and vice versa–How You Brand Is How You Social, Online and Offline
O.K., I know it’s been almost a month since BlissdomCanada ended on a high note and I am just about to write something, I will admit part of the reasons is because I am a slowpoke but you see, really the bliss has become part of life now. The hashtag #BlissdomCanada is going strong like wildfire, it also gave birth to several babies; #BeKind movement started by Sharon DeVellis (@SharonDV) and Candace Derickx (@seemummyjuggle); #OneWord started by Annie Phd (@phdinparenting) and most recently, #HeelingHunger by Dee Brun Gow (@CocktailDeeva) and Marci O’connor (@suzieswapper). I also had the pleasure to have #BlissLunch with few ladies earlier this week to catch up, thanks to Shannon Mischuk (@shasherslife) for organizing it, you can read about all it here, and oh guess what? Barbara Jones (@BarbaraJones) even called during our lunch, amazing!!
To all Duettes (according to my 8 year old daughter) and some dudes (Duri Al Ajrami @Duriajrami, Adam Avitable @avitable and Eric Alper @ThatEricAlper) at BlissdomCanada that I had the pleasure to speak with, thank you for sticking around more than 1 minute and not walk away by boredom (even if you WERE bored at least you stayed that long:) ), many I get to chat more online and offline after the conference. I also appreciate wonderful ladies who had written #BlissdomCanada posts shortly after , Annie (@PhdInParenting) even includes her presentation here http://www.slideshare.net/AnniePhdinparenting/blissdomcanadapresentation. The community is so awesome because (1) I couldn’t and wouldn’t have written it better myself as you can see; (2) you’ve all helped me re-learn the three days conference, all geared up and ready for Blissdom Canada 2011.
The thought from last session “Building Brands And Beyond“, is sticky in my head for a while and I’ve been thinking from different angle. When Julie Cole (@juliecole) and Erica Ehm (@YummyMummyClub) discussed how they brand their successful business, Julie mentioned all her staff holds true to core value at Mabel’s Label, and they have general guideline about online behaviour, great products and excellent customer services are key factor to their success; where Erica said she gives her staff 100% freedom what YMC bloggers want to write/say, be it hilarious or controversial, they want it to be an informative and safe place for mummy to join the club, read the blogs and share stories. The very distinction to me is corporate culture, a more traditional business (Mabel’s Label) and an emerging business (Yummy Mummy Club).
The main message is always be authentic, be true to who you are, and you are your own brand, online and offline. People talk online, and believe me, people talk MORE offline. It’s easier to know people online, it’s better to know people offline. I think that’s the beauty of social networks, opening the door and presenting the opportunity for us to know people in real. What you say/do/put out there, stays forever, for generations to come to see. A bit thoughtful before posting anything on the internet, always consider would it be appropriate for your family, friends or even grand children see the digital footprints and not feel embarrassed, or hurt.
I admire these two women, if you like them online you will LOVE them in real life when you get to know them more. Because I DO. Be consistent, be authentic, and you have no competition (Wait, this is Scott, a.k.a. @UnMarketing‘s line). Men are competitive and women are collaborative; men like to work independently and women like to work cohesively. In fact these two brands are so different yet can work together, support each other and cheer the success for each other; THIS, only happens in woman’s world, our world 
