A few thoughts after MBlog 2012

A happy girl ready to head out to the opening reception for MBlog 2012, on November 23, 2012

For those of you who don’t know, I was a panelist at MBlog 2012 this weekend. It was the first blogging conference ever organized in Manitoba.

I only have one word to describe the event: fantastic! New Media Manitoba and the Women’s Enterprise Center of Manitoba did an awesome job organizing everything.

The keynote speaker, Catherine Connors (@herbadmother), delivered a very interesting presentation on the business of blogging. She talked about the importance of branding and seeing your blog as an extension of yourself.

I had the honor of sitting next to Catherine the entire day and she is truly lovely. I am not surprised that she is such a successful blogger and entrepreneur. If you read her blog, which made it to the TIME’s top 25 this year, you will understand why.

There were also a panel discussion on monetization and one on business strategies. And Erica Glasier (@EricaGlasier) shared the 15 qualities all rockstar bloggers have in common.

Of course, the networking was very enjoyable. I had the opportunity to meet a great bunch of bloggers and business owners from Manitoba and elsewhere:

• Liz Hover (@lizhover) - “Brit gal in Canada; director of online @nsicanada; social media marketer; blogger; dog mama to @sadieshihtzu.”
• Susie Erjavec Parker (@susie_parker) – “Wife·mama·baker·consultant·speaker #SocialMedia #Marketing #PR #custexp. Quality over quantity. ENFP. Change maker. Linchpin. Founder @SMC_Winnipeg #usguys”
  Parker
• Kal Barteski (@kalbarteski) – “Artist + activist with a penchant for bloggin’ + living a grand life full of good intentions.”
• Elan Morgan (@schmutzie) – “#Blogger #Designer #Speaker #iPhoneographer. Work: @Ninjamatics. Canuck pride: @CanWeblogAwards. Community: @smallthingsrule @FiveStarFriday. Partner: @palinode.”
• Susan Hurrell (@modernsusan) – “Fascinated by connection/community/the power of the socialweb – dayjob:BizDev/Mktng lifejob:exploring the mystery”
• Matthew Shephard (@MatShepSEO) – “Online Marketing Consultant, SEO guy, and Social Media Consultant”
• Natalie Bell (@pegcitylovely) – “Fabulous self professed techie, social butterfly, yummy mummy and more! I’m infatuated with HR and PR – think of me as an authentic people whisperer!”
• Stacia Franz (@MissStaciaFranz) – “Owner, Franz House Communications – wanted to be called pretty when I was younger, but instead was called funny. now proud to be described as pretty funny.”
• Lindsay Hamel (@lindsayhamel) – “I wake up every day to inspire people to build sustainable healthy habits. I run a petite training studio in the Exchange, above Parlour Coffee.”
• Kathryne Grisim (@FoodMuser) – “Foodie blogger, Winnipeg Women Magazine and Canstar columnist, media consultant & instructor. Loving family, travel & celebrating life as a food appreciator.”

All the insights speakers shared reinforced my belief in what I do. When I started, back in 2005, blogging was frowned upon by many, including businesses. Now, seven years later, the strange looks and mockeries are gone. Blogging opens doors and people are starting to understand that!

For those who could not be there, you will find highlights from the conference below.