Healthy Living Summit http://healthylivingsummit.com Thu, 16 May 2013 20:00:08 +0000 en-US hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.5.1 Answers to the FAQ’s http://healthylivingsummit.com/faq-2013/ http://healthylivingsummit.com/faq-2013/#comments Wed, 15 May 2013 11:35:43 +0000 Heather http://healthylivingsummit.com/?p=1668

Over the past few months, we’ve received many emails, tweets, and messages asking for details on the 2013 Healthy Living Summit.  In last week’s update post, we let you in on a couple of answers to your frequently asked questions, and we’re back today to address a few more.

HLSLogo2013-1

Q: Where is the 2013 Summit going to be held?
A: This year we’re taking the Twin Cities by storm, and staying at the beautiful Hilton Minneapolis. For details on room rates and more, check out the hotel page. (Check out the Top 5 Reasons We’re Excited to Visit the Twin Cities in September, too!)

Q: When is the agenda going to be released?/When will speakers be announced?
A: You’re in luck!  The agenda is now live on our 2013 Agenda page!

Q: When do tickets go on sale?
A: Online registration will start on May 29, 2013, beginning at 8:30 PM eastern time.  More details about registration will be announced soon, so be sure to subscribe to our feed!

Q: How much will tickets be?
A: The registration cost for #hls13 is $130 a ticket.

Q: Are there going to be roommates if we want to reduce our hotel costs?
A: We know that many people in the blog world consider themselves “blog friends.” If you want to organize a roommate situation, feel free to use the Healthy Living Summit Facebook page as a resource to do so.

Q. Can I ask a brand I like to sponsor my trip to the Healthy Living Summit? How does that work?
A: Sure! Please check out our Blogger Guidelines for Personal Sponsors page for information on personal sponsorship.

Q: But I don’t know anyone!
A:  Not to worry, since we all have the same interests it will be easy to make friends! What better conversation starters than healthy living, blogging, and social media? This is a great place to meet new friends!

Q: Do I have to be a blogger?
A: No! Many attendees do not have their own blogs. We can’t guarantee you won’t be inspired to start one afterwards though! ;)

Q: I’ve got an idea for the summit! Who should I talk to?
A: Check out our contact page if you’d like to email us about mini-mingles, fit-mingles or other social events, adding your product to the swag bags, becoming a sponsor, or with general questions or feedback.  We’d love to hear from you!

Q. Who is organizing this whole thing?
A: You can meet the bloggers behind #hls13 here.

]]> http://healthylivingsummit.com/faq-2013/feed/ 1 #HLS13 Updates http://healthylivingsummit.com/hls13-updates/ http://healthylivingsummit.com/hls13-updates/#comments Mon, 06 May 2013 18:30:00 +0000 Heather http://healthylivingsummit.com/?p=1649

Howdy, friends!  This little site has been sitting quiet for long enough; can you believe the last time you heard from us here was at the beginning of March?  Time flies when you’re having fun planning #HLS13!

We’ve got a lot of new information heading your way in the coming weeks; all those questions you’ve been sending in via Twitter, Facebook, and email will soon be addressed.  Make sure you’re subscribed the HealthyLivingSummit.com RSS Feed* so you don’t miss out on the news as it’s delivered.  

Speaking of news to be delivered, why don’t we share two headlines right now?

  • Tickets to the 2013 Healthy Living Summit will be on sale on May 29th, at 8:30 PM EST.  Stay tuned for more details on ticket sales later in the month.
  • We’re thrilled to announce that the Summit hotel has been finalized.  Check out the Hotel Page to learn more!

Conrad A is one of four distinct meeting rooms featuring windows and warm accents. Conrad A, B, C, D are tucked away creating a sense of seclusion and privacy.

*By the way, if you haven’t found a new feed reader yet, check out this great Google Reader alternatives comparison post from HLS Co-Planner, Julie!

]]> http://healthylivingsummit.com/hls13-updates/feed/ 1 Top 5 Reasons to Answer Our Call for Speakers http://healthylivingsummit.com/top-5-reasons-to-answer-our-call-for-speakers/ http://healthylivingsummit.com/top-5-reasons-to-answer-our-call-for-speakers/#comments Mon, 04 Mar 2013 11:00:00 +0000 Heather http://healthylivingsummit.com/?p=1600

We’re sharing Top 5 Lists throughout the months leading up to #HLS13 in celebration of the FIFTH year of Summits!!

2010 speakers

Top 5 Reasons to Answer Our Call for Speakers

1. Because you have awesome lessons, ideas, experiences, and discussions to have with the Healthy Living Blogging community.  Maybe you’re an expert in your field and want to share all you know to help bloggers grow.  Perhaps you are passionate about a neglected topic that deserves a panel discussion.  You could have lessons you’ve learned and want to pass on or feel empowered to discuss the possibilities of the next big things in health and blogging.  Whatever your idea, we’re eager to read it!

2. Because you want to stay on the “grow my blog” path. Being a part of the HLS Agenda helps put you in place to build your brand and grow your network.  Participating in a panel, presenting on your expertise, or leading a discussion is a great boost to your resume, too!

2012speakers

3. Because try something new/ take a risk / step out of your comfort zone was one of your New Years Resolutions.  And you want to prove to yourself that you can do it. [or to someone else! booyah!]

4. Because after you spend time this summer preparing for your presentation, finalizing your power point, being highlighted on this site, fighting nerves Saturday morning at breakfast, rolling in conversation up there on the mic, answering questions after, and feeling your heart pitter patter as you sip on a post-Summit cocktail… looking back you’ll know you’d be hard pressed to find a more encouraging, eager to learn from you, awesomely kind group of people supporting you along the way.

community

5. Because why NOT give it a try?  What do you have to lose? [and more importantly, what could you choose to gain?]  If you’re ready to submit your idea, answer our call for speakers. All proposals must be submitted by March 15, 2013 to be considered for the 2013 Healthy Living Summit

]]> http://healthylivingsummit.com/top-5-reasons-to-answer-our-call-for-speakers/feed/ 2 Now Open: Call for Speakers http://healthylivingsummit.com/now-open-call-for-speakers/ http://healthylivingsummit.com/now-open-call-for-speakers/#comments Wed, 13 Feb 2013 00:38:58 +0000 Heather http://healthylivingsummit.com/?p=1589

The time is here; the open call for speakers, presentations, panels, and session topics for Healthy Living Summit 2013 has finally arrived!

For the record:

  • Anyone and everyone can submit a presentation idea; you don’t have to be a blogger, professional public speaker, or experienced conference host to make a submission!  We encourage each of you interested in filling the #HLS13 agenda slots with your great ideas to answer our call for speakers.
  • If you are interested in presenting, but don’t know where to start for ideas, why not start by looking at agendas and recaps of past years for inspiration?  Of course, we’re looking for fresh ideas to bring to this year’s Summit, but reviewing what topics have been covered [in 2012, 2011, 2010, & 2009] may help get your creative juices flowing!
  • How to Choose Presentation Topics that ROCK! [A video you may want to check out from Presentation Expressions.]

 

Have an idea you’d like to pitch for the #HLS13 Agenda? Submit it here!

]]> http://healthylivingsummit.com/now-open-call-for-speakers/feed/ 5 Top 5 Reasons We’re Excited to Visit the Twin Cities in September http://healthylivingsummit.com/top-5-reasons-were-excited-to-visit-the-twin-cities-in-september/ http://healthylivingsummit.com/top-5-reasons-were-excited-to-visit-the-twin-cities-in-september/#comments Fri, 01 Feb 2013 13:00:00 +0000 Heather http://healthylivingsummit.com/?p=1578

Did you know that this September we’ll be gathering together at Summit number five?!?  We’re introducing Top 5 Lists throughout the months leading up to #HLS13 in celebration of the FIFTH year of Summits!! We’ll cover lots of topics along the way, some basic and general, others detailed and specific; each of the lists looking forward to a great fifth year together in the Twin Cities!

from atop

 

Top 5 Reasons We’re Excited to Visit the Cities in September

 

1. Minnesota is a state the Summit has never been before and we’re already diving in learning as much as we can about the great new experiences that lie ahead of us.

2. This one is basically a given; Twin Cities = two cities, Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota. Double the cities means double the fun to be had, right? We are sure it’s going to be a fine adventure in September!

3. Speaking of September…you may have noticed that HLS weekend has jumped backwards on the calendar a bit. The new dates just so happen to reflect a beautiful season in the Twin Cities area; historic average temperatures come in with a low/high of 55/73 degrees.   We’re sure we’ll be thankful for the pleasant weather while we complete group training runs and outdoor fitness activities, go site seeing together, find patio seating for drinks, and do we all we can to enjoy the cities!

4. Which brings us to this: Enjoying our time in Minneapolis/St.Paul to the masses should be extra easy this fall.  First off, both of the twins are known for having super walkable downtown areas and surrounding neighborhoods. And with the Light Rail transportation system now running from downtown Minneapolis to major site seeing locations like the Mall of America, Metrodome, Target Field and what surely makes many visitors happy, The Airport, getting around isn’t going to be too much of a problem.

5. The Twin Cities are the 16th largest metropolitan area in the country.  With stats like that, there is BOUND to be something fun for everyone to check out. As far as we can tell from the info we’ve gathered thus far about the area, that assumption seems to be true – there are attractions, establishments, and events happening all over the cities to fit every personality and style.  There is so much going on in Minneapolis and St. Paul to get excited about!!

In future Top 5 lists we’ll be sharing interesting Twin Cities’ businesses, events, attractions and more!  Stay in touch by following us on Twitter at @HLSummit and joining the conversation on our Facebook page!

Love,
Your HLS Planning Team

]]> http://healthylivingsummit.com/top-5-reasons-were-excited-to-visit-the-twin-cities-in-september/feed/ 10 #HLS13: Dates & Location Announcement http://healthylivingsummit.com/hls13-dates-location-announcement/ http://healthylivingsummit.com/hls13-dates-location-announcement/#comments Wed, 30 Jan 2013 14:30:00 +0000 Heather http://healthylivingsummit.com/?p=1571

So many of you showed off your trivia skills with our teaser game yesterday! That’s right, friends, we’ll be headed back to the Midwest in 2013. We hope you’re excited to meet us in the Twin Cities this September 13-15!

HLSLogo2013-1

Here’s a bit behind the clues of the #HLS13: Guess Where? Game

There’s a first time for everything, and this year HLS will be visiting this location for the very first time.

We’ve been to Boston, Chicago, Philadelphia, and back to Boston; this year, we’re heading to a new spot on the map – the Twin Cities!

4yearsSkyline

The Major League Baseball team from this city received a new stadium in a year in which we were already gathering together for Summits.

Target Field, home of the Minnestoa Twins, was built in 2010.

185364_604147741667_1767184_n

While we’re together, we might go on a excursion to one gigantic mall.

Anyone else imagine Robin Sparkles when thinking about the Mall of America, the largest mall in all of – you guessed it- America?

If the weather is crummy, we will probably be able to get where we need to go with all the skyways offered here.

The Minneapolis Skyway System is the largest continuous network of skyways in the world.

SkywayLogo

Don’t worry about getting your workouts in on Summit weekend: there are plenty of lakes to walk, jog, skate or bike around.

The Minnesota state nickname is “The Land of 10,000 Lakes.” It even says “10,000 Lakes” on the Minnesota License Plate!

wpid-2012-06-17-11-44-47

We know we will get plenty of fruit in at #HLS13 – there’s one cherry big enough for us all to share!

Spoonbridge and Cherry is a well known fountain sculpture in the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden.

MnplsCherrySpoon.lpetre

You’re gonna make it after all!

The wonderful television series, The Mary Tyler Moore Show, was set in Minneapolis. And there’s a statue at the corner of the Nicollet Pedestrian Mall to celebrate it. [Photo op!]

MTM statue cropped

special thanks to our friends Lynne, Kayla, Megan, and Melissa for the use of some of their photos in this post!

]]> http://healthylivingsummit.com/hls13-dates-location-announcement/feed/ 15 #HLS13: Guess Where? http://healthylivingsummit.com/hls13-guess-where/ http://healthylivingsummit.com/hls13-guess-where/#comments Tue, 29 Jan 2013 17:00:00 +0000 Heather http://healthylivingsummit.com/?p=1550

Wow! It’s been awhile, hasn’t it?

We’re happy to share that the HLS Planning team has been narrowing down the many suggestions on when and where to host Healthy Living Summit 2013.  Even better news? We’ve finally made a decision!

Tomorrow we’ll be releasing the official announcement including dates and location; you know we can’t keep secrets from you guys…

We thought we’d craft a little teaser game to get you all as excited as we are for #HLS13.  Play along by reading through the clues and leaving your guess in the comment section below!GuessWhere

  • There’s a first time for everything, and this year HLS will be visiting this location for the very first time.
  • The Major League Baseball team from this city received a new stadium in a year in which we were already gathering together for Summits.
  • While we’re together, we might go on a excursion to one gigantic mall.
  • If the weather is crummy, we will probably be able to get where we need to go with all the skyways offered here.
  • Don’t worry about getting your workouts in on Summit weekend: there are plenty of lakes to walk, jog, skate or bike around.
  • We know we will get plenty of fruit in at #HLS13 – there’s one cherry big enough for us all to share!
  • You’re gonna make it after all!
]]> http://healthylivingsummit.com/hls13-guess-where/feed/ 38 #HLSMedia Recap http://healthylivingsummit.com/hlsmedia-recap/ http://healthylivingsummit.com/hlsmedia-recap/#comments Tue, 25 Sep 2012 23:46:03 +0000 Heather http://healthylivingsummit.com/?p=1536

FROM THE HEALTHY LIVING SUMMIT SITE:
SOCIAL MEDIA: KEEPING UP WITH ONLINE TRENDS
With the ever-changing climate of social media, it’s hard to know what’s “in” and what will help grow your blog audience. Heather Montgomery from Running with Sass describes ways to utilize social media in conjunction with your blog to help grow your readership. The main topics of discussion will focus on utilizing Facebook Fan Pages, Twitter, YouTube, Foursquare, and instagram.

MAJOR TAKEAWAYS FROM #HLSMEDIA:

session

  • Social media users are up 19.2% from 2011
  • You should use prominent sharing icons on your sidebar
    • Heather uses Floating Social Media Icons plugin
    • Add your twitter handle to your sharing!
  • Use the Buffer appto schedule posts.  It is easy – and free!
    • you can also get a buffer extension to share posts on any site easily
    • you can also see analytics for your tweets/posts right in Buffer
  • 1.2 billion smart phones in the world
    • 55% of Twitter traffic is mobile users
    • 54% of Facebook traffic is mobile users
  • Facebook Talk
    • you don’t own the photos that you post on Facebook
    • Facebook now has promoted pages, meaning your entire friends list likely doesn’t see your post
    • Quality likes are important!  Spend time liking, sharing, and commenting and encouraging your community and followers to do the same.
    • Edgerank is Facebook’s algorithm
      • Edges measure video, comment, link, text
        • videos have the most edge
        • bigger isn’t always better.  Quality likes are important.
      • Ways to improve your EdgeRank
        • ask questions
        • post “fill in the blank” comments to promote answering
        • every interaction is getting put into the algorythm
        • comments are 4x more valuable than likes
          • 90% of people who “like” your page will not return to it
        • orange and red are popular colors to attract people
    • Get your vanity URL for Facebook!
    • Fill out your about me section with all of your relevant information
    • Hike Tab Builder – lets you put tabs on your Facebook Fan Page and it’s FREE!
    • Facebook Insights
      • you can filter posts and see what type is reaching the most people
      • you can see demographics
      • Facebook Pages App for iPhone

session3

  • Twitter
    • Schedule Tweets in order to stay active in the conversation
    • Twitter parties
      • great way to interact with other Twitter friends
      • gain new followers
      • maybe even win prizes!
    • Mention your favorite brands in your tweets!
    • Set posts to auto-post through WordPress
      • Titles of posts are important. 
        • Make it catchy so people will click through – but don’t be deceptive!
  • Instagram
    • 166% growth in under 4 months
    • we love photos!
    • integrate with Facebook and Twitter
    • Use hashtags
    • Mention brands to catch their attention
      • Brands are now using Instagram for campaigns
    • Use the same name on Twitter and Instagram so people know who you are!
  • Foursquare
    • safety first!  Be weary of checking into places that you go ALL the time.
    • more than just a “check-in”
    • when you check in places that are “normal”  (like going to the DMV) you seem like a real person

session2

  • You Tube
    • Allows you to get personal with your readers
    • people are getting lazy and don’t want to read a long block of text
    • You can be anything that you want to be! Lots of opportunities
    • It is much easier to make video than it has ever been before
  • Google+
    • You can format your posts
    • Google+ events/hangouts
    • integrate Facebook
    • Shorten to vanity URL
  • GET INVOLVED!
    • use your accounts consistently
    • have patience
    • have fun and the numbers will increase
    • don’t be afraid to ask for help!
      • Heather would love to help you:  runningwithsass@gmail.com

 

 

FAVORITE TWEETS FROM #HLSMEDIA:

Bottom line with social media: get involved. Even if you don't think you know what you're doing. #hlsmedia
August 18, 2012 3:21 pm via Twitter for iPhoneReplyRetweetFavorite
@kellynigl
Kelly Nigl

those of you from #HLS12 who were wanting the google+ cheat sheet it's on my blog today! #HLSmedia http://t.co/SSNjUbAQ
August 22, 2012 8:09 am via webReplyRetweetFavorite
@runningwithsass
Heather Montgomery

The title of your post is more important than you think! #hls12 #hlsmedia
August 18, 2012 3:07 pm via Twitter for iPhoneReplyRetweetFavorite
@ADashofMeg
Meg Doll

You are still making a connection with people, even if they don't retweet or respond to your tweets! #HLSmedia #HLS12
August 18, 2012 3:07 pm via TweetDeckReplyRetweetFavorite
@marybaum20
Mary Baum

OTHER RECAPS OF THIS SESSION FROM AROUND THE WEB:

Heather’s own recap: Day Three / Sessions
Brownies & Zucchini’s Live Blog of the Session
A Dash of Meg: Keeping Up with Social Media Trends
It’s a Harley Life: #HLSMedia – the facts
My Yogurt Addiction: The Sessions

ABOUT HEATHER:

headshotrwsHeather has been the voice behind RunningWithSass.com for almost three years. She loves running, fitness, and being a Disney vacation planner and social media director for the travel agency she works for. Heather has appeared on the cover of Fit, a  local New Orleans magazine,  In Woman’s World magazine, as Women’s Running magazine’s Blogger on the Run, is a Fitfluential and Sweat Pink Ambassador, and has worked with several brands in an attempt to encourage and motivate other people to lead a healthy lifestyle. When not traveling or working out, Heather loves to read, hang out with her family (including furry children Bella and Sassy), and of course blog.

]]> http://healthylivingsummit.com/hlsmedia-recap/feed/ 1 #HLS50Shades Recap http://healthylivingsummit.com/hls50shades-recap/ http://healthylivingsummit.com/hls50shades-recap/#comments Tue, 11 Sep 2012 10:00:00 +0000 Heather http://healthylivingsummit.com/?p=1523

FROM THE HEALTHY LIVING SUMMIT SITE:
The Fuzzy Grey Areas of Blogging

Rachel Wilkerson, never one to avoid touchy subjects, hosts this panel with Dori Manela and Teri Zawrotny; together, they’ll tackle questions bloggers often wonder about, but hardly ever discuss — especially not together by the hundreds. We’re talking blogging ethics – we’ll touch a bit on what the law says, then move on to all the questions left behind by what the law DOESN’T say. Topics in this grey area (we hear there are 50, to be exact) include comment policies and handling negative feedback, changing your mind about products/diet choices/workouts you’ve raved about, being honest and authentic while protecting your privacy, accepting free stuff, and so much more. Get ready to go there, friends!

MAJOR TAKEAWAYS FROM #HLS50SHADES:

DSCF6813

  • Editing Content/Comments/Tweets: What is your approach?
    • Think through what you write before you publish
    • It can be tempting to edit when you’re called out for something negative.
      • Address it directly
      • Avoid deleting or editing if at all possible
    • Twitter is real-time.
      • Blogging allows you to edit and think about your words before publishing.
      • Think before you tweet!DSCF6824
  • Moderating Comments/Conversation:
    • Do you have a comment policy for your blog?
      • It’s a good thing to have, puts your thoughts on the matter out there for readers and visitors, from the start.
      • Comment policies can help readers feel safe to share their ideas, if you want a good discussion – especially on controversial/hot topic posts.
    • Bloggers tend to get defensive.
      • We want to defend our blog because it’s our turf.  We take ownership of it.
      • Sometimes this isn’t the best position to take.
      • Moderating everything doesn’t allow a real discussion to happen.
    • Teri suggests the setting in wordpress that allows you to moderate the first comment left by an email address, but once that user has been approved, their future comments get through without moderation.

DSCF6821

  • How do bloggers remain authentic and still protect their privacy and their family and friends?
    • Privacy is a Catch-22
      • if you don’t talk about it, you’ve got privacy
      • but that may not be authentic. honest posts are good!
    • Protecting the privacy of others should impact how you blog.
      • You’re not the only person in your stories.
    • The best blogs are the ones that have an opinion.
      • Be genuine and true to who you are.
    • If you have a full-time job, it can influence your content.
      • You are still always representing the company, and the blog.
      • it’s a fine line.
      • Does your company have a social media policy?
        • Find out and learn their expectations

DSCF6829

  • Your blog is a progression of your life throughout the years. Do you owe it to your readers to alert them when you change opinions from previous posts?
    • If you make a big change in your life that is very relevant to your blog, that should be addressed.
      • Try not to be defensive about the situation.
    • If you change your thoughts/opinions on something, edit the original post to add a link to the new post with your updated thoughts.
  • Giveaways and reviews
    • are they valuable to companies and bloggers?
    • what if you don’t like the product?
      • we have a responsibility to our readers, ourselves, and the companies, last.
      • Teri adds a line at the end of her review saying if she would spend her own money on the product

FAVORITE TWEETS FROM #HLS50SHADES:

"Keep your words soft and tending because tomorrow you may have to eat them." Author Unknown #HLS50Shades
August 18, 2012 2:39 pm via TweetDeckReplyRetweetFavorite

"I don't think anyone owes their readers anything other than being genuine." @ #HLS50shades #HLS12
August 18, 2012 3:11 pm via Twitter for AndroidReplyRetweetFavorite

"You can be the ripest, juiciest peach in the world and there's still going to be somebody who hates peaches." - Dita Von Teese #HLS50shades
August 18, 2012 2:55 pm via Twitter for iPhoneReplyRetweetFavorite

If you change your comment policy, let your readers know. #HLS50shades
August 18, 2012 2:55 pm via Twitter for iPhoneReplyRetweetFavorite

RT @: If you're angry, write down what you want to say and wait 24 hours before publishing. #HLS50Shades
August 18, 2012 2:42 pm via TweetDeckReplyRetweetFavorite
@bloghealthy
Healthy Living Blogs

"...it's what no one knows about you that allows you to know yourself." getting real at #hls50shades #hls12
August 18, 2012 3:04 pm via TweetCaster for iOSReplyRetweetFavorite
@FoodFash
Kristin

"Now I've made it as a blogger" -@ after a negative comment, got a great laugh from this crowd on this one. #HLS50Shades
August 18, 2012 2:49 pm via TweetDeckReplyRetweetFavorite

"To me, posting only positive stuff when I'm not feeling positive is not telling the whole story."-- @ #HLS50Shades #hls12
August 18, 2012 3:01 pm via Twitter for iPhoneReplyRetweetFavorite
@tblanchfield
Theodora Blanchfield

My blog is part of my resume. The best job for me is one that accepts that it is part of my life. - @ #HLS50Shades #HLS12
August 18, 2012 3:13 pm via Twitter for iPhoneReplyRetweetFavorite
@runningbun
Ashley Byron

best posts are the most honest ones.. but there are lines of privacy/protection when it comesto family/friends #HLS50Shades
August 18, 2012 3:00 pm via Twitter for iPhoneReplyRetweetFavorite
@ShoretoRun
Shore to Run

In product review posts, end with "would I spend my own money on this product?" Yes or no. - @ #HLS12
August 18, 2012 3:21 pm via TweetCaster for AndroidReplyRetweetFavorite

I'm not the only person in this story- this is only one side of the story- on the privacy discussion #HLS50shades
August 18, 2012 3:04 pm via Twitter for AndroidReplyRetweetFavorite
@pinchoging
shannon kay

Your blog is a progression of your life throughout the years. Do you owe it to your readers to change old posts/opinions? #HLS50Shades
August 18, 2012 3:10 pm via TweetDeckReplyRetweetFavorite

@ I don't think so! You can reference old posts in new posts and say whoa! Look how I've changed. Makes u more dynamic and real!
August 18, 2012 3:11 pm via Twitter for iPhoneReplyRetweetFavorite
@poweredbyzumba
Aundra Weissert

OTHER RECAPS OF THIS SESSION FROM AROUND THE WEB:

Just a One Girl Revolution: #HLS12 Live: The Fuzzy Grey Areas of Blogging

ABOUT THE PANELISTS:

Rachel Wilkerson writes the blog The Life & Lessons of Rachel Wilkerson, where she covers the “getting it” moments when a light bulb goes off and suddenly everything makes sense, and recently started Elena Has It All, a blog about how women are treated by the media, women’s media, other women, etc. Her work has been featured on Shape.com and Yahoo! Shine, and she is a panelist for U by Kotex’s Real Answers. When she’s not freelancing, she is working full-time as a copywriter and social media and community manager for an online entertainment company in Houston, TX.

Dori Manela is a native New Yorker who recently moved to Jersey City, where life is better in every way except proximity to her favorite fitness class. She (mostly) maintains a rigorous once-a-week posting schedule at Dori’s Shiny Blog, where she writes about her adventures in running, exercise classes, her chronic GI illness and life’s absurdities. In real life, she’s a social media manager for a multi-brand beauty company. She manages a set of content websites including Fit-a-licious, designed to show women 30+ that health is attainable at any age.

Teri Zawrotny, a Utah native and Winston Salem, NC transplant, is the blogger behind A Foodie Stays Fit. Teri is a corporate digital marketer by day and a health blogger by night. Her blog focuses on creating healthy recipes, sharing fitness tips for both new and experienced exercisers, and enjoying the simple things in life. She is a Vibram FiveFingers runner and vinyasa yoga devotee, a certified fitness instructor, an Instagram fashionista, and a boxer dog lover.

]]> http://healthylivingsummit.com/hls50shades-recap/feed/ 0 #HLSBlogLocal Recap http://healthylivingsummit.com/hlsbloglocal-recap/ http://healthylivingsummit.com/hlsbloglocal-recap/#comments Mon, 10 Sep 2012 10:00:00 +0000 Heather http://healthylivingsummit.com/?p=1511

FROM THE HEALTHY LIVING SUMMIT SITE:
I Am the Blogger in Your Neighborhood

This panel, led by Holly of The Healthy Everythingtarian will discuss the exciting and profitable ways of reaching out beyond blogging in order to bring your skills and healthy living knowledge into your local communities. This discussion will move beyond meet-ups with other local bloggers, giving ideas and practical how-tos on getting involved in your city. Topics will include booking local news segments, finding food-related jobs and freelance work, attending special events as press and more – get ready to take one giant step away from your computer routine to get your blog known in new and exciting ways around town.

MAJOR TAKEAWAYS FROM #HLSBLOGLOCAL:

meghann2

  • Think about what opportunities are available in your neighborhood
    • Local TV/News
    • Local Publications
    • Food Events
    • Etc
  • Look at your blog as a tool
    • Leverage to get the experiences that you truly want
    • Network! Network! Network!
      • Think outside the box: you have more connections than you think!
      • Share your blog with family and friends
      • They are there to support you
  • A Good Pitch
    • Brie, concise and catchy
      • Who you are
      • What you want
      • Why they should hire/consider you
        • Point out what YOU can bring to the table
      • Pitch three creative ideas

    meghann3

    • Effective follow-up is the key to great pitches for business.
      • Send a pitch
      • Wait ONE WEEK before sending a follow up
      • If you don’t hear back after that, give it several months
      • Use Insightly from Google to track your pitches
    • Don’t give up!
      • If you keep pitching, you will get responses.
      • It’s all trial and error. Keep trying.
  • Once you are hired:
    • Don’t be afraid to ask for help
    • be open to constructive criticism
    • use it all as a learning opportunity

meghann

  • Yelp is great for building a local community.
    • free to join
    • elite events for uber-active members
    • befriend the community manager 
  • Join or start a local group!
    • If you build it, they will come!
    • Partner with surrounding groups
    • Have monthly meet-ups
    • It doesn’t have to be fancy – Keep it casual!
  • Make sure your site is SEO friendly for your area.
  • If a company doesn’t have a social media profile, reach out to them and offer to manage their social media for them.
  • Let local businesses and events know if you blog about them.
    • email them a link to the post
  • Be open and forward and proud of your blog.
    • Be enthusiastic and show that this is what you love to do.
    • Every relationship has potential to lead to fun

 

 

FAVORITE TWEETS FROM #HLSBLOGLOCAL:

Remember everything is a learning opportunity. So true! #hlsbloglocal
August 18, 2012 1:46 pm via Twitter for iPhoneReplyRetweetFavorite
@thextramile
Brittany

Starting local is a great way to build your network - heard that twice today! Take note! #HLSbloglocal #HLS12
August 18, 2012 1:34 pm via TweetDeckReplyRetweetFavorite
@marybaum20
Mary Baum

Who you are, what you want, why they should hire you = solid pitch to companies #HLS12 #HLSbloglocal
August 18, 2012 1:37 pm via Twitter for iPadReplyRetweetFavorite
@poweredbyzumba
Aundra Weissert

All these mentions of Madison publications and restaurants is making me homesick. Bluephies!! @ #hlsbloglocal
August 18, 2012 1:41 pm via TweetDeckReplyRetweetFavorite
@savvyjulie
Julie Grice

Have you considered doing the fitness daily deals that are out and creating videos? Obviously people are interested in #hlsbloglocal
August 18, 2012 1:48 pm via Twitter for iPhoneReplyRetweetFavorite
@RunToTheFinish
Amanda Brooks

Pitch with local partners: quick, creative, what you do, why they should hire you, propose content to producers @ #hlsbloglocal
August 18, 2012 1:40 pm via Twitter for iPhoneReplyRetweetFavorite
@ShoretoRun
Shore to Run

After hearing @ rave about it, I'm definitely going to look into using Yelp for #GrandRapids! Great local tool! #HLSbloglocal
August 18, 2012 2:09 pm via TweetDeckReplyRetweetFavorite

http://t.co/LiA5K5CX is a great site if you're looking for a food related job. #hlsbloglocal
August 18, 2012 1:36 pm via Twitter for iPhoneReplyRetweetFavorite
@kellynigl
Kelly Nigl

Become a YELP Elite --will be invited to events, be another community for you to be active in #HLSbloglocal
August 18, 2012 1:49 pm via TweetDeckReplyRetweetFavorite
@savvyjulie
Julie Grice

Research your community like you would a vacation spot, you'll be surprised what you find! #hlsbloglocal
August 18, 2012 1:55 pm via Twitter for iPhoneReplyRetweetFavorite
@RunToTheFinish
Amanda Brooks

OTHER RECAPS OF THIS SESSION FROM AROUND THE WEB:
Become the Blogger in Your Neighborhood via A Dash of Meg
I am the Blogger in Your Neighborhood via Meals and Miles

ABOUT THE PANELISTS:

Holly Whittlef is a 20-something food blogger, freelance writer and graphic designer living in Madison, WI. She writes the humorous food blog, The Healthy Everythingtarian, in addition to hosting monthly cooking segments on the local news, cooking classes at Whole Foods and working as a social media/marketing consultant for several local organizations. She has really curly hair, is a big fan of musicals and likes ice cream…a lot.

 

 

 

 

Clare Brady is a Healthy Living Blogger currently living in Dallas, Texas but originally from St. Louis, Missouri. On her blog, Fitting It All In, Clare shares her experiences with living a healthy lifestyle while balancing a busy schedule. Currently she is working full-time as advertising account executive, seeing clients as a Certified Holistic Health Coach, exercising often, cooking as much as possible, and making sure to spend time with friends.

 

 

 

 

Meghann Anderson is a twenty-something lover of marathons, puppies and wine; as well as the voice behind the popular health and fitness blog MealsAndMiles.com. Thousands of fans log on everyday to read how the Florida native attempts to stay fit, eat right, and build her own company, while still enjoying a social life. She is well known for training hard and playing hard. You can also follow Meghann’s wedding planning on Meals and Miles, as she shares details of her upcoming winter wonderland wedding!

 

 

Photos borrowed from Meals and Miles

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