As a still fairly new blogger this year I have been all about
seeking all the knowledge, resources and connections I can to keep my blog
growing.
I was blessed enough to enjoy this experience thanks to an
amazing organization I am involved in, Color Comm (Women of Color in Communications). Color Comm raffled off a FREE registration and I WON! So I knew
it was meant for me to be there! I booked a Delta flight ASAP, found a roommate share and of course went
shopping so I could be chic and fashionable at the conference:)
The weekend was one of the most informative, fulfilling and
energetic conference experiences I've ever had. Key sponsors included:
McDonalds, Kia, Wells Fargo, Pic Monkey, Moo and Xfinity. There was a #Scandal
watch party with all-star blogger Luvvie, keynote speech from Editor in Chief
of Ebony Magazine, Amy DuBois Barnett, breakfast & interview with actress, Adrienne
Bailon, ORS Hair Care healthy hair panel with Cynthia Bailey from RHOA and complimentary
headshots from Wells Fargo.
 |
| Test driving the Kia Cadenza #DriveKia |
 |
| I am #MorethanMyHair |
I learned so much but here are 4 lessons from the conference
that will help YOU live out your dreams:
Be
Authentic. It’s okay to be “multi passionate” – Be Blogalicious founder Stacey Ferguson coined this word and I
LOVE it. As someone who is involved in many organizations, business ventures
and networks you can begin to think that you are just “all over the place”. It
also doesn’t help when your friends & family may not support your multiple
passions. However the key word here is “passionate”. You aren’t just doing
work, you are doing something that you truly have a heart and desire for. This
was confirmation for me to continue to keep going towards my dreams and goals.
 |
| Met one of my favorite TV personalities Tanika Ray |
 |
| Fun with new blogger friends! |
Be
Strategic. Aim for productivity not “busyness” – Balancing blogging,
family, work and travel can be overwhelming! A panel of blogging experts shared
tips on how we can work smart and not hard. Creating twitter lists, having an
editorial calendar, scheduling tweets and having a plan for you day. So often
we can get caught up being “busy” that we aren’t even productive. I’ve already
started applying some of these tips!
 |
| Supermodal and #RHOA Chynthia Bailey |
Be Clear.
Getting clear about your vision will produce success – Life stylist and
author Harriette Cole led a dynamic small group session on “Mastering your Elevator Pitch”. We learned how important it is to
be authentic, clear and engaging when networking and promoting yourself. She coached us and allowed one by one to
stand in front of the group, give our pitch and share her feedback. Her words
were very inspiring: “It is possible for
you to make your dreams come true but you must first dream”. I also picked up her
latest book of meditations: “108 stitches: Words to Live By”
 |
| So much fun at the #Scandal Watch Party |
 |
| Won this autographed book from the "Real Olivia Pope" |
Be True
to Yourself. You OWN your Life – Amy Dubois Barnett’s keynote on 7 lessons
on being true to yourself was a gamechanger! She spoke to embracing fear as you
grow as woman and pursue your dreams, then
she dropped this gem: "Nobody can
crawl into your skin and live your life for you. It is up to YOU! No one is
coming to save you. You OWN your life" with those dynamic words I felt
like I was in church, Hallelujah and Amen!
The responsibility is on us to take care of ourselves, know our worth and live
a meaningful life.
 |
| Photo Booth fun at McDonalds 90's Party |
Is there a way I can register NOW for #Blogalicious6? I
can’t wait for another amazing experience!
Check out ColorComm
network for more information on membership in DC, NYC and Chicago.
Also make sure you are subscribed to get my blogs right in
your inbox here
Awesome recap! Blogalicious 5 was a BLAST!!! Cant wait till next year!
ReplyDelete