I don't have a ton of traffic to my site?  What are the seven steps that will turn a reader into a customer?                                                              

Social Currency - Using Triberr To Grow Your Blog
Jaha Knight, Karasi Media Group                                

This session will be about  how to leverage Triberr to make connections & start collaborative projects, share relevant content with your audience, join tribes that will contain your blog audience, and gain social currency. Questions this session will answer:  How can I push traffic to my site outside of keyword research?  How do I increase my social engagement?  What will help me get my content in front of my ideal audience?

Trending Topics in Tech: Faith in a Mobile World - SPONSORED BY AT&T

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Jason Caston, Social Media and Technology Director at T.D. Jakes Ministries; L. Michelle Smith, AT&T U.S. Diversity Corporate Communications; Chip Dizard, Ministry Multimedia Expert; Tiffani Robinson, Digital and Social Expert

 As technology has advanced through the ever-changing times, people have always found ways to mobilize their lives. Today, mobile technology has changed the way we shop, date, read, write, and even worship. Faith communities are the original social networks, so it is no surprise that an increasing amount of African American churches have embraced mobile technology and content sharing, as an effective way to engage and inspire.

Visual Blogging
Presenter: Sarah Glover, Social Media Editor NBC10 Philadelphia

Learn the power of telling stories through video and images. 

Yeezy Taught Us   

Will Hatcher, Delicious Bath Water 

Kanye West is the most most influential brand in the world according to COMPLEX magazine and the greatest genius ever according to Kanye West. His mere presence leaves people with flood of emotions of ranging from anger, confusion, and admiration. While many see Kanye as a guy that's just screaming to get attention, Comedian Will Hatcher will dissect and reveal the true message Yeezus is attempting to convey to the masses and lessons we can learn him. Questions this session will answer: Why we need to pay closer attention to the strategic moves of Kanye West? How can we apply Kanye's creativity to our projects and young minds? Why doesn’t Sway have the answers?
                                                    
                                

You Can't Be Social Without Mobile First
Presenters:  Kristin Bolton-Keys, Mobile Product Manager; Alicia Dixon, Product Manager

The number of mobile users accessing social media has steadily increased, but those that access the social sites through mobile devices are more likely to share content.This session will cover the basics of what it means to have a mobile first strategy, including why it is important for bloggers.  Best practices of applying mobile into social media campaign will be outlined through examples of the use of mobile optimized web as well as native apps. Questions this session will answer:  Why should I care about mobile for my blog?  How do I get started with optimizing my blog for mobile?  What are some resources to stay on top of mobile trends?