SCCTO Followup

I didn't realize blogging was such a huge industry! Prior to SCCTO (ShesConnected Toronto Conference) I thought of blogging as a hobby with some potential perks on the side. After being treated to inspiring conversations, intuitive panels and superb networking I feel compelled to make use of this positive energy and proceed with some online projects of my own with this new wisdom and insight.

Some things I took away from the conference (aside from major swag, which caused major shoulder aches) were that brands are eager and willing to reach out to bloggers with a large dedicated following or specific niche readership to help spread the word about their products/services and solicit feedback, negative or positive. Honesty and being real online are huge assets to bloggers, as well as maintaining a positive relationship with other bloggers. Compensation for ad space ($50 per month is a good starting point) or sponsored posts is a tricky issue, but disclosure and truthfulness are the most important factors. I think blogging for income is difficult. Since the costs to enter the industry are low and there seems to be a greater supply of competent bloggers than there is a demand from brands willing to offer compensation it takes a special talented blogger to tap into the right companies who are willing to build a partnership.

The panel on social good moderated by Sharon Vinderine of PTPA Media featuring survivor extraordinaire Sherry Abbott of CCTFA Foundation, the brave and valiant mother and founder of Zack’s Dream Room Fund Heather Hamilton, and the inspiring Julie Marshall of UN World Food Programme was extremely touching. These women brought to light how easy it is for any woman, blogger, person or child to contribute to the greater good of humanity.

I want to specifically thank PTPA Media for giving me the golden ticket to attend this conference via their contest. Also a huge thank you to Donna Marie Antoniadis and Lena Almeida (who were both so warm and welcoming to me) for organizing this with the entire ShesConnected team. A shout out to all the women I met (still going through business cards and trying to follow you all on twitter) and the wonderful panelists for sharing their insight. It was a pleasure to meet with all the brands and soon I will post my experiences with all the great goodies they graciously shared with us (Ford Canada, Toshiba, PepsiCo, Chicken Farmers of Canada, ConAgra Foods, Janes, Maple Leaf Foods, Molson 67, Life Choices Foods, Royal Canadian Mint, Quaker, Sobeys, Purdy's Chocolates, Booty Camp Fitness, Chateau des Charmes, Christine Cushing, Marketing Magazine, Town Shoes, STLTO Wines, Jonathan Preskow Catering and Adult Essentials Gummies).