Networking and Notes from The Niche Parent Conference '14 at WaltDisneyWorld

"How can I help you?" These are not the words of the stellar staff of Walt Disney World Resort Coronado Springs catering to our every need with the DisneySide magic that makes you childishly giddy. Those simple yet powerful words were part of my takeaway notes from the Opening Keynote Address at The Niche Parent '14 Conference (#NicheParent14) delivered by none other than... Kim Garst (@KimGarst)of Boom Social.  The hard facts from the soft spoken social media influencer were pure gold. If you didn't already know, then I will let you in on a little social media secret that Kim Garst shared during her empowering address- "Content is KING." 

The Organize Your Blog - Organize Your Life session facilitated by the dynamic duo of Ella Rucker (@EllaRucker) of BestBlogContent and Lorraine Ladish (@LorraineCLadish) of Viva Fifty was my first session and these ladies did not disappoint. Moving forward, niecyisms and nestlings has a story to tell and it's my responsibility to be sure to get my voice out there. Look forward to hearing so more from niecyisms, on that note!

It was an extreme pleasure to have the opportunity to hear from the successful female entrepreneurs Renee Maloney and Cathy Deano of Painting with a Twist (@pwatcorporate). Not only was Painting with a Twist recognized by Entreprenur Magazine as the #1 Ranked National Franchise, the community givebacks that their company supports are phenomenal. Renee and Cathy share the vision for Painting with a Twist to help people by "Spreading the love, one painting at a time." Our family had an amazing time creating our very own Paintings with a Twist. Can you feel the love?

Networking and notes was a large part of the Niche Parent conference but there was so much more. Can we talk about the night life? Yes! We all took a moment to unplug and were treated to an unforgettable performance by The Blue Man Group (@BMGOrlando) at Orlando's Universal Studios (@UniversalORL). 

The laughs and booty shaking were all family friendly and made for an excellent show. The private meet and greet moment where my son was made an honorary Blue Man was absolutely priceless. 

Learning The Power of Your Story from author and Miami's #1 Spanish radio personality Alberto Sardinias (@AlbertoSardinias) was a lesson in the power of transparency. Struggling to overcome  my own personal issues with opening up personally on social media, my focus was intent. My new mantra is- "Having gone through 'my life lesson's has made me better by 'giving me unique personal experience'." We were encouraged to learn from our foolish moments. It's true! Give it a try and fill in the blanks for yourself. 

During my limited time blogging, I have certainly ascertained that we are all blogging for different reasons. Stacey Taylor;(@TheSistahChick)and Christine St. Vil(@MomsNCharge)addressed those of us that were interested in Innovative Ways to Monetize Through Social Media. In order to represent as a marketable entity, 'cookie cutter' content is not the way to go. When it comes to your content, your time and your brand, invest in yourself, you can afford it.  I also invested in Christine's book, " Whose Shoes Are You Wearing?", because we're both worth it!

Moderating the Pitching, Booking and Acing Your Media Interview at Local and National Levels panel of media experts was the Emmy-Award winning TV journalist Joyce Brewer (@MommyTalkShow). With the elite panel of Dr. Drai, @DrDraiOBGYN, Matt Stevens of (@PruneJuiceMedia) and Jorian Sey (@thatJORIANgirl), the practical media pitch tips and tricks of the pros was the real deal. The national level social media outlets are definitely interested in seeing what you have done, use your local level influence as a training ground to establish credibility.

Notetaking went into turbo speed as Matt Cherry (@iBlogMag), CEO and founder of iBlog Magazine delivered 30 Easy Changes to Make for GIANT Growth.  One of his first points, "Content is king." Great minds think alike, because I know where I have heard that before. In social media, you have to get on people's radar. Matt's advice, "You've got people to your blog, keep them there."

Talking technology "Unleashed", the attendees were kept up-to-date on the newest technological innovations and their significance as T-Mobile's Southeast Area Vice President, Gabriel Torres (@GabrielTorres1) ended The Niche Parent Conference 2014 with his Closing Keynote Address. Focused on the incorporation of machine to machine (M to M) technology becoming more of a reality in our everyday lives, the scientific advances were seemingly taken right out of the attractions of Disney's Epcot Center. With electronic advancements competitively changing the ways that we communicate, the need for the expertise and tech assistance from one of the most influential leaders in the mobile technology industry.

Nadia Jones (@TheNicheParent) and The Niche Parent Conference Committee had a final surprise for the bloggers and their families to enjoy as a group before we parted ways. Sea World welcomed everyone to a private event inclusive of a catered buffet and VIP seating at Shamu's astonishing evening performance.

The Niche Parent Network & Conference is the most diverse network and social media conference recognizing the buying power and consumer influence of multicultural and diverse digital parents. Powered by a network of 850+ registered members and a community of more than 2,600, the Network connects with brands and agencies throughout the year to execute Total Market, General Market, or multicultural influencer campaigns. The core mission of the Niche Parent is to recognize the influence of this multi-influential niche of digital parents and empower its members through continued learning opportunities in a peer-to-peer environment at the annual conference.