Blogging Your Way to a New Career

My blog helped me get a new job. If it weren't for me sitting down and starting this blog 5 years ago I would have never cared about Twitter, optimizing Facebook for business, learning (a decent amount of) HTML, or upping my writing skills.

This blog has not only given me a creative outlet, but it has led me to the career I have today. With a desire to work from home I picked the brains of fellow local bloggers, and it seemed that V.A. (Virtual Assistant) work would be a good place to start for me. I had previous experience with web copy, web design, and Facebook for business. That along with my own established (I use that loosely, I had about 1,000 at the time) Twitter following gave me a footing and the confidence to offer social media services.

Now I'm sure this was a total fluke, but the first Tweet I shared got a bite! I worked with Bernie Borges of Find and Convert for 3 months in a V.A. capacity handling the Twitter account for his main business and his podcast: Social Business Engine. As our business relationship progressed I took on more responsibilities including drafting up copy for his show notes pages and even doing some audience research.

I need to point out that I still had my 36 hour a week day job at this point. In order to leave time for myself each week I started to wake up an hour earlier every morning and invest about an hour after work too. For me, this was do-able. I was logging 50+ hours a week between the two jobs and I was happy. (Side note: I like to stay busy.)

Then I received the job offer. Again, I don't know how normal of a situation this was, it had only been 3 months but I clearly proved my worth. Now I am a Digital Marketing Associate for Find and Convert, a B2B marketing agency out of Tampa, Florida. I work fully remotely and am enjoying the opportunity to write every day as a part of my job. The knowledge I am gaining from the digital marketing world is amazing too. I have so much more to learn.

Now that I have given you my story... if you are interested in a new career in any field, go for it. If it's a digital career you are looking for — keep your blogging professional. Possible employers will look to it to see how seriously you handled everything.

Learn everything you can. I am a regular attendee of blogging/social media conferences and trainings. Not only did this allow for networking and growing my following, but I have been able to learn so much. People in the blogging community are very open with what has worked for them.  Many have no problem sharing social media tips and the common pitfalls they've encountered along the way. Your fellow attendees have a lot to offer at these events too, not just the speakers.

Going along with learning everything you can — READ! Of course you should be reading other blogs, but don't forget about those hard bound things with paper in them called books. There are plenty of niche style books about blogging (or content writing) and social media. Even successful fashion bloggers are dishing out their tips and tricks formulas for success.

Most obvious to me now is podcasts. I wish I had taken advantage of them sooner. I can listen to them when washing the dishes, walking the dog, even working out. The Social Business Engine show is a podcast and internet TV series of interviews with people and companies who have seen success in social business. There's plenty of other podcasts out there on virtually anything you may want to hear about. The social media podcasts on my list currently are:

• Social Business Engine (duh!)
• Social Media Zoom Factor with Pam Moore
• Online Marketing Made Easy with Amy Porterfield
• The Social Media Examiner Show
• Social Media Marketing Podcast with Michael Stelzner
• Social Pros Podcast: Real People Doing Real Work in Social Media

If you are interested in social media you should be following these hosts on Twitter too.

It's going to take hard-work and extra hours but you can do it. Check out my Pinterest board for more techie/blog tips. There is so much good information there too!

If you have any questions or I can help you with anything let me know. I'm on Twitter @meaghanmae and I would be happy to assist. :)

Blog Fete Recap

This past Saturday I attended Blog Fete in Orlando at the East End Market. It's a small group (only 30 attendees), and a panel of four bloggers and shop owners. You're sure to recognize a few if you are a blogger or pay any attention to the blogosphere. Sarah Hearts, Ashley Brooke Designs, Carmen of The Flair Exchange, and Melissa Creates (BlogFete founder) made up the panel. All of the panelists were totally relate-able, very forthcoming with their tips, and were willing to answer any question thrown at them. There were four main topics discussed: blogging (duh), branding, social media, and shops.

Our swag bags from this event were awesome! Every single thing in our bags I know I will use. First of all how cute is this Hello Beautiful tote from Alexis June Weddings.

More goodies! Everything from sweets, to party balloons, to paper products, koozies, and soap. 

On to the sweet things. The cupcakes and fancy frosted rice krispie treats were from Deja Vu Sweets. I loved that the logo of Blog Fete was on the cupcakes, too cute! Onli Beverages provided their sparkling waters. I'm normally not a sparkling fan but these were really tasty, specifically the Green Tea.

Oh man, and the caterer, Cuisiniers was awesome. If I was in Orlando I would definitely hire and recommend them to everyone for their weddings and events. The blackened shrimp tacos, fancy mac and cheese - magnifique! Then they brought out their Chocolate Budino with Salted Caramel and a Banana Anglaise. Wow. This was like the best tasting creme brulee/flan dessert I have ever had.

Desserts first! ;)

Royal Design Studio was there sharing an adorable stencil set and pumpkin spice coffee. I can't wait to finish mine and hang it up!

Because this was a smaller event we were able to talk one on one with the panelists too. Kori Clark Design was there giving design advice and caught this photo of me chatting with Sarah of Sarah Hearts about dogs and DIY. The usual topic of choice for me. ;)


Ashley of Ashley Brooke Designs was one of the panelists at Blog Fete. I have been following her shop and blog for over a year so it was really cool to actually meet her! I finally bought one of her mugs there too, her original "everyday I'm hustlin'" design. Too funny and definitely a good motivational quote to see in the morning before work, or in the evening while blogging over tea. ;)

Mandy of Waiting on Martha Skyped in with us and told us a bit about her experiences in getting to a full time blogger. It's so inspiring to hear other bloggers stories, going full time can be done! It just takes late nights and lots of coffee. 

How cute is her dalmatian wallpaper?! I'm in love and must have more dalmatian in my life!

It was a super motivational event. I'm going to start working on getting a shop started as an extenstion of Just Me aghan this fall/winter. I know it will take a lot of hard work and a good amount of my "free" time, but I know it will be so worth it!

That's all for Blog Fete, you can see more photos from the other attendees here. If you have a chance to attend next year do it! I will be buying my tickets as soon as they go on sale. (Thank you hubs for the tickets! What an awesome Birthday present, right?!) I met a handful of other bloggers too and had time to get to know each of them and what their blogs were about. Making new blogger friends is always so much fun, it reminds me I'm not the only nerd editing photos and typing my life away into the internet. :)

The past few years when I've attended blogging conferences in Orlando I always take a picture before the event, so here's this years. Kisses!

Love Your Mother Eco Fashion Show Recap

This past weekend was the Love Your Mother Eco Fashion Show put on by Panache. I had the privilege to model for my friend Michelle Dorminey's collection called Electric Metal. All of the designs she made were made from cords, soda can tops, wires, and lids. There are some more detail shots of my outfit in this blog post.

(Left to right) TJ, Tonya, Michelle, Shannon, me and Nicole

Here's a peek at what it was like to be a model behind the scenes for the event.

Over muffins, mimosas and fruits Michelle got us prepped for the show.

Getting my silver leaf lightening bolt touched up. Yes, it is just like the gold leaf you hear about in many DIY projects, and it was affixed with Elmer's glue. How cool is that?!

Instead of doing five models' hair AND makeup on the day of the show, Michelle prepped wigs for all of us. Crazy, wild wigs with electronic pieces as part of the headbands.

Crazy cool hair right? :)

This collection was made from old VW marketing material and made by Juliana Koutouzakis, the creative director of the whole show. These ladies looked so awesome

Our group just before taking it to the cat walk.

Dee brought his drone out and caught some images of the show from the sky. Thanks babe! :)

That's me on the big screen!

Rocking my eco fashion recycled get up like it was Versace!

DJ Applesauce and a bit of the crowd from above.

Of course it started to sprinkle right when our group was up. Luckily it didn't last long at all.

The Record has a compilation of photos from the event on their Spotted site. Definitely check that out to see more of the outfits from the Love Your Mother Fashion Show!

Image Source

As a fashion blogger I had such an awesome time modeling for this show, but I'm ready to be a viewer at the next one. Does anyone know of any fashion events coming up in St. Augustine or Jacksonville?

Busy with Writing, Wedding Planning, & Modeling

Sitting here this Saturday morning sipping my caramel latte from Kookaburra I'm thinking about how awesome this month will be. There's so much excitement going on right now, and the month is sure to fly by.

For starters, I've landed another writing gig! St. Augustine Social contacted me with an opportunity and I've signed on as a contributor for their magazine and site. I'm excited to be working with another publisher writing about St. Augustine. Stay tuned on my social media accounts to see some of the blog posts I write for them.

St. Augustine Social

St. Augustine may first appear as a sleepy little historic town with a beach, but there really is plenty to do here for young, active families and individuals. With the growing number of young entrepreneurs in town, there are increasingly more ways to spend your free time. Our town is truly amazing—why do you think so many people visit and then move here, or leave town only to come back? I can't wait to reach other locals and visitors to get them more in the know of what's happening here.

Next week I will be traveling to Georgia to help a college friend with her wedding. She and her soon to be husband hired me on as their wedding planner. More than just the day of coordination this time, I've been using my experience with weddings to help them figure out all the little details. Neither the bride nor the groom has ever attended a wedding—this blew my mind but it's not the first time I've heard it. I've enjoyed working with them and can't wait to get up there to make their wedding day be one of the best memories they will have. I think about my own wedding all the time and how thankful I am to have had a coordinator. No matter the wedding size it's nice to have someone else handle the stresses that day.

How cute are these two? :)

Shortly after coming back from Georgia I'll be in a fashion show. Panache, a local salon and spa, is having their annual Love Your Mother Eco Fashion Show and I will be modeling again. The last time I was in this show was when I was working there in 2008 at the front desk. It will be fun to be back with many of the same designers again and see some old friends. All of the looks are made from recycled materials, the theme for our group this year is based around cords. Phone, internet, old computer cords, etc. I'll be sure to post some photos on the day of so follow me on Insta if you aren't already!

Backstage at the 2008 Eco Fashion Show. I'm second from the left with super short hair. Hubs is in the middle ;)

Well, back to Saturday morning life and too much caffeine running through my veins. I'm off to bark some more at my smallest dog  through the paper towel roll, he loves it. haha

Is fall a wonderful time of year or what?! What do you have going on this month?