Be a Walking Billboard!

I am still totally missing Lake Buena Vista, FL and The Niche Parent Conference. It came and went so quickly! I’m always thinking about how I want to brand myself during a blog conference and make it easier for other bloggers to recognize me and make the connection that Jen is indeed @JaelDesignsInc of Jael Custom Designs! I will have my business cards as usual but, I wanted something more. I’m notorious for calling bloggers by their social media handles until we really get a chance to build our relationship personally and connect on a first name basis. I find it helpful to wear a Twitter branded tee when I attend conferences. Twitter is where I tend to hang out the most and engage so that is how people identify me. It’s really funny because certain people call me Jael and I’ve gotten so use to it that I answer to it now! I absolutely love my Bling Twitter handle tee designed by Shootie Girl. I wore it in my Sponsor (Unofficial Bloggers Anthem) Music Video. I make it a point to wear it at least one day during a blog Conference. I also have another Twitter inspired tee that I designed and printed with Big Frog. It says… On the front: Are You Social? (Tweet Me!) On the back: Follow Me @JaelDesignsInc #SocialButterfly

Jen in Twitter Tee

I have a few gadgets that I tote around with me at conferences. While I was at the Niche Parent Conference I had my phone(s), iPad and Laptop! I make it a point to customize my devices so that again, I am visibly noticeable and nobody is guessing who I am. I even made my phone background & home screen my business card image. I’ll read someone’s t-shirt or badge and run up to them because I’ve been waiting to meet them in person for a while. I love blog conferences because I get to connect with people I have been speaking to online and reconnecting with others I’ve had the privilege of meeting at a previous conference. I love when it feels like it’s a reunion! My gadgets are currently labeled with Mabel’s Labels and it’s my Twitter handle! I also have a cute luggage tag thanks to Mabel’s Labels. It just makes sense for me to use that again… because it’s where I engage the most online. I’m all about branding myself and being a walking billboard! I think it’s a great way to advertise YOU! It takes the guessing out the way and in some cases the awkwardness.

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I was on Facebook when I saw Michelette of Mimi Cute Lips post about her newly customized blog branded tote bag. She stated that she was ready for blog conference season and I was so taken and loved that idea. She also has a customized branded tees, so you can’t miss her at a conference because she is broadcasting that she is Mimi Cute Lips! Mimi’s tote bag clearly shows you her designed logo along with her blog address and Twitter handle. These branded items are great additions to have along with your business card. There is no doubt in my mind that if I were to attend the same blog conference as Mimi, I’d be able to pinpoint her with no problem because she would be a walking billboard of her brand! I think she made great choices to brand herself. Mimi has great style and she recently got an awesome pair of branded earrings. They are too cute! Be sure to pay Mimi’s blog a visit, she shares her life, love of arts & crafts as well as travel. I also love Mimi’s daily quotes on her Facebook Page, she keeps me inspired and has an adorable family!

Mi Mi Cute Lips Full Shot

Mi Mi Tote Bag

Michelle of Divas with a Purpose posted about her customized luggage on Instagram. One says “Diva” the other says “Divatude” and I think they are so awesome. If I were to see Michelle upon checking in at our host hotel I would immediately be able to identify her. I am familiar with her Twitter handle and blog so it would be easy for me to make that connection. I think custom branded luggage is a great idea to be a walking billboard while traveling. I also think it’s a great conversation starter. Just imagine how many questions you may get based upon what your luggage says while out and about. It’s always nice to see the creative ideas bloggers come up with to brand themselves. Michelle also participates in events where she has mastered branding her booth with promotional “Diva” and “Divatude” items. Another bonus to this is when you have promotional items that are given away or sold; you now have a street team of others that are advocating for your brand. Be sure to check out Michelle’s blog filled with inspiration, motivation & empowerment.

Michelle - Divas With Purpose

Diva Luggage

Divas With Purpose Branding

Tip: A HUGE bonus is to make sure that all your social media profile pictures are up to date and look like you do RIGHT NOW! That can help tremendously at a blog conference or any other networking event for that matter. Oh… and please don’t get offended if people take a moment to put two & two together… ESPECIALLY if your profile picture is your logo! If your social media profile pictures are your logo, then you should absolutely be walking around with branded items so other people can make that connection. #ImJustSaying So, how are you a walking billboard? I’d love to see and shout you out!

Event Recap: Networking Aerobics

Networking Feat.

I was excited to have been able to attend the Networking Aerobics Event hosted by the National Association of Professional Women Raleigh Chapter at the Raleigh Chamber of Commerce. The session was on How to Have Fun “Working the room” Effectively! I attend numerous networking events on a frequent basis because it’s an essential tool that I can use personally and professionally. I’m a social butterfly by nature and I love to connect with others, engage and build relationships online and offline. I’m a firm believer that you never know who you’re going to meet and in addition to that I love connecting people with each other. The truth is I wasn’t always comfortable going to networking events. I would feel more comfortable if I went with a group of professionals that I knew vs. going alone and feeling awkward for a few moments before I settled in and started to network with the event attendees. I have learned the more you network, the easier it will get! I can now walk up to a stranger with a smile on my face and introduce myself at business events.

Our session was hosted by Kim Niskey, Senior Sales Representative with The Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce. Kim is awesome when it comes to networking and has a proven track record to show that her strategies work. Kim started out with a questionnaire about our comfort level working a room, she also gave us a networking checklist to help better prepare us for a networking event. So, the first thing you need to do before attending a networking event is… PREPARE! Kim provided some steps to help prepare for a networking event. “Research the event/meeting -topic, types of businesses who will attend, dress code etc. Make sure your 60-second “commercial” will be applicable for that profile. Be sure you have plenty of business cards & your professional name badge (engraved). Dress Appropriately for the event ( You only have 3 seconds to make a good impression) Allow plenty of time to be at least 10 minutes early.”

I personally have goals when I attend any type of event, especially a networking event. I know who I’d like to meet and I give myself a goal to achieve by the end of the event depending on the number of attendees. Ex: If there are 100 attendees, I try to exceed meeting half of them. I also love speed networking because you have a chance to meet a lot of people within a small amount of time. Kim shared to also try and meet 3-4 new people during a networking event… one at a time. Sincerely ask them about their business and how YOU can HELP them! If they ask about your business, tell them in 60 seconds or less. Try to be a connector. Also, remember to smile (it’s a part of your outfit) and be approachable. You never know who you are going to meet. Some people may not approach others due to a facial expression, body language and uninviting demeanor. We do live in a judgmental world and people will look at you and make that split decision on whether or not they’ll speak to you based on what they see and what you are projecting.

Last but not least, THE FOLLOW UP! I generally follow up with people within a 24-48 hour period, even if it’s just to say it was nice meeting you and let’s keep in touch. If you connect and make plans to collaborate with someone at an event this is even more essential because you’ve verbally agreed to work together on a project or event and you will want that follow through. Kim said to be professional and differentiate yourself – it is best to send a brief and legible note card with correct spelling and grammar. Follow up promptly – within (2) days of meeting them. Contact them according to their preference (call or email) AND on the date agreed. After contacting them and if they would like another follow up, ask permission when to contact them again. You can save time by drafting a generic follow-up template to use as needed and then you can also customize a personal follow up as needed. I also engage with people I meet on social media in between email and phone calls. It’s a great way to stay connected!

Kim’s Conclusion: If you’re asking people about their business and they in turn ask you about yours, isn’t that a fun way to start building relationships and getting new business? 2 events/ mo x 3 new business relationships x 12 months = 72 new business relationships/year! That’s pretty great!

I try and attend monthly Chamber of Commerce After Hours Events to network and connect with other local businesses to see how we can work together and thrive within our organizations. I also am a member of a few different networking groups that host networking meet ups that I attend. I strongly suggest attending local networking events to grow business relationships, level of trust and your revenue! How often do you attend networking events? What are some networking tips you want to share?

Giveaway: Fusion Tour Charlotte Event Pass

Fusion Tour is a multi-city networking event for business women. Women Are Gamechangers has meticulously created an atmosphere for women entrepreneurs to learn from local business celebrities and make long lasting connections. Women who attend are carefully introduced to other women they may have a higher chance of connecting with for a long period of time. It is a no buy, sell, pitch zone. There are no vendors so the pressure of buying anything is off the table. The panelists, hostess and organizers are not allowed to sell at the event either. I encourage you to attend and begin to build business relationships with key influencers. Fusion Tour Charlotte, NC will take place on Saturday, September 28, 2013 from 9 a.m. -11 a.m. To learn more or purchase tickets you can visit Women Are Game Changers.

I will be on the Fusion Tour Charlotte, North Carolina panel with four other fabulous women speaking about “Making A Statement with Your Brand” and if you are a female entrepreneur looking to network with like minded women in a small intimate setting then this is the networking event for you! You will be able start conversations with other entrepreneurs and continue to build the relationship after the event. I love pushing the envelope creatively and always look for unique ways to brand myself which is exactly what lead me to being a panelist for this awesome event. Last April I created a humorous music video called Sponsor (Parody) – The UNofficial Bloggers Anthem and everyone loved it! The video was featured on a few websites and newsletters, so it did exactly what it was supposed to do! Check it out!

I am giving away a Fusion Tour Charlotte pass to one lucky business woman OR aspiring entrepreneur! Mandatory Entry: Tell me what type of business you have and if you are currently making a statement with your brand? Giveaway: (Open to NC Residents conveniently located near the Charlotte, NC Area) Giveaway deadline is Sunday September 15, 2013 at 11:59 PM. Winner will have 24-48 hrs. to respond or another winner will be chosen.

The Many Sides of JEN

This week I was called timid and shy! ME? I’m a social butterfly that prides herself on not being an introvert, and being transparent across all boards whether online or offline. I had to look at myself and the way I behave in my personal, professional and social settings to see if there was a vast difference. One thing I can definitely say about myself is that I adapt to my surroundings very quickly when necessary.

I’m always in a business state of mind! At work I do my job and am very organized. I will speak and am very cordial and then I keep it moving! I have several departments within the organization that I work with however, I’m closest to people I work with very closely as a team. I’m not very chatty and have always had the CYA (cover your ass) type of attitude in any position I’ve held. People seem to always want to shift blame on others when a issue arises. If you dot all your I’s and cross your T’s you’ll be just fine! Document, document, document is my motto! I get my work done and will speak out on necessary topics if I feel the need. So I guess at work I can come off as being somewhat timid.

In my personal life everything is hectic; I’m married to my high school sweetheart, have four children, work full time, run a business, have a social live and make family time a priority. If my family is okay and everything is taken care of, everything else in my life falls into place and runs smoothly. I find myself running around multitasking most of the time. It’s essential that I pull things off, handling my roles as a wife, mom, employee and business owner. When I’m in this mode I’m sure I look like the energizer bunny, always on the go but very FOCUSED! I always set goals for myself, so everything I do is for a reason. I’m always looking at what the end result will be.

I love to have a good time! Yes, I will plan an event for any and every reason! I also support my friends and colleagues by attending their events whether it’s a Chamber event, afterhours business social or themed PARTY! I’ll be there! Attending events has always been a huge part of my personal and professional life. Being social and networking allows me to make connections with people all the time and build my network. I’m an avid blog and social media conference attendee, love connecting and meeting my virtual buddies in real life.

True and funny story, I attended a afterhours networking mixer recently and we had to participate in a ice breaker. I did my little introduction and ended with oh… and I’m a social media butterfly! Several people that I knew personally at this point, said… YES SHE IS! I met her on Twitter! It was the funniest thing to me. I’ve met so many people online that I continue to build with and now we’re in real life friends and support each anothers professional endeavors.

I’m very transparent, what you see is what you get! My personality online is the same offline and knowing how to carry myself in different social settings goes a LONG way! Earlier this year I did a FUN photo shoot and changed my Facebook cover to match all my roles and we came up with the picture below. I think I’m going to make it my Twitter Cover as well because those are all the hats I wear on a daily basis! I’m not timid at all! What do you think? Do people see you the a complete opposite of who you really are? How many sides to you are there? I’m curious…

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FREE Blogger Networking Materials 101

Blogger Marketing Materials

This post stems from a conversation that started in one of the Facebook groups I’m in and I completely dropped the ball on responding to a question and can’t retrieve the post to answer it, so I’m posting it HERE! The initial question was… How many bloggers have business cards & do you find it beneficial and necessary? Also, what are some great affordable printing companies that you recommend? My short response was… Definitely get business cards, I have been fortunate in my four years of blogging to have always gotten FREE networking materials. She followed up with: HOW? So here’s my reply: I’ve NEVER paid for business cards, post cards or flyers! I’ll share how I’ve been able to continuously get blogger networking materials at no cost to me but, first let me answer the initial question.

Depending upon why someone is blogging and the direction they are taking their blog in will determine whether or not they feel business cards are necessary. I absolutely think blogger networking materials are a MUST! They come in handy at blog conferences, networking events, and tweet-ups! You have the opportunity to meet new bloggers, connect with your virtual blog friends in person, brand sponsors, and speakers at conferences. Many bloggers have local blog groups in their communities that have grown and continue to thrive because they are networking, meeting new bloggers, and inviting them to join their group(s). I’m in a great blogging group in my community and I don’t know everyone personally that’s in the group. We don’t always attend the same events and timing is always a factor for everyone so when I do get a chance to meet them, they’ll definitely get my blog business card.

Meeting someone for the first time can be the start to a great relationship. You want that person to remember you so make that GREAT first impression and you always want to give them your contact information. When they think of you whether for business purposes or just to keep the lines of communication open you’ll be easily accessible. Some bloggers have mobile apps that scan in your business card and you don’t even have to hand it out until you really need to. I’ve had someone scan my card and give it right back to me, which enables me to ALWAYS have business cards on hand except for that one time… It was circa Blogalicious 2010 when I forgot my business cards at home. That was the year that I collected everyone else’s business cards and send them tweets or texts of my card. I even followed up with an email after the conference. I had a copy of my business card in my email and saved it to my phone since I designed it. Perks of being a graphic designer, that somewhat saved the day!

So, with all that being said… How can you get FREE blogger marketing materials?

Well for starters, you can create an about.me page and link all of your social networks and blog. My page is about.me/JenLawrence. Once you do that you can claim a FREE pack of business cards from MOO!

Secondly, If you are on Klout Pay attention to your perks! You can get a FREE pack of MOO business cards for being a new user or if you are an existing user but haven’t claimed that perk already!

Third, join PeerIndex they have great perks too and Mini business cards from MOO was one of them! I LOVE my Mini MOO cards. I’ve gotten nothing but, compliments on them. When I run out, I’m definitely ordering some more! (This will be my FIRST official purchase)

Fourth, there are printing companies that work with bloggers and will reward you free products in exchange for being a brand ambassador, reviewer and hosting a giveaway! I’ve hosted giveaways for Print Runner and Uprinting in the past.

Fifth, don’t be afraid to pitch a company that you like and ask what they require from their brand ambassadors and how to become one. Be open to reviewing their products and/or hosting a giveaway if you are a fan!

Sixth, when you see your fellow bloggers hosting a review and/or giveaway for a print company… ENTER IT! I just won a $25 dollar gift card to buildasign.com. Guess where my next set of business cards are coming from?

SEVEN: When you register for blog conferences, pay attention to the sponsors and perks that come along with being a registered attendee. For Blogalicious 2012, I scored a FREE box of MOO cards for being a registered attendee and a second box of MOO cards on top of that one from a fellow blogger that shared a free promo code! Sweetness!

So there you have it! Nothing too hard, it all comes down to PAYING ATTENTION (I noticed I said that a few times) and taking initiative to approach a brand you’d like to work with! Let me know if I’ve been helpful and feel free to add to the list in the comments! Ciao!

One Last Thing: Let me also mention that I’m a social butterfly so business cards and post cards make the most sense for me but, you can choose to use business cards, magnets, decals, stickers or post cards. You have options when hosting a giveaway or reviewing product, same thing goes for when you enter giveaways and contests!

error: Ask And You Shall Receive!!