Learning with #BLMGirls

I was so excited to learn about the BLMGirls event because I have been blogging for a year now on MommyTeaches and I am always up to learning and networking (omit the partying because I do without that). No matter how big or small the conference, and even if I sometimes hear the same things a few times, I can still reapply and refreshen my techniques. BLMGirls was no different. I left a better blogger and now I want to share!

I loved that this conference was intimate and that we all kept it real. Everyone was friendly and shared what they knew. There were NO secrets and everyone wanted to contribute. It was a camaraderie amongst women who have never met, all from different walks of life, ethnicities, and cultures but we understood one another perfectly. We are bloggers from the heart and our pieces of the puzzle connected. From 3pm – 8pm we discussed what we blogged about, our story behind blogging, and we even critiqued one another’s blogs.

 

There was no competition in the air and Beatrice Clay said it magnificently, “Don’t compete with similar bloggers, find your tribe!” Although those present were NOT similar bloggers as I blog about parenting and education, from the very beginning I have NEVER found a reason to compete with others. I truly believe that if you enter the blogging game with that frame of mind, Karma will come back to bite you! This conference indeed delivered great techniques on how to brand yourself but it was much more than that for me. It was finding “like minded” bloggers who are all in it for the reasons I am in it – I’m passionate about writing and I want to grow and learn-of course money helps too, but I have NO time for the pettiness.

Another thing that Beatrice Clay touched upon was the importance of promoting the work of others. I truly believe this is what grew my following on Twitter from 0 followers to close to 6,000 followers within 1 year, 8 months, and 29 days. I am all about supporting. Yes, I know conferences are wonderful and trust me I am a total geek at them but, as a Mommy-Teacher, I can’t attend every one of them, so I interact with people. I share their content by retweeting, I comment, I LIKE their Facebook page and they DON’T have to remind me several times because I am conscious of it and I believe it’s important. If you want support, you have to give support. There’s also a fine line between genuine support and saying you support people only when you “want” something.

 

Yes, blogging works to have our own voice and say what is on our mind but as bloggers we have to be mindful that we have a reputation to uphold. I often like to call it, “blogger etiquette” which in some ways I see is lacking. It’s important to be real with yourself and also with your brand. At BLMGirls, we discussed clarity, consistency, and constancy in your work. Determine your niche and go with what is yours! I really walked away with a reminder that, although competition is everywhere, I need to continue to do what I do because this is what got me where I am today. 

The women that I met were so uplifting and each of them had so much to offer, I really enjoyed networking with them. Guyanesesista has an immense talent for creating handbags and has a unique story behind her mission. GottaLoveMustHave gives you all you need to know about fashion, lifestyle, and beauty. Monèt from CurlsandMom discusses the beauty of natural hair and beauty. Shawna from BlissedOutBelle discusses Life, Love, & Style for The Modern Belle. MolinaThePt is on the right track to all things Physical Therapy. Beatrice Clay was the perfect match to lead our group as she encouraged and made us think further on why we chose the roads we have. She really gave our group so much to think about and served as a phenomenal mentor for those five hours.

If you haven’t heard of BLMGirls (Bloggers Like Me), I am here to tell you that it is all good and then some. Check them out, show your support, and I know they will be right by your side to embrace you back. Don’t forget to tell them that the #LatinaBlogger MommyTeaches sent you! Pay it forward!

Let’s share: What do you love the most about blogging?