SMBSTL Speaker Spotlight: Marcie Hill

As a blogger myself, one way I have been able to expand my readership and increase my visibility as a writer and blogger is through freelancing. It’s a great way to grow your bio and resume and show that you have topics and information that is valuable and beneficial to many audiences. It’s also a wonderful way to create another revenue stream. Writer and freelancer Marcie Hill, will be speaking on freelancing, and how to leverage your voice to make money sharing your articles on websites other than yours.

I asked Marcie a few questions so we can get a better perspective of freelancing, and what to expect during her presentation:

1.What is one quality all writers should have?

Patience is THE  most important quality successful writers must possess. In my opinion, there is a difference between good writers and successful writers. Good writers have skills and the possibly the desire to succeed; successful writers have the patience, commitment and wherewithal to make their dreams come true.

2. What’s the biggest misconception about freelancing?

The biggest misconception about freelancing is that It’s easy. It is not. In addition to patience, writers have to be persistent. There are many “one-hit” writers; but persistent scribes build name recognition, a huge portfolio, and other opportunities for themselves.

3. How has social media changed the way you network and communicate?

Social media is very spiritual for me, especially Twitter. If there is a resource I need, someone I think I need or just some random information I desire, I’ll tweet it and almost always get an answer. It’s putting information in the Universe and getting a response. LinkedIn is a great resource for me, too. The bad thing about social media is my high level of social-ness. I have to discipline myself to not use it until after my relevant projects are completed.

Catch Marcie and her presentation, Freelance Ain’t Free: The Do’s and Don’ts of Freelancing for Sites & Publications, at this year’s conference. Click HERE to see the full schedule.

SMBSTL Speaker Spotlight: Russ Henneberry

We are so excited to have Russ Henneberry speaking this year. He has become a force in both marketing and sales, and has been able to utilize social media in order to grow his business and endeavors.

In order to get to know a little bit more about Russ, we asked him a few questions about this thoughts on business, social media, and more!:

1. Why do you think some businesses are still behind when it comes to social media?
I think there are a number of reasons that a business may be behind when it comes to social media:
1. They don’t see a clear ROI – Social media takes time and effort.  Add to that the fact that results are often slow to develop and it is difficult to measure.

2.They don’t have the technical know-how – Those of us that work in the online marketing space of often live in an echo chamber.  We don’t realize how difficult something like Facebook or Twitter is to operate and understand.

3. They are afraid to lose control – It’s true, the proliferation of social media has caused us to lose control of our message to some extent.  That being said, ducking your head in the sand will not cause people to stop talking about you in these channels.  Get involved in these conversations.

2. What must businesses do differently now in order to succeed?
According to research done by Shopper Sciences, 70% of Americans look at product reviews before making a purchase.  When researching purchases, 50% of Americans use search engines during the “information gathering” stage of the buying cycle.  In short, people are searching for information about your products, your brands, your key employees and the solutions that are available to them.  This research phase is where purchasing decisions are formulated.  If your company is not involved in this online conversation you are becoming less and less likely to be involved when the purchase is made.

 3.What do you see as the future of social media and marketing?
In the past, companies were pure product/service providers that looked to publishers of content (TV networks, print publications, radio stations) to buy access to the audience in the form of ads.  As this model continues to erode, companies will continue to morph into publishers of their own content and builders of their own audience.  Online communities like Fiskateers (a site for arts and crafts enthusiasts that use Fiskars scissors) and Nike’s Better World (a community of athletes that care about the planet) will become the rule rather than the exception.  While these are product based examples from large companies, small businesses will find the creation of community around their content more beneficial and easier to execute than large businesses.

Russ will be presenting, Three Overlooked Ways to Build the Email List of Your Dreams, on Social Media Day #1. Get your tickets now to learn from Russ and other speakers and presenters.

SMBSTL Speaker Spotlight: Ashlyn Brewer and Nick Sargent

Google+ is still the new kid in town when it comes to social media. There are some that swear by it, and others who are still on the fence about it’s capabilities and reach. We are pleased to have two people who are quite the Google + enthusiasts (well, one is and one isn’t as excited about it (more on that later) discussing the powerful platform at this year’s conference.

Ashlyn and Nick are proud Google+ users and will be sharing their tips and feedback about it in October. But for now, you can read about their thoughts about social media and get to know a little more about this fabulous pair:

1.            Why should we care about Google +?

(Ashlyn) Although I’m not as excited about Google+ today as I was a year ago, I think that what Google+ represents – the growing integration between search and social – is critical for us to understand.

(Nick) Google is the 800-pound gorilla of the internet; it sits where it wants (whether it’s a good idea or not). I’m not convinced that Google + was a wise decision for Google’s shareholders or social networkers. But when the Google name is attached to something on the internet, we all have to pay attention and understand what the company is trying to do. All content producers on the web should care about how social network impact search results, especially bloggers. The implications for search and Google + are pretty huge.

2.            What’s next for social media?

(Ashlyn) Social media is rapidly evolving from just a destination on the Internet into the underlying fabric of the entire system.  At the same time, there’s been a big emergence of niche networks. Instead of trying to do everything (like Facebook and Google+) many networks are focusing in on doing one thing really well.

(Nick) The temptation here is to say, “I think the next Pinterest is … .” But rather than talking about the next big platform, I think we could see big change in social media over the next few years. If you’re following the saga of Dalton Caldwell, you know that there’s a growing disgust (particularly in the developer community, which enhances user experience on social networks) with the way the large social networks treat users; users are the product and advertisers are the customers. So, according to guys like Dalton, the experience isn’t built for users to derive value. It’s built for advertisers to reach users and for owners .

In response, he’s developed a fee-based membership “social platform” at app.net. There’s no advertising because he believes social networks should act less like the entertainment industry and more like infrastructure (think electricity or cellular phone service) where value is focused more on what users get from a platform and less on how much money the platform makes.  If app.net succeeds I think that could fundamentally change the way we interact on the internet and create communities with even higher degrees of engagement and authenticity.

3.            Who’s better when it comes to utilizing social media? You (Ashlyn) or Nick?

(Ashlyn) It depends on how many pictures of toddlers you like in your feeds…

(Nick) Better is a tough judgment to pass when it comes to social media.  If it’s about getting the value that you put into it, or being able to connect with cool and smart people. I’d call it a tie. If it’s about torturing your friend about the Cardinals getting no hit on her birthday? Then I win.

…And there you have it folks.

Check out Ashlyn and Nick banter and continue their friendly rivalry during their presentation, The Search…for an Effective Google+ Strategy, on Social Media Day #1. If you haven’t gotten your tickets yet, you can purchase them HERE!

Ashlyn and Nick both spend their daytime hours at Standing Partnership. Give their site a visit!

SMBSTL Speaker Spotlight: Terrance Gaines From BrothaTech.com

Terrance Gaines from BrothaTech.com is a well-known Technology Evangelist who is ‘living the “Digital Lifestyle”‘ by bringing his readers and followers up-to-date news on technology, gadgets, applications, and more. Having been in the game now for several years, he is bringing his A game and massive experience to Show Me the Blog this year. He will be presenting, ‘Why Go Mobile?: Tips & Techniques to Mobilize Your Site For Greater Reach‘ on Social Media Day #1.

Get to know more about Terrance below!:

1. What began your love of technology and gadgets?
It started way back in the day when my brother and I would lust over the toys section of that thick Sears Christmas catalog that always came in the mail when we were kids. We always wanted the latest remote-controlled cars. Sadly, when we got them for Christmas, they were all tore up by the time it got warm enough to race them outside.

Fast forward to college when I sold computers and audio/video equipment at an electronics store to make some money on the side. I think it was then I realized I had a knack for talking about technology that made sense to your average consumer. Ever since then, I’ve been the “tech guy” for family, friends…and pretty much anybody else I meet.

2. What has been a high point in your tech lifestyle career?
It’s when people recognize me…and immediately ask me a tech-related question when I attend conferences and events. When people say “Hey BrothaTech…” versus using my real name or asking about my personal life, It’s cool because I have no problem talking about technology no matter where I am. I also consider [tech] a part of who I am as a person, so I subconsciously pat myself on the back when people treat me as such – I think it’s affirmation from my peers that lets me know I’m on the right track.

3. What advice would you give a blogger who is just starting out?
You don’t necessarily have to find a niche that nobody is talking about in order to be heard. On the other hand, you must find your style in order to stand out from the crowd. If people can hear your voice when they read your blog posts, that will go along way to establishing a blog/brand that’s easily recognizable and valuable.

To experience Terrance’s presentation and hear our other speakers, click HERE to see our list of 2012 presentations.

SMBSTL Speaker Spotlight: Kristi Bonney From Live and Out Loud

Kristi Bonney from Live and Love Out Loud is a mom, a wife, a blogger, and a woman with an amazing spirit. Her photography and poignant and witty writing style has made her one popular gal on the Internet, and we are pleased to have her speak at this year’s Show Me the Blog!

Get to know Kristi here!:

1. How did your love of photography begin?

I’ve been fascinated by photography for as long as I can remember. As a little girl, I’d sneak off and play with my mother’s little film camera; snapping a few wayward photos in the process. But as a teenager, my love for photography really began to grow. That little snippets of my teenage life could be captured, frozen and preserved for all eternity was an amazing concept to me. I photographed everything – family, friends, my surroundings. I went through a ridiculous amount of film in the process, but it was fun and my life’s memories were being saved. As an adult, my love of photography has evolved. While I’m still hellbent on capturing these precious little life moments, I’m also challenged by photography as an art form. I’m constantly learning, improving and looking for new ways to bring more life and emotion into my photography.

2. What is your favorite thing about blogging and being a blogger?

When I began blogging three years ago, I did so with the intention of using the platform as a personal online journal. Eventually, a desire to share my thoughts, experiences, ideas and photography with others began to grow. I sought out other bloggers, made personal and professional connections and began monetizing my blog. That I was making friends all over the world, learning from them, growing because of them and making money in the process was an exciting thing. But my favorite thing about blogging – and the most powerful thing, at that – is the amazing way in which my blog has served as a platform for my voice. In sharing my journey throughout my recent breast cancer scare, I was able to spread breast cancer and breast health awareness to many. That my voice had the power to encourage women to perform self-exams and schedule those mammograms they’d been putting off for years is an incredible thing. Blogging has that kind of power.

3. Who are some of your blogging heroes?

I adore Dear Crissy’s vision in terms of branding and design, Mama Kat’s wit, Old Tweener’s honest and heartwarming “voice” and Annie of Paint the Moon’s ability to capture the pure, innocently sweet bliss that is childhood through her photography. But the award for all-around awesomeness goes to Scott Stratten of UnMarketing. He’s creative, intelligent, intuitive, ridiculously witty and only speaks when he has something to say. He’s in the business of creating awesome and he rocks.

Kristi will be speaking on Day #1, Social Media. She is presenting Unleashing the Power of Photography in Blogging and Social Media: Photography Tips for Social Media User.

To register for Show Me the Blog 3.0 in October, click HERE!

6 Share In 7: Get Speaker Experience With Mini Presentations During SMBSTL

Show Me the Blog believes that there is a wonderful speaker in us all. Each and every one of us, no matter our education, background, or level of expertise, or popularity, can share with others and help people learn. That has been the goal of Show Me the Blog ever since the first year, and now we want to take that goal to a whole new level.

Which is why we are unleashing ’6 Share In 7′ this year. It will be a group of 6 speakers, each speaking on their chosen topic for 7 minutes each. During these many presentations, people can share their life stories, their lessons, their mistakes, their thoughts, their epiphanies, their loves. ’6 Share In 7′ is not a technical type of speak, but rather a way to reach out to an audience in a way that bonds us.

’6 Share In 7′ is perfect for those of you who are new to presenting in a formal fashion, or want to build your speaking and engagement appearances.

6 speakers, 7 minutes each, with 3 minutes left over for Q & A. An hour full of great stories and teachable moments.

If you are interested in being a 6 on 7 speaker, please send us an email at info@showmetheblog.com.

Our First Set of Speakers Has Been Announced

We are pleased to announce that we have released our first set of speakers and the list is now live on the Speakers and Presenters page on the site. This list is a partial list, however, as we are still tweaking our offerings and going through the proposals that have been sent in thus far.

The response to our Call for Speakers has been overwhelming, and our focus is to create a well-rounded and informative program. We want to have top notch presenters that come from all spaces and backgrounds on the web and social media.

To check out this year’s list of speakers, click HERE.

Make sure to bookmark the page, as we are adding new speakers and presenters daily.

To purchase your tickets, click HERE.

We hope to see you in October!

It’s Official: Details for 2012 Show Me the Blog Are Announced

You’ve waited. You’ve anticipated. And now, it’s finally here. We bring you the news that the 2012 Show Me the Blog Social Media and Blogging Conference details have finally be finalized.

This year’s conference will take place on Friday, October 19th and Saturday, October 20th, 2012, at the Regional Arts Commission located in the Delmar Loop. The conference will consist of multiple tracks, and will take place from 10am to 5pm on both days. A pre-conference reception will be held at the Regional Arts Commission from 6 pm to 8pm on Thursday, October 18th.

A wrap party is being planned and the location will be announced this summer.

The host hotel this year will be the Moonrise Hotel, located across the street from the Regional Arts Commission. The Moonrise Hotel is a unique boutique lodging facility that is pet friendly.

The room rates are:

• Thursday, October 18th ($129)
• Friday, October 19th and Saturday, October 20th ($139)

You can reserve your room by calling the Moonrise directly at 314-721-1111 and mentioning ‘Show 2012 Rate’.

You can also go to http://www.moonrisehotel.com and fill in the appropriate reservation information on the left side of the opening screen.  In the box labeled “Group Code” fill in the booking code, which is ‘show2012‘ and the reservation will be made at our negotiated rate.

The accommodations are a Superior King or Superior Double Queen styled rooms.

We are working on additional “bells and whistles” which will be added and announced as they are planned. We are also looking for speakers, so if you are interested in speaking, please email us at info@showmetheblog.com.

Tickets go on sale for the conference Friday, April 27th. For two days, you can buy passes for both days of the conference for $75.00. On Monday, April 30th, that rate will raise to $99.

Our list of speakers will be announced next week, but the topics this year will include monetization and income, business blogging, PR and social media, photography, eBook and traditional publication, guest blogging, niche blogging, social media consulting, conference attendance tips, SEO, branding, and so much more!

Get your tickets now!

The Official Show Me the Blog Schedule is Now Up!

Our official Show Me the Blog schedule is now up and ready for your review. There may be additional changes made to the schedule, so make sure to bookmark and check back for any changes or updates.

This year, we are using Sched.org to post and create our conference schedule. Attendees will be able to sign up for a Sched account and select which sessions they are interested in and create a itinerary of items that pique interest.

To view this year’s schedule, click HERE.

Call for Ideas Speakers & Panelists Selected for Conference

For over 60 days, we have been going through the voting process for Call for Ideas for this year’s conference, and we finally have our topics and speakers selected. Thanks to everyone who voted and chimed in regarding what they wanted to see and learn during our second annual conference.

So without further adieu, here are your winners:

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