Category: windy city blogger

BlogHerFood 16

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This time last week I was just getting back home exhausted from a weekend of eating, learning, eating, sharing, learning, networking, eating, meeting new people and experiencing new brands and did I mention earing?  This was my weekend at BlogHerFood16, oh yeah and the closeout party.  It was an amazing experience and a great investment.

Last November was my first experience with BlogHerFood.  It was held in Chicago, my hometown, and it was an excellent way for me to learn more about the craft of blogging.  While not a food blogger, I felt that surely there would be some universal lessons that could be learned at the conference so why not.  It was a great decision.  I learned more than I ever thought I would as well as met people who are still a prat of my life today.

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This year was no exception.  BlogHerFood16 was a great conference and an excellent opportunity to learn from the best and the brightest in the blogging community.  For those who think that this conference is only for food bloggers, you are wrong.  This conference is for anyone who wants to learn how to take their blog to the next level and how to use the latest and greatest tips, tools and techniques to be successful at blogging.  This conference is more intimate than the annual BlogHer conference, so it provides you the opportunity to learn in a more relaxed and less hectic environment than the annual conference.

The Smollett Eats Cooking Demo
With Real Housewives of Dallas Brandi Redmond
BlogHerFood16 Closing Ceremony
The Chew’s Carla Hall
The Smollett Eats start and Elisa Camhort Page

The attendees at the conference as well as the presenters were awesome.  The Food Network Stars, the Smolletts, of Smollett Eats  gave a cooking demonstration of one of their famous family recipes and we were able to sample some of the food as well.  Helluva Good hosted a reception with the Real Housewives of Dallas Brandi Redmond with champagne and appetizers.  And for the closing keynote we were treated to the wit, wisdom and comedy of The Chew’s, Carla Hall, Freddie Prinze Jr. and Lisa Lillien.

In addition to the presenters and workshops there are the sponsors.  A few of my favorites this year were Owls Brew as well as Helluva Good!.  Helluva Good had a recharge lounge where you could charge your electronic devices as well as sit back and enjoy endless chips and  dip.  Or veggies and dip, for those working on their figures.  Hamilton Beach was there as well as Analon, Bay’s English Muffins, Martins Potoato Rolls, and Canadian lentils among others.

If you were every contemplating whether or not to attend the conference, don’t hesitate.  The knowledge imparted as well as the people you meet and the things you learn are definitely worth the investment.  The workshops and presentations while mostly for food bloggers can be used for any blogger.  The atmosphere makes it easy to mix, mingle, network and ask questions, have discussions and learn from other bloggers as well.

And side note, these ladies know how to throw a party.  The closing party was at Maggie Maes on 6th street at a huge rooftop party space with more food, drinks and dancing.  It was a great way to end the conference and to spend time with new friends and old friends, laughing, dancing, and partying in the wonderful Texas weather.  I can’t wait for next year.   Hope to see you all there!

Stay Blessed…….Stay Fabulous!

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Facebook Tips From the Pros

boostyourbuswithfacebookFor those of you who may or may not know September 15-October 15 is Hispanic Heritage Month.  In conjunction with the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Facebook hosted a “Boost Your Business’ event in Chicago and I am happy to say that I participated.  These events are taking place around the country, so I encourage each of you to find out if it is coming to a city near you and if so register.  It’s FREE and it is INVALUABLE.

The event started off with remarks from Congressman Luis Gutierrez who spoke not only about how he uses Facebook, but how successful his office has been about sharing important and useful information on Facebook for his English as well as his Latino constituents.  The Congressman shared how successful his interactions have been on Facebook as well as the criticism.  His remarks demonstrated just how much Facebook means in our daily interactions.  Facebook is no longer social it is a lifeline, keeping people up-to-date not only on the social but political and other aspects of life as well.

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During an amazing presentation from one of the Facebook staffers, we learned that millions of people navigate social media today and that Facebook has worked hard to tailor your experience to meet your specific needs.  Utilizing Facebook ads, you can specifically target your demographic by gender, age, employment status, time of usage and so many more options.  Using Facebook ads can be an inexpensive impactful asset to your business.  You can also review in real time how effective your ads are and determine, how much, how little and how often your ads are shown to Facebook users.  What helpful information right in the palm of hand or right on your laptop.

There was also a panel discussion with local business owners who are currently using Facebook to promote their business.  They answered pre-selected questions from event registrants about the effectiveness of Facebook and social media in regard to their business.  One major take away from the panel was how immediate you can assess the results of a Facebook ad versus traditional media platforms where it may be some time before you can see the results of your advertising budgets.  The panel of small business owners gave event participants great information on how advertising and marketing with Facebook can be beneficial to successful business.

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In addition to celebrating the contributions of Hispanic and Latino owned businesses, the seminar demonstrated just how valuable Facebook can be to your business.  Before I attended this workshop I was not aware of just how useful Facebook could be to growing my business.  Now there is no doubt that Facebook is a tool that every business no matter what the size, can help with advertising and promoting your services and your business almost better than radio and television advertising.  Facebook is gaining momentum as an advertising and marketing tool.  There were even some apps recommended such as Boomerang and Hyperlapse, which can help you effectively market your business or services.

facebook-businessChicago is not the only stop on tour.  To see where else the event is headed and to see if it will be in a city near you check Faceboo Boost Your Business events.    Check Facebook for Facebook Business as well as courses to learn the various ways that Facebook can help you Boost Your Business.