#TBT: MY VERY FIRST SPONSORED EVENT AND WHAT IT MEANT

Just two days away from National HIV Testing Day, I am reminded of my very first sponsored event, the success of which totally validated my efforts which continue by the way, to navigate the vast and ever changing social media landscape. It was 6.25.2009. I had only launched my online radio show, Bag Ladies just four months prior.

DO YOU KNOW HOW TO MINGLE? 9 TIPS TO GET THE MOST OUT OF EVENTS ...

For those of us who work in the social media landscape, we are always attending sumpin. But much too often, I see folks not taking full advantage of events and the visibility events lend (blame it on the social media strategist in me). But seriously, events can be a platform for you and one that you should maximize to the fullest in consideration of your own branding efforts. 
You are making the effort to attend so you should get a return, right? Right?

I can't wait until Saturday. Why? I have the privilege of hosting this Saturday's Nappy Hour presented by my own Stylist, Salih Watts and his staff at Loc Lov Styles. Click here for the full details from yesterday's post. This exclusive event targets Bloggers, Vloggers and Social Media Mavens. It will be an intimate affair featuring everything from live styling demos to give-a-ways and a lip and lash bar. But with all those features, having a good time and ensuring a return relies more on you then you might realize.  

Here are 9 tips to guarantee a return while getting your "mingle" on.

1. Bring more than enough business cards - Events are a platform for you to network so how can you get down to bizness with no cards??? I see it often. And if stuck on how to segue to passing a card to someone. Mingle up to someone and just say, "Nice to meet you, may I give you my card?"

2. Shake hands - When mingling, this makes an impression and leaves an impression. If the person doesn't extend their hand first, extend yours.

3. Smile - The best way to ensure that you are unapproachable, is to walk around an event mean mugging like you don't wanna be there. That's not mingling. And even if you don't wanna be there, fake it till it's over. But a smile goes a LOOOONG way. You are likely not the only one uncomfy. Some find it hard to be outgoing and sociable. But a smile is the best ice-breaker. Note: This applies if you're single too :-)

4. Make eye contact - Look at people directly as you are mingling and when you are talking to them. This shows genuine interest and again will make and leave a lasting impression.

5. Take pics - Oftentimes event pics are shared on multiple platforms so as you mingle take pics even if just of the layout and the aesthetics, take selfies, photobomb if you have to. And post them. Don't go home with umpteen pictures that you never post. Posting those pics lends visibility to the event and you too. And it will show your followers that you know how to get your mingle on.

6. Engage - It's one thing to be in attendance but another to be present. Walk around aka, mingle, smile, say hello, ask questions. If live tweeting and posting, use hashtags to draw attention to your presence at the event and solicit engagement. Ask for people's handles and tag them in pics. They are more inclined to follow you back.

7. Mingle - Attending events can be uncomfy for some especially if attending alone. But you'd be surprised that one of the best ways to get into the mix, is to "mingle." Mingle is defined; to move freely around a place or at a social function, associating with others. Don't just sit all by your lonesome. Challenge yourself to walk around and before you know it, you will strike up a conversation and make a new friend.

8. Don't just leave - I see this all the time. Upon conclusion of the event and once you've gotten your mingle on, don't just duck out. Circle back around and say bye to anyone you might've met for the first time. They are more likely to remember you. Thank whomever was behind the event and provide them feedback. What did you like about the event, etc. And this can be done even if you have to leave early. People will love and notice that you made the effort to both mingle and say bye.

9. Follow-up - The most critical. No more than a day or two later, follow-up with those you met and mingled with, connect with them via social media, follow them and email them. This is the most effective way to ensure you stay on their radar and who knows what opportunities that may facilitate.
Do you have any mingling tips of your own to ensure you get the most out of events?
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I hope to see you Saturday. If you haven't already RSVP'ed to Saturday's Nappy Hour, click here for the event link.

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Follow me on IG/Twitter and Vine @bagladies.

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New season lineup soon to come to the online airwaves of Bag Ladies Radio. In the meantime, OnDemand/iTunes are 24/7. Check out my fave show picks and access recent shows and the full archive at bagladiesradio.com/listen.  Follow on Twitter and Instagram

"MY MIC SOUNDS NICE" AT 1ST ANNUAL #BLOGGERWEEK

Caught in the moment and lending a voice to a panel which included myself, Jonna Scott-Blakes of Naturally-Glam.com and Yolanda Renee of etcblogmag.com, to "The BIG Business of Beauty Blogging." After a week of engaging activities which included a Google Glass preview, Tele-conference and Google Hangout, the first annual Blogger Week, which was founded by Jessica Ann Mitchell and hosted by Black Bloggers Connect, ended with a BANG at Saturday's UnConference. It was a great day of panels and discussions. There was such a sense of community amongst those of us who attended. I loved both connecting with old friends and making new friends. Attendees came to Washington, DC from far and wide to descend on the Sheraton Hotel and dish on everything from how to monetize your blog to how to solicit more engagement and more. 

After-Panel Antics. Myself, Yolanda and Jonna

I had the pleasure of not only participating as a Media Partner to Blogger Week but also speaking to those in attendance and sharing what I've learned. Gimme a mic and I will run with it as is evident in the above pic snapped by Photographer, Jeff Brooks. I have many pics and tidbits to share and I will be doing so throughout the week primarily on Instagram @bagladies. If not already, follow me so you can see how much fun was had. 

And if you missed this one, mark your calendar now! Preparations for the second annual Blogger Week 2015 are already underway.

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Follow me on IG/Twitter and Vine @bagladies.

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Subscribe to the dish. Get on Bag Ladies exclusive list.

New season lineup soon to come to the online airwaves of Bag Ladies Radio. In the meantime, OnDemand/iTunes are 24/7. Check out my fave show picks and access recent shows and the full archive at bagladiesradio.com/listen.  Follow on Twitter and Instagram

Behind-The-Scenes of my Photo-shoot with Tiffany Josephs Photography

I had been putting off updating my head-shots for far too long. Upon meeting Tiffany Josephs at INHMD-DC (click here for my previous published post), during which she snapped some gorgeous shots of me participating in a panel, I immediately hit her up about shooting my head-shots. My last shots I had short hair, an "even steven." I have locs now for the second time around and I'm a bit just a tad more "voluptuous." Yeah, that's the word.  Anywho, Tiffany although I asked, she graciously offered rather to shoot me. We nailed down a date and this is a sneak peek of some of the candid moments. 

What started out as one look, turned into three looks, alot of fun and fabulous results. It was nostalgic for me, flexing my "wardrobe stylist" muscle. I used to do it on a freelance basis ...Back in the day. And it's one thing to outfit yourself to go out or do whatever but for a professional shoot, the attention to detail and efforts to coordinate are on a whole other level. 

 Look #2 - I just feel like this shot totally captures me in my essence. I'm ALWAYS laughing at ...Sumpin.
Dress: Kardashian Kollection / Neckwear: Target / Earrings (Studs): Charming Charlie / Neon Pumps: Shoxie

Look #3 - I can admittedly say I was likely being vain in this shot. I love this jumper! Also another Kardashian piece. It's just effortless and flattering. And I love anything leopard print. This was the last look and we were just playing at this point with extra time and per Tiffany's instruction, "just throw something on!"
Jumper: Kardashian Kollection / Neckwear: My own stash / Earrings: Charming Charlie

Kudos to my hairstylist and Loctician, Salih Watts of LocLov.com.  I had an idea in mind when I saw him the day prior and he executed perfectly. I just love the angle of this shot and how it shows the definition of my locs. I was probably running my mouth in this shot about ...Sumpin.

Look #1 - I think I was just trying to make sure nothing popped out of place in this one. Blame it on the "voluptuousness."

Dress: Calvin Klein / Neckwear: Traci Lynn / Earrings: Charming Charlie

Look #2 - I look totally less the "voluptuousness" and trim and slim in this shot. If only ...The power of angle and lighting.

Look #2 - Your guess is as good as mine. One of those totally oblivious moments. This look was a total pop of color. I just wanted to go in a total opposite direction from Look #1. 

The grainy texture of this shot is amazing. I saw it an immediately thought of Spike Lee for some reason. Like "She's Gotta Have It look." I love it. Oh, and I look slim.

My good girlfriend and MUA, Stephanie McKenzie of PamperingJunkes.com, couldn't be on set during the shoot. We were initially only planning to shoot one look. So as we continued the shoot, I had to make sure my face stayed "beat" and nothing slid to the floor.

And to think, these are just the candid, untouched shots. What do you think? 

I can't wait to share the other shots. I will follow-up this post with a Part 2 that covers why I chose the looks I did and more. I ❤ Tiffany Josephs Photography. It was such a pleasure and a privilege to shoot with Tiffany. You will love her too. You can contact Tiffany via her website at www.TiffanyJosephsPhotography.com. Tiffany does a great job of setting the mood and establishing comfort and really works with you to achieve what you want. I can't wait to shoot with her again! The next time around, my kids will participate. Pray for me now :-).

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For #BagLadiesLIVE segments, showtimes and more, visit www.bagladiesradio.com. Click to follow me on IG and Twitter @ bagladies.

Catch up on the dish you missed by going to www.bagladiesradio.com/listen. Scroll down to OnDemand and press play.

Bag Ladies Radio is the Official Social Media Partner to #Blogalicious5!!!

The cat's outta the bag! My lips no longer have to be sealed!! The word has "officially" dropped!!! It humbles me, pleases me and excites me to say that Bag Ladies Radio is the official social media partner to this year's #Blogalicious5.

Blogalicious is one of the largest annual social media conferences celebrating diversity in blogging. It's a 3-day conference (but we party hard too), focusing on any and all elements significant to building your brand and to put it simply "getting it." I've been attending for the last three years and am excited to be participating in this capacity. It's a total testament to that which I've learned from this very annual event. Myself and the #BagLadiesLIVE cast will be bringing the experience to you live from the ATL and further enhancing the experience in a way never before done and propelling the celebration that is the 5 year anniversary of Blogalicious. More to come surely!

And might I add, don't wait! To score your tix to the par-tay, the movement, the experience that is Blogalicious, get it: http://www.eventbrite.com/event/5652380422/blogaFIVEbags/3526088039

Tune into Monday's "Power Hour" during which I will be joined live by the Curator of Blogalicious, Stacey Ferguson. Get details at www.bagladiesradio.com/listen

And for the full "official" announcement: http://us1.campaign-archive2.com/?u=0363e33819a641ce968d769c0&id=0caabfa9de&e=816cb1fe52
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For #BagLadiesLIVE segments, showtimes and more, visit www.bagladiesradio.com. Click to follow me on IG and Twitter @ bagladies.

Catch up on the dish you missed by going to www.bagladiesradio.com/listen. Scroll down to OnDemand and press play.

Get cheap with it ...

Should it not be a requirement that all high-end designers go cheap or at the very least, design a collection that is more accessible by the masses? I think those designers that have, have seen tremendous success and have gained great visibility amongst a demographic that may not otherwise know their name. And w/ the current state of affairs, is anyone in a position not to at least consider. Let's face it, visibility translates into $$$ ...

Bag Ladies is so looking forward to the upcoming focus on those brands/designers that have taken the more mainstream route and partnered w/ various retail outlets to design a line that is more accessible. It's something that would've been unheard of 5 years ago but now is becoming more the norm by the day. Fashion is never boring and although there is a fine line between exclusivity and accessibility, it can be achieved.