8 Social Media Goals for 2014

It's the first day of 2014. Every few months or so I contemplate the point of my blog. One of my New Year Resolutions is to scale back on my work load. But that doesn't mean I'm ready to give up blogging. While some things are better left behind in 2013, there is so much to look forward to in 2014. 

My 8 Social Media Goals

Get a professional headshot. Because my iPhone selfie can no longer cut it. This has to be at the top of my list. I'm going to make this a priority in the near future. After three years of blogging, I think it's time.

Create an About Me page. I honestly never thought about creating one until a friend suggested it's something all bloggers should do. And since my friend is pretty successful, I'll heed her advice.

Pin Like a Mad Woman. I don't spend much time on Pinterest but when I'm on it, I like it. And I like having all my favorite things in one place. Like today, I started a "1st Time Couponer" Pin Board. I am determined to learn how to coupon, I'm hoping my coupon blogger friends will have some advice for me. 

Update my Linked In Profile. More advice from another successful blogger. 

Read More. Last year I was so busy, I lost track of some of my favorite blogs. It's impossible to catch up but I want to make time to read the bloggers I love and discover some new ones.

Say No. I almost always say yes to things. Even to the things I don't have time to do. Last month I said no to a major opportunity. After I weighed the pros and cons, I realized it wasn't something that would make me or break me. As a mom who works full-time outside of the home (in a field completely unrelated to blogging) and being a niche blog - I have to be super selective to what I say yes to. Saying no felt good, I felt like I was in control. I only want to do things I truly want to do, otherwise - what's the point? 

Make dates to meet on line friends in real life. I have met so many wonderful women through blogging and many of them are in NYC. I shouldn't have to wait until a blog conference in another state to see them. I want to be more proactive in making dates to meet. 

Unplug. After a year of writing for Babble, I decided it was time to leave. I was working so much on blogging that it was hard to keep up with everything. I was tired of juggling. It feels good knowing I have lightened my work load but that doesn't mean I'm ready to quit altogether. I love writing and sharing our story. But I also know I want to spend less time on line and more time in real life. 

What are your social media goals for the new year? 

{I'm Speaking at #Blogalicious5} Spreading a Message, Sharing a Mission: A Conversation About Awareness Blogging

For the last few years, I've heard great things about the Blogalicious Conference. And this year not only do I get to go, but I'm also speaking on a panel. I am so excited about this conference because it's an opportunity to connect with friends and to meet new bloggers.

I am especially excited to meet Maggie Mason (Mightygirl.com) - she's one of the Blogalicious All Star Keynote speakers. I just read her book, "No One Cares What You Had For Lunch: 100 Ideas For Your Blog" and am so inspired. If you love blogging like I do - you'll want a copy of her book.

I'm nervous about leaving The Boy for a few days - I haven't left him since LATISM12 where I got stranded in Texas. But I'm so excited to be going to Atlanta - I've never been. And I'm really eager to learn more about blogging, writing and building my brand.

Will YOU be at Blogalicious 5 - if so, I would love to say HI!

So...yeah, back to I'm speaking on a panel. Here's the info - hope you can make it :)

Spreading a Message, Sharing a Mission: 

A Conversation About Awareness Blogging

Friday, October 4 • 4:00pm - 5:00pm

Blogging about difficult topics or heavy issues carries a unique set of considerations and approaches. This panel of experienced bloggers and cause brand representatives will cover techniques on how to draw and keep an audience while covering weighty issues on your media platforms. Discussion will include: 

• The importance of tone and how you can vary it from post to post while still maintaining the seriousness of the issue; 
• The power and importance of an authentic voice as the creator of your content; Making your content and delivery different from others who cover the same subject; 
• Building awareness through networking on and off line; 
• Developing partnerships that fit your brand and can help spread your message; and
• Promoting your message on and off line.

For more panel information (including the other amazing female panel speakers): http://sched.co/143cdcz

To view full agenda: http://blogaliciousfive.sched.org

Feria de Salud #PorTuFamilia (The Campaign to STOP Diabetes)

Did you know? 

• An estimated 1.3 million adult New Yorkers (almost 1 in 8) now have diabetes.
• Almost 28% of Latinos and Hispanics in the New York City market, and 31% of African American New Yorkers, have diabetes. 
• In New York City during 2007, 22 African Americans and 23 Latinos of every 100,000 died from diabetes.

I worry about diabetes. The Husband's parents are both diabetic and so is my grandfather. There is also a family history of obesity, heart disease, cholesterol and high blood pressure.   

The Husband is over 40 years old and has been on medication for high cholesterol on and off for the last five years. Being the parents of a special needs child, our personal health is of the utmost importance. We want need to live for as long as we can and be as healthy as possible.

We need to EDUCATE ourselves and modify our lifestyle and eating habits.

We need to teach The Boy how to eat and take care of himself so that he isn't at risk for diabetes.

George Torres aka the @UrbanJibaro of Sofrito for Your Soul has started the social media campaign #PorTuFamilia to raise awareness about Diabetes in the Latino Community. And this Saturday in The Bronx there will be an amazing family friendly event.        

***

Saturday, August 17, 2013
11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
St Mary's Park 146-148 Street St. Ann's Avenue, Bronx, NY

Feria de Salud is an outdoor community event, that reaches thousands of Latino/Hispanics with the important message that they may be at risk for diabetes. Feria captures the festive elements of a street fair, but maintains the important aspects of choosing and managing a healthier lifestyle for the entire Latino family. Join us for free health screenings, live music and dance, cooking demonstrations, children activites, healthy information and more!

For more information on diabetes please visit - www.diabetes.org

Are You On Google+ Yet? What Are You Waiting For?

I've been on Facebook for the last few years and it took me a while to get the hang of it. I'm not one for change. But lately sharing social media on FB has been challenging. While I am far from a tech/social media guru, the more I navigate Google+ the more I kind of love it. But it's a little bit lonely.

Whenever I talk about Google+ there is some hesitation. But it's really easy. Last month, I 'hung out' with someone from Google who gave me an overview. She was was great about answering my questions. So I thought I'd share a little of what I learned.

Link most social media sites, you can share photos, videos, events and links. You can share publicly or only with your circles.

Circles: Circles are private and are a great way of sorting your friends. You can share things on your profile with one circle without the other circles seeing your content. And the people in your circle will never know the "name" of your circle.

NO ONE CAN POST TO YOUR PROFILE.

What I love about sharing on Google+ are the little extra features that make your post pop (see above). 

For bold text use the * 

*NEW post on AutismWonderland*

For italicized text use the _

_One the deep secrets of life is all that is worth the doing is what we do for others_

      

And HASHTAGS - the hashtags work on Google+ (only on public posts or within circles).

If you want to tag someone in the post all you have to do is type the + followed by their name.

As for Google Hangouts...they are a great way to connect with friends, family or your social media pals.

And if you choose to Hangout Live - not only can others watch your live hangout but when it's over, it will automatically upload to YouTube. Back in October, I hung out with the Unknown Mami and we had a blast! (see video below)

I am still learning everyday. But I would love to be added to your circle. And you can find me by clicking HERE.