Candyfloss & Dreams

Tag: networking

  • I’m Going to BlogOn 2022

    I’m Going to BlogOn 2022

    Blogging conferences have always been a really fun part of blogging for me and a great way to meet other writers and brands from all across the country. I’m sad to say it’s the last BlogOn conference that will be held in The Coppid Beech Hotel in Bracknell but I can not wait to go. It’s been far, far too long since I’ve squished my blogging buddies and had a weekend away where I’m not anything to anyone else except myself. No one has to rely on me, it’s purely a chance to do what I love, meet people that have a passion for writing. I’m hoping the weekend away will help inspire me to write more again and fall completely in love with everything that blogging encompasses.

    I remember my first blogging conference was BlogFest held by Mumsnet many years ago now. The fact that this web space is going to be ten years old next March amazes me. The amount of people I’ve met, opportunities I’ve had and travelling I’ve done thanks to this blog has been astounding. Reflecting on all of this recently has really made me nostalgic for so many wonderful times and friendships I’ve build over the years not to mention so many fun brands I’ve had the pleasure of working with. Over these nine and a half years this blog has gone through many rebrands although I’ve never changed the name which is something I’m starting to consider as part of the reason why I’ve struggled to write on this space is because the name doesn’t really fit where I am in my life. I am, however, atrocious at coming up with names so whether a change is in the future or not I don’t know.

    With that in mind and the fact that I will meet new bloggers alongside my old friends I wanted to just share a little bit about me, who I am and what I’ve done over the years on this blog. It’s a space that has grown and matured with me. Where I have had to adapt so too has the content. What started as a place to share my thoughts on single parenthood through to family life and then more emotional and political topics that I’ve grown passionate about has become a place of solace, income and personal strength to me. It’s a place where I’ve always tried to be completely myself which has meant embracing some of the harder parts of life, my demons, so to speak, but also allowed me to keep my personality as big as it is. I’ve never felt I’ve had to shrink down to fit in here. Whilst I may have been judged by others for some of the things I’ve chosen to share no one has ever made me feel bad about it. I feel like for a long time whilst I’ve been trying to rediscover myself and find others that I fit in with more, I long to return to blogging and the people I’ve met because of blogging.

    I look like this at the moment but I wear glasses and there’s a chance my hair will be a different colour.

    So for those that don’t know me, I’m Kayleigh, some friends call me Kat, some friends now call me Avalon thanks to an absolute love I’ve found playing Final Fantasy XIV during lockdown but that is by the by. I’m a mother of two, a preteen and a preschooler, who are all over this blog from our family adventurers. I currently self identify as neurodivergent, queer and pretty nerdy. I love to read and I’ve always found great escapism within literature be that YA fantasy romance or graphic adult horror. I am still stuck in my late teens emo phase and will often quote pretty depressing lyrics that I somewhat identify with if I’m not quoting bookish references. I have a thing for northern accents, 50’s style dresses and a tiny obsession with woodwick candles. I’ve been proper into witchcraft for around twenty years now which again also accounts for the large amount of candles and crystals in my home but I’m pretty lazy with it all. As much as I wish tarot would predict the future I feel it more so helps guide my intuition a little better when I need to make a decision as my mind can be a little busy at times. I say witch but if you want the full term I like to define myself, because apparently I like a lot of labels, then I am a agnostic solitary eclectic witch. I don’t follow a specific witch based religion and I pull on lots of different paths in my practise.

    I can’t wait to get back into a room with so many funny, interesting and unique individuals learning skills together and meeting fantastic brands. BlogOn really does bring all of that together and has done for the many times I’ve been, whether that’s been travelling up and down the country to Manchester or the more comfortable location to me in the South of being in Bracknell. Not being able to make it last year was really sad for me so going this year and it being the last one was just an absolute must. I can not wait to see so many familiar faces. BlogOn is a place where you can walk up to anyone and be welcomed. I’ve been truly flattered when people have approached me with ‘Oh I know your blog, I love it!’ and given me a hug. I’ve loved connecting with people over creative flatlay sessions, hanging out and meeting brands, meeting my friends babies for the first time which has happened a fair few times and of course having a drink or two to finish off the day.

    I remember one such blogging occasion in London for BritMumsLive which ended in a river cruise then a few drinks in a bar and 2am pizza delivery in the hotel bar after. I’ve travelled solo around the country to attend events like this – something I never thought I’d have the confidence to do but I have. Where I’ve had to meet people behind the words for the first time. If it wasn’t for blogging I would not have had as many opportunities as I have done and my family have benefitted from it too as I’ve been able to make money at home this way.

    So whether this be your first blogging event or you’re kind of a veteran at attending things like this I hope you can come and say hello, because I can’t wait to meet you.

  • Using Social Media To Grow Your Online Business

    Using Social Media To Grow Your Online Business

    Growing a business online and creating a strong social media presence is so vital in this day and age. A huge amount of business is now conducted online only through e-commerce shops, sites, social media selling groups and network marketing professionals. It’s really key that, as a business owner that is looking to grow their network and customer base that you find the right way to do this online.

    Produce Unique Content

    I can not stress this enough. Copy paste adverts only do so much and they absolutely do not work for every person that is trying to sell online. If you want more customers then you need to find a way to connect with them. I always recommend that you create your own advert, especially if you’re selling online through social media selling pages. Buyers want to see unique, interesting, punchy and informative content that is going to show your product in the absolute best light. As a business owner you should be looking for ways to stand out from your competitors and show that you have something worth showcasing. As an individual selling online, people buy from people so it is important to be as authentic as you possibly can.

    Do Not Spam

    This is absolutely key. No one likes, or wants, spam and follows on nicely from the above and copy paste content. Copy paste content is constantly being flagged across social media as people that get frustrated with seeing the same thing all the time do report it. If you come across as a spammy business profile then you are likely to be unfollowed, muted, deleted or blocked. No business wants a red flag against their name online and saying the same thing repeatedly, copy pasting messages or just not being professional can really damage your reputation online. People do talk, and they are quicker to spread bad news than good.

    Maintain a Positive Social Media Presence

    People love a colourful, bright, supportive and positive feed. It brings people in. I can’t lie, if I see an attractive stand, cute pictures, creative images then I am instantly drawn in regardless of the product that’s on show. I want to see bright, vibrant, unique images that really showcase what’s available. Social media is a fantastic way to reach new people and should be used often. Maintaining a positive social media presence is key and should be a strong part of the day. This, again, doesn’t mean spamming your feeds with your product but instead creating unique and shareable content that draws people in and, more importantly, gets people to engage with your pages. The only way you will reach new people is if you maintain a positive feed with strong engagement. Today, big followers mean nothing if you don’t engage with your audience and they need to respond. Once you’ve started building a name for yourself, especially as a networking professional, keep the negativity, pessimism and drama away from the online world – unless of course, you’re a blogger and you are known to have a good rant! But that is beside the point. When it comes to your business you need to be alert, excited and positive at all times.

    Make Use of Photo and Video

    Showcasing photos of you with your products helps to increase confidence. If you’re working with customers always be happy to share their photographs – with their permission of course and full credit to them – with a personal testimonial or review. Video is also becoming a really popular way to connect with your audience. Showing tutorials using the products, a live Q & A with product experts or even getting on the live applications yourself and demonstrating products has really opened the door to doing business through social media. It’s a great way to sell yourself and allow your audience to really get to know the face behind the brand or product.

    Build Relationships With Your Followers

    As a blogger there is nothing I love more than finding a brand I love and engaging with them. I love building up that working relationship with a new brand and getting to know the company. If your followers are liking your pictures, give them a follow and like their pictures too, don’t be afraid to send a message asking what they like about your brand, you’ll get some good, old fashioned honest feedback, for free, and potentially a new buyer who will be flattered you took the time out to think of them. It’s so important to value your followers voice, opinions and feedback so always be prepared for some criticism and take it on the chin with a smile. As a sole business owner, especially one that works from home or online exclusivily, building relationships is the social part of your day and should be done in a professional manner. You need to genuinely love the demographic you’re looking to sell to, or they just won’t pay any attention.

    Do you work online? How do you market your business?