From Rookie to Expert – Blogging Tips For Success #BYOE15 Style

Blogalicious 2015 - #BYOE15 momsncharge 51Whew! I am still soaking in all the fun and information I took in at Blogalicious 2015, where this year’s theme was Build Your Own Empire (#BYOE15). This was my third year attending Blogalicious and my first time as a speaker. Blogalicious was also the first blogging conference I had ever attended three years ago. So to say I was honored to speak not once but twice, is an understatement.

During Blogalicious 2013,  I was a finalist in the first ever Perfect Pitch competition (scared me straight but was a priceless opportunity), and I also shared some blogging tips and secrets from speakers that weekend. During Blogalicious 2014, I had the pleasure of meeting Director Gina Prince-Bythwood of Beyond the Lights. You can catch my recap and review of the movie here, and the interview I did with her here.

Blogalicious 2015 had one major problem: too many amazing sponsors, speakers and topics, and not enough time to see them all. I really did have it all planned out, and was on my schedule like white on rice. But things happen, and even with the best of planning and intentions, I didn’t make all of the sessions that I really wanted to make. Thankfully, I’m able to swap a few notes with some of the attendees.

So in this post, I’m going to recap Blogging Tips for Success #BYOE15 style from the two mastermind sessions I attended, and the two sessions that I spoke in.

Session #1: Stealing is the New Wack: Google Images Are Not Your Friend

When I tell you, I had SO much fun putting this session together with my Blogger Boos, I am not exaggerating! From the time we got news that we would be teaching this session, to the time we stepped foot in our breakout session room, we were putting things together and crafting a session that would be insightful, fun and engaging! And yes, we had t-shirts made ’cause we’re all about the branding, and like they say, “go big or go home”!

Blogalicious 2015 #BOYE15 - MomsNCharge_01

I just absolutely heart these ladies to pieces!

Quick highlights:

Don’t right-click and save…and then use on your blog. Point. Blank. Period. We shared lots of ways to build your own empire of stock photos the legal way. Some of our favorite sites:

FREE

BUDGET FRIENDLY

If you want to get more tips for taking your blog to the next level with dope images and content, you can text SITNW to 40691. You can also follow the #SITNW hashtag on Twitter for all the juice.

In this session: T. Espinoza, Diana Ramsey, Kristin Fuller

Session #2: The Anatomy of a Successful Business: Marketing, Law & Finances

I loved working with the ladies on this panel as well. I learned a lot from both Dominique and Tyra and look forward to implementing some of their tips. In this session, we covered marketing your business strategically and successfully using social media and traditional media (which I spoke about). We also covered being smart about your finances and different tools to do that (covered by Dominique), as well as copyright and trademark protection as it relates to your blog/business (covered by Tyra).

Blogalicious 2015 #BOYE15 - MomsNCharge_09

Quick tips:

  • A successful business needs to be well-rounded: spend time learning those things you don’t know, or getting someone to help you learn them
  • As my coach alway says: “Marketing gets you known, sales gets you paid”. Once you figure out how to market yourself on social media and in traditional media, use those opportunities to create paid opportunities
  • Check out my article on easy ways bloggers can get media attention (which leads to paid opportunities)
  • There’s a difference between copyright and trademark. Understand the difference and what steps you need to take to protect your blog business
  • In this session (unfortunately, Lenise was unable to make it): Dominique Broadway, Tyra Hughley Smith, Tammira Lucas

Session #3 (Mastermind): Reputations, Relationships & Returns by Marie Denee – TheCurvyFashionista.com

I’ve been following Marie on social media for some time. I may not be her target audience, but I love her style and what she represents. She spoke about how her reputation in the blogging industry and the relationships she’s nurtured, has helped to get her blog the “returns” and accolades it receives today. I’m a big believer of focusing on the relationship and the money will come next. And I think Marie drove this point home.

Blogalicious 2015 - #BYOE15 momsncharge 50

Quick highlights:

When it comes to relationships:

  • Burned bridges – do they matter? Marie said, it depends: some bridges were meant to be burned (Amen to that!)
  • A few things to consider when trying to build relationships:
  • Send an email to introduce yourself
  • DO NOT go straight for the hard sell or ask
  • Never assume online engagement means that a relationship exists

Session #4 (Mastermind): How to Build Killer eProducts by Regina Anaejinou – byRegina.com

I don’t even know where to start with this one. Of all the sessions I was able to attend, this one I believe was my favorite simply because this is where I am in my business. I’ve created content, and e-courses, so this opened my eyes to so many options that I hadn’t considered before. Regina provided us with an Epic Product Packet and it was definitely all sorts of E-P-I-C!!! This packet literally broke down how to think through our product offerings, pricing and lineup to ensure it is purposeful from beginning to end.

Blogalicious 2015 #BOYE15 - MomsNCharge_39

Quick highlights:

  • Break your offerings up into the 3 P’s:
    • Popular: one-to-many; longer production time (think e-books, podcasts, challenges, bootcamps, etc.)
    • Practical: one-to-multiple; typically free (think online courses, workbooks, resource library, membership, etc.)
    • Personal: one-to-one or one-to-few; customized products and services (think coaching, mastermind, audits, reports, etc.)

Since my mind is currently focused on my courses and creating new ones since I realized I love to teach, my question to Regina was whether or not she offers course audits? At the time I asked her, she did not, but hopefully that will change soon 🙂

Because there was way too much dope content and info to cover, I got together with some of my favorite blogger boos to bring you some more great #BYOE15 recaps. So be sure to check out some more blogging tips for success by:

Mimi of MimiCuteLips.com – Building My Empire: Blogalicious Recap Part I

T. Espinoza of TheStyleMedic.comEvent Recap: Blogalicious ’15 #BYOE15

Kirstin of Passenger156.comWhat I learned from the Perfect Pitch III Contest @ Blogalcious

Diana of SistersWithBeauty.com5 Ways to Maximize Engagement at a Blogging Conference

Comment below and let me know: What are you hoping to learn in the next year to take your blog to the next level?

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23 Comments

  • Diana
    September 21, 2015 at 6:27 AM

    ..The great thing about this post is I was in all of the same sessions as you were but my notes are different.. THanks for sharing your post and notes.. now I’m forever MADE..:) #BloggerBoos

  • Yaya
    September 21, 2015 at 10:18 AM

    Great recap. Im really sad I had to miss this event because after reading several recaps I realized I missed some great information. Will definitely be in the building next year
    Yaya would like you to check out…Bring It On – #MotivationMondayPRMy Profile

  • Event Recap: Blogalicious '15 #BYOE | The Style Medic
    September 21, 2015 at 11:26 AM

    […] Christine St. Vil of MomsNCharge.com: From Rookie to Expert – Blogging Tips For Success #BYOE15 Style […]

  • AC Mims
    September 21, 2015 at 1:56 PM

    i HATE that I missed blogalicious but best believe, that won’t happen again!

    Thank you for this excellent recap. Now I’m off to print this and take more notes!
    AC Mims would like you to check out…Why I’m Choosing Periscope (Again)My Profile

  • Building My Empire: Blogalicious Recap Part I - MimiCuteLips
    September 21, 2015 at 3:21 PM

    […] MomsNCharge –From Rookie To Expert – Blogging Tips For Success #BYOE15 Style […]

  • What I Learned from the 'Perfect Pitch III" Contest @ Blogalicious! - Passenger156
    September 21, 2015 at 5:05 PM

    […] Christine of MomsNCharge.com – From Rookie to Expert:  Blogging Tips for Success #BYOE15 Style […]

  • Kasi
    September 21, 2015 at 7:12 PM

    Awesome recap, I can tell a lot of great info was provided. To take my blog to the next level, I want to learn more about marketing myself (this post was a great start)!
    Kasi would like you to check out…The Style Perk Travels : AcropolisMy Profile

  • Bree
    September 21, 2015 at 9:30 PM

    This is great! I have loved reading about everyone’s experiences at this particular conference. As a newbie, it is encouraging to see that much is to be learned and that people are there to support that growth process.

  • Mimi "MimiCuteLips" Green
    September 21, 2015 at 11:36 PM

    Great recap, I’m so mad I wasn’t feeling well during Regina’s session. It was all I could to just keep it together. I totally enjoyed Marie’s sessions, she is such a sweetie pie. I totally plan to follow up on these tips. Thanks for sharing!
    Mimi “MimiCuteLips” Green would like you to check out…Building My Empire: Blogalicious Recap Part IMy Profile

  • I. Monae
    September 22, 2015 at 9:39 AM

    I am looking forward to my first bloggers gathering.

  • Kiwi
    September 22, 2015 at 5:09 PM

    I am loving all the Blogalicious recap gold nuggets since I couldnt make it this year! I love your branded and inspired by Orange is the new Black Shirts….I love the creativity because Stealing is the new WACK! cute cute cute!!
    Kiwi would like you to check out…One Music Fest 2015 | RecapMy Profile

  • Valerie
    September 22, 2015 at 6:00 PM

    GREAT post!!!! I am loving all the notes from the conference. Glad you were able to get a lot out of Regina’s session…I’ve been following her for a while.
    Valerie would like you to check out…[Excellence] Viola Davis is First Black Woman to Win Emmy for Best Actress in a Drama; Regina King and Uzo Aduba Win BIG Too!My Profile

  • Rachée )
    September 22, 2015 at 6:01 PM

    I missed Blogalicious but enjoyed this recap. Great info! I am guilty of using Google Images but thought because I attributed them I was covered.
    Oops!
    Rachée ) would like you to check out…Your Guide to #OpeninPHL #PopeinPhilly via @AversaPRMy Profile

    • Christine St.Vil
      September 22, 2015 at 11:49 PM

      Girl, you are not alone! But please be careful with that because we used real case studies with bloggers who got sued from $250-$5K.

  • Joanna
    September 22, 2015 at 8:07 PM

    Great tips! I can’t stress the no to google images enough. It urks me seeing it. I need to make it to a blogging conference one year.
    Joanna would like you to check out…Comfy Chic at ESSENCE Street Style Block PartyMy Profile

  • Tanay
    September 22, 2015 at 10:25 PM

    You’d be surprised how many people don’t know that u can’t just use images from Google. I see that question asked all the time.

  • Tyra
    September 23, 2015 at 1:20 AM

    It was so great speaking with you on the panel. It was my first Blogalicious and this is a great recap!
    Tyra would like you to check out…Hotel Review: Planet Hollywood Las VegasMy Profile

  • Kimberly Bolden
    September 23, 2015 at 6:22 AM

    Blogalicious has seem to provide so much useful content packed into a few days. Love this! Thanks so much for the nuggets of wisdom.
    Kimberly Bolden would like you to check out…In Defense of MenMy Profile

  • Jonna Scott-Blakes
    September 23, 2015 at 1:54 PM

    I love how you all teamed up to share each other’s recap posts. This recap was great for me because I was volunteering and missed every session you mentioned except Regina’s. Interesting, that’s the session I really wanted to catch because that’s also where I am at in my blogging business. I love to teach and share, and want to make that a part of my business model.
    Jonna Scott-Blakes would like you to check out…Pür Minerals Lip Lure Fall Collection 2015My Profile

    • Christine St.Vil
      September 23, 2015 at 10:00 PM

      Girl, you were working! The team did such a fab job so thanks for keeping us all straight 🙂 And yes, I hear you on making that a part of the business model!

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