::10 ways to Create a Positive, Engaging Social Media Tribe::

As someone who has been in the social media/blogging industry for over 10 years now, I've seen many groups come and go. I've had many relationships come and go. I've learned a lot from every experience and instance. And, like with life, you cannot allow these experiences to define who you are and what your goals should be. Maintaining a positive and engaged social media tribe has a lot to do with being consistent, knowing that you will fail but getting yourself right back up again and moving forward. 

1) Connect offline-  It's all fun and games until you have to meet in person. It can be a scary thing but honestly most relationships no matter how much you feel you know someone, only grow when you meet them in person. Being virtual friends can be amazing and you might not be able to meet everyone in person, but some of our strongest bonds are created when we can connect offline and talk about something other than social media and blogging.

2) Reciprocate- If people follow you, follow them back. If people like your posts, like their posts back. If people share your content, share theirs as well. Its common sense and common courtesy. You would think that right? But, that's not always the case. What do I say, do it anyway! If people can't or don't see that you are being a supporter of their work then you don't have to be "friends" but you shouldn't do these things if you aren't truly genuine about it. I've over the years learned to share everyone's content. Especially those who support me. It's become more of a takers'land than a giver... become a giver.  Especially if people have good content. 

3) Reach out and Be Yourself- It's so easy to get caught up in who you want to be online versus who you really are. Who you are online should reflect your brand but your brand should be true to who you are. It's hard and things can get complicated. Just know that no one is perfect and we are all trying to make things work. As they say, everyone is losing their shit, just some people hide it better than others. This is funny but true. No matter how well put-together someone may appear on social media, we don't know what others are going through. Be yourself, be kind and reach out to see how people are doing. 

4) Be positive but Real- It's not easy to share happy positive posts every day. And, let's be honest, some days are crap and we don't feel happy or positive. Post on days when things are good and post on days when things are bad, but post the positive, light-hearted, problem-solving side of it. And, not just the problem. Trust me I go on rants all the time and keep it as real as it comes, but most people don't want to always hear the bad side of your story. I like knowing that yes, it's a bad day but I made it through. Or, yes, something not-so-fun happened today but guess what, I survived. If you can put a good, positive spin on posts it's always better. 

5) Encourage each other- This is highly important,  as you never know what others are going through or how your words may impact them. When I started blogging I was a new momma suffering from pregnancy and post-partum depression. The more I shared my feelings, thoughts, and words, the more I realized that there were so many of us out there and that we weren't telling each other about it all. This helped me seek professional help and get through some of the toughest moments of motherhood. All it took was a few other moms telling me I could do it! So, share the encouraging posts and words, someone out there needs it. 

6) Help one another- We all started at zero.  That alone should be your motivation to help others. So, once you have some knowledge why not help one another? It's a simple notion that sometimes many don't (can't?) grasp. I understand that you, we, have all worked hard to be where we are. I get it, no one helped you. But, honestly, what goes around comes around. Whether you believe it or not, being a decent person pays off. Supporting each other climb those mountains and look over into the horizon, should be the norm. Just help each other out.  

7) Be genuine and know that not everyone is meant to connect with you- I've been blogging since 2008, since then I have met, hundreds of people, only a handful have become my true friends. And, that's OK. We are meant to meet these people, connect at some level, or not and then allow life to take its course. Be yourself, and yes the rest will follow. Being yourself involves, knowing who you are. Because when those connections "don't stick" you have to remember that like with many other "careers" or jobs, some people are just passing through. And, working with difficult people is inevitable. But, when you work hard and are genuine in your intentions, there is no need to stress about who comes and goes. Know yourself and be happy with those people who come into your path, and/or leave it. 

8) Seek like-minded women- Know that not everyone will have the same interest as you. So, things do go better when you actually seek out those women who are truly like you or like-minded. Not saying to be "cliquey" or ONLY stick to a certain group. You should expand your network every 3 months or so, but always seeking people in your niche, who you have traits in common with. I am a Latina Mom of two, a blogger with a college degree from the University of Houston, who works outside the home and knows Corporate America fairly well. I tend to gravitate towards women who are very similar to me. I also love working out, going to Target and drinking tea. So, the more I know who I am the better my network is. 

9) Create Shareable Content- If you want your tribe to share your content, create shareable content. Know your audience. If you know most women in your tribe work outside the home, or not of a certain faith, or maybe don't have children, then you want to share items that they can relate to and feel compelled to share. And, vice-versa, if you know your audience is mostly moms who are of a certain faith and work from home, then your content should be geared towards them. Or if your audience speaks mostly Spanish, then share items in Spanish, maybe not every post, but every so often. Most of us love to share memes and items we think are funny or great, but when it comes to growing your tribe you need to think about your audience and what they would like to see and read. 

10) Don't take anything personal- Easier said than done.  As I stated earlier, not everyone is meant to connect. You will not always agree with people and their posts or point of view. Remember that if you are using your social media as a business then you don't want to take anything personally. You don't know what others are going through or what their views are, don't worry if people don't follow you, or share your content or support you. We are all different. Again, we are humans, right? This is easier said than done. But, don't be discouraged and keep moving forward. People will always have an opinion and they can think what they want, you continue to do what you do because someone out there is wanting to read it.

::Building Your Blog Tribe:: Do's & Don'ts

{All pictures are from my Momma of Dos, blogging 101 class last week... #BlogVisionTribe}

I've been blogging for nine years, like before it was "in" to blog, I blogged. It's a story I often tell in my Blogging 101 workshop. In 2008, I went from writing blogs on Myspace to Wordpress. Then in 2009, I moved over to the Blogger platform. Momma of Dos has been around for some time. And it always surprises me to think back and look at how far I have come.  Some of the only reasons I have made it this far are due to the guidance and friendships that I made early on in my blogging career.

By 2014, my blogging journey took on a life of its own called the Houston Latina Bloggers {HLB}. It was important to me to start building a tribe and create a space where I could turn around and help new bloggers. My goal was to provide all the resources that weren’t available in the blogging space years ago and pass on the knowledge that I had gained. Co-founding HLB was a labor of love and continues to be. The women who helped me shaped the group into what it is today have played an integral part of the blogging resources HLB is now able to offer its members. HLB could not have grown and succeeded without the women who supported my efforts, offered their guidance, and worked hard alongside me to get the group up and going. In 2015, we kicked off an active group and created our own #LATINATRIBE. 

The group continues to grow and evolve; and after nearly two years of work, our vision is beginning to take shape. It has taken consistent work, dedication, and time. As the group grows, our process takes on new shapes and dynamics. New bloggers have new and innovative ideas which have brought HLB to the forefront of the blogging community. And through all the sacrifice and difficulties, the rewards have been worth it. 

In return, I have learned a lot. These days I share my experiences with women who attend my Blogging 101 class.

Here are some things I have learned you should and shouldn't do!

Do-

1) Provide Support & Guidance.

Sharing contacts, advice and giving likes and comments on social media may all seem like common courtesy for a tribe who is also doing the same for you. Right? Well, even if you don't receive the same amount of support, you show your support anyway. Why? Because at the end of the day you want to do all you can to help and know that you did your best.  It's probably one of our biggest rules in the group. It’s important. VERY.

You cannot be a taker and not give back. Or not give because you fear others will take too much. It's life. Things aren't fair. I tend to overshare but that's just me. You have to when you have years of knowledge. I must. I was once a new blogger and had no clue what to do. If it weren't for ladies like Alba of Independent Mami who ALWAYS offers great resources and is just a giving person, I would not have made it in the blogging world.

Which at the end of the day is just as cut-throat as any other business. **So don't be fooled. It is a serious income-providing business for many. Competition is bound to happen.  You just have to know when to give in.  

2) Build a personal relationship with those in your tribe.

You cannot be in-it to win-it if you don't have close personal friends in your tribe. Just like in life, you need the love and true friendship of like-minded women, mommas, writers, creatives and entrepreneurs who can have your back. The only way to know who does is by truly learning about the women in your tribe-who they are, their families and what drives them. This way you can form a true lasting connection or partnership with them.

3) Trust.

There are some levels of trust that need to be had when dealing with new people. I understand we all have different life experiences and our ability to trust is not as easy to some as it is to others. I trust too much, too fast, sometimes. I trust based on feeling or vibe. With that said, some people just click, or connect instantly and others may not. All is good though, some instant connections might not be long-lasting and some that take longer to connect, sometimes result in some of the best friendships or working relationships. I think it's like this with life in general.

4) Give Credit where credit is due.

You didn't do this on your own; if you did, kudos but, more than likely you didn't do this on your own. Had I not met certain bloggers early on, I probably would not have made it. The set of bloggers that I met in 2012 at my first LATISM conference were pivotal. I will be forever grateful for the role they have played in my journey. It is important to me to credit and give shout-outs especially to those content creators who share this space with me.

5) Be nice.

It's common courtesy, right? Being nice to people, although we won't always agree or connect with everyone but being respectful of others, their ideas and their content is just common sense. You don't want to burn bridges at any point that might be helpful or a resource just because you don't agree with others. I am not saying don't voice your opinion or be yourself.

Simply treat others how you would like to be treated. TRUST me, I know it’s easier said than done. I am not perfect. I've rolled my eyes when people start talking when I have strong conflicting feelings. You don't have to get along with everyone in the blogosphere. That's normal. With that said, just be a nice person and continuously courteous, simple rule.

And, in no way am I saying to be fake. If you do not agree with a group or how they think and you don't think you ever will, well then remove yourself from that situation. It's very easy.  Much like in life, if it doesn’t grow you, let it go.

Don't-

1) Make Assumptions.

Communicate. Communication is highly important with online relationships. I would say if you don't understand something, or feel like something needs to be cleared up, Speak up. I'm one who can personally say that because I shut down, I have lost friendships over miscommunication. So, if you have to call or meet in person to clear the air and talk things out, do it! Don't assume that a certain tone or emotion is attached to words. Talk it out and know if your feelings are being validated. Again, if the situation at the end of the day is not what you expected, you have every right to walk away. but give it a chance. I would suggest talking, listening, and communicating.

Again, if things are not clear, talk about it, with time and patience.

2) Be overly-guarded of your space.

I get it. We all have insecurities and or a certain space that we like to protect. But in this business, if you don't share and put yourself out there, well then you won't grow. Most bloggers live and dream to have exposure, to be well known, I know I do! That won't happen if you are always in your own guarded and secret space. Some of us are super shy. Again, that's life, you can't grow if you keep to yourself and never share. You must let go of that guarded space and be yourself, people will love your open and honest content.

3) Use People.

Of course, we all know this right. I know a lot of bloggers in different groups complain about people who only come into their lives for a connection or contact. And, I get it, it's not right. I think that as long as you give credit and are respectful toward one another, sharing contacts and connections is acceptable.

In HLB, we want all the bloggers to grow so sharing is encouraged and applauded. I may not know all the ladies personally but we are part of the same community and at the end of the day I want them to grow. Their success is HLB’s success.

You don't want to be known as the person who never shares other bloggers’ posts, or likes, or comments but comes to the party when opportunities are being shared. It looks bad and although HLB doesn’t have a set rule on this, we do encounter these situations sometimes. People get upset and don’t want to share if they feel used. So show your tribe some love.

4) Be jealous- there’s enough to go around for everyone.

It's a natural thing to be jealous or have a feeling of being left out of something if you share too much. Don't be. I know it might not seem like it but trust that there is enough work for everyone. We are all content creators but our styles, perspective and experiences are vastly different. Don't worry about there not being enough opportunities. I've learned that the more you stay in your lane and do your own thing, the more opportunities will come your way.

Just trust me on this one. There is always enough. Don't worry about everyone else and what they are doing. Focus on you and you will not have time to look around and be jealous. No need. No time.

5) Be fake.

That's all. Don't. Be yourself. People can see straight through you if you're fake. Plus, the things that aren't true and perfect about you will come out when people see you in person and realize that your online life is just a front. You don't want to ruin your brand like that. We are human not perfect or picture ready 24/7. So be real guys.

SPONSORS FOR MY BLOGGING 101 CLASS HELD ON WEDNESDAY AUGUST 9TH:

Location: ONLY LOVE REMAINS by ISABEL SHAW

SWEET TREATS: Madre T Sweets by Maria Tolentino 

::Blogging 101 Workshop:: at Thinking Girls Boutique

About the blogging journey..... 

When I started blogging in 2008, as my own personal improvement project to simply practice my writing skills, I couldn't imagine what it would become. I have long since left my job at Harris County Elections as part of their communications and outreach department but Momma of Dos has become one of the best personal improvement projects ever. As the year continued, Barack Obama became president and my inspiration grew. 2009 came and I became pregnant with my first son. My pregnancy was not easy. I quickly found myself expressing my pains, feelings, cravings and everything in-between and discovered, "mommy bloggers". 

 {Picture Credit: All pictures taken by Chris Pozo of Lex Photography} 

Soon after I had my son I realized I had become severely depressed during my pregnancy, since the depression "went away" when my son was born, I left it alone. 10 months after my son was born, I found out I would be having a second baby. This time a girl. And, that's how Momma of Dos was born. A new onset of depression began and this time it lingered past the first year after her birth. I continued to share and the sense of community became my free therapy. 

In the Summer of 2012, I could no longer hold it together. I went to therapy and eventually had a panic attack in the fall of the same year. I landed in the hospital and was sent home to rest, I quit my job and decided I would refocus and take some time off. During this time I attended my first ever blogging conference, LATISM here in Houston. My blog would once more grow. In 2013 I returned to work full-time this time more relaxed and with more motivation to keep blogging. I have since been part of various campaigns local and nationwide as well as have been invited to several conferences both local and out of state, even made it to Washington DC last year! 

Blogging has never been my full-time job, as a Momma/Wife with a degree, I have chosen to work outside the home and pursue a career which would match my education efforts. I work in Corrosion and that's pretty much all I share on here about my real job. 

Blogging is a side-gig which has afforded me MANY experiences and at times extra income that is very much welcomed! 

Fast forward to 2016, when I decided to host Blogging 101 classes partnered with Thinking Girls Boutique as the venue. The rewards of sharing  my journey, my work, and how to create your own blog for various reasons have been immense. I have met so many people from all walks of life. Those who just want to share their story of motherhood, of life, or their experiences to those who  are looking to enhance their small business' advertising/promotion strategy and exposure.

I love what I do and growth and change have allowed me to pursue passions I really didn't know I had.... 

 {Picture Credit: All pictures taken by Chris Pozo of Lex Photography} 

::Blogging 101 with Momma of Dos:: 5 Fun takeaways as a Workshop organizer

As a Blogger one of my goals was to one day be able to share what I have learned the last 3 plus years! While I have been blogging since 2008, I didn't start working with campaigns and brands until 2012. In that time, my blog has grown from hobby and journaling into a great side business. One that I love and take very seriously.

2016 was kicked off with a bang. My first workshop was amazing. As the organizer, I feel I learned as much as the ladies who attended. It definitely motivated me to move forward with my idea of sharing. And, if you missed the first class I will have a repeat class in April. 

Follow us for more details- 

Thinking Girls Boutique

Houston Latina Blogger

and here at Momma of Dos! 

Below are 5 things I learned from my workshop as the person conducting the workshop! 

::5 Fun takeaways as a Workshop organizer:: 

{Picture credit: Ari of 3TwentySix}

(1) No Topic is off topic: The best part of creating content is learning about specific topics for my blog. But, meeting ladies in person helps open up a platform for so many other topics and no matter how much you want to stay on topic, it often gets better when we step outside the agenda. Know that no matter what, sometimes all topics are better than just sticking to what you know. 

(2) No need to worry: I was so worried and tried to be so exact about everything I did, that I became very nervous. At the end of the day remembering that all the ladies were there to be inspired and motivated helped me to remember to relax. To not worry so much and to simply be myself. Things went on so much more natural when I simply let go and stopped worrying so much about things going well. 

(3) Make it personal: The better you get to know people and the more you share your own experiences the better you can make direct connections. These connections will help you flow through your workshop content. And, the more examples you can provide from your own personal life, the more people can realize how they are not alone in their fears, doubts or questions. Giving them a  way to overcome the challenges helps them make that personal connection with your content. 

(4) Make time for questions:  The more time you allow for questions the clearer the content can become and the more the participants can make those necessary connections with their own plan and how they will apply to their own lives. I loved listening and discussing questions that we all had because no matter what there are topics where I still have plenty of room to grow! 

(5) Making Connections: Finally, at the end of it all, for me, it's all about making lasting connections. Creating a space that is comfortable, relatable and all about helping others. I love these moments of true life connections, I meet so many people and love what they all bring to my life. It's why I do what I do and continue to work hard towards all my goals. 

Have you created workshops before what are your favorite takeaways? 

::Blogging Q & A::Parte Dos #mommatips

This is a continuation of my Blogging Q&A for anyone looking to get more information about this awesome world of sharing and writing:

Have you been to a Blog Conference and should I Invest in going to one?

YES and YES! I was changed by my first conference and the way I looked at my Blog. I was sponsored to attend my very first conference locally. It was an amazing experience and it really opened my world to the market of Latina Bloggers. I met a wonderful group of ladies and am constantly impressed by their persistence and determination, they were inspiring and continue to be the ones that constantly motivate me and push me to be more. 

The workshops and seminars were all very helpful and the people there are so interesting and full of information! 

That was Latism in 2012 and then last year I attended Blog Elevated which was an awesome refresher where I met; John and again another great group of ladies, some which I had already connected with and others that I have now become great friends with! 

How to get sponsors for the blog?

This is going to sound so bad. But, most the sponsored posts that I have done, the PR's have contacted me. Some I have applied for through various groups that I have signed up with, like SITS and Mom Central. Other than that I have been Blessed to have been contacted by a couple of marketing and PR companies that I have worked with throughout the last year or so. 

I would say put your Blog out there, join different groups and sign up for different newsletters where you can be constantly informed of what different companies have to offer. Word of advice. Don't do too many at once start with a couple and go from there, it becomes overwhelming at first. I have had to pass up on opportunities that I just didn't have time for. 

WordPress vs Blogger?

It's really a matter of preference and what you get use to. I started on Wordpress in 2008 and then converted to Blogger in 2010, it seemed more user-friendly and provided more options as a beginner. I like it. I love the simplicity of WordPress though and I think it's become better to navigate but for now I am sticking to Blogger. I love it. 

I would say; use what works for you! 

How do you find time for it all?

I am not going to lie....it's difficult sometimes. I often found myself writing at 1 or 2 am just to get a post in for that day. But, these days I post as I have ideas and when I have time, unless I have deadlines to meet with another Blog or Sponsor. I work 8 to 5 pm outside the home every day and then run home to pick-up my kids, clean up, cook dinner and get ready for the next day. 

I also squeeze in exercising and for about a month now I have been doing my yearly Rodeo Volunteer work which will end at the end of Feb and then Rodeo begins and this Momma is going to enjoy some concerts! But, I manage and time becomes available. 

It's life, we will always have time for those things we find important and meaningful! 

How do you make your pictures pretty?

Well if you are awesome you would use Photoshop but I am average so I rely on websites like PICMONKEY.COM or Photoscape. Both are free and easy to use! 

Please feel free to send all your questions to the following email: mommaofdos@gmail.com and don't forget to visit my Social Media pages:
Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/pages/Momma-of-Dos/167499493284586
Pintrest:http://pinterest.com/mommaofdos/
Twitter:https://twitter.com/MommaofDosTX
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/mommaofdos/

::Blogging Q & A::Parte Uno #mommatips

I was selected by Texas Women Bloggers to be a Blogger Mentor last week and the Blogger I was paired with is so awesome! She is Becca a blogger from Austin, if you have a chance check out her Blog and "Like" her on Social Media!! http://www.twoplacesatonceblog.com/

Her goals along with questions from other aspiring Bloggers about writing and blogging got me thinking about what the basics of Blogging are as well as how I got started and what keeps me going! 

Here are some of the questions that I have come across in the last year and those answers I feel are relevant:

How long have you been Blogging?

Really I have always blogged, I have always been a journal writing kind of gal. Then MySpace provided a platform for Blogging. And, I used it. A lot. Then in 2008, I found Heather Armstrong and WordPress. I started my blog as a space for practicing my writing and when I became pregnant it became a little more. Then in 2009 I switched to Blogger, fell in love and in 2011 I became Momma of Dos! 

Will you change the name of your Blog if you have another baby?

Most likely, not too different I have a creative change in mind though! Not really take away who I am but more like add to it. Ha. If that makes sense... But, that's a BIG HUGE maybe right now. It's also the main reason I have not switched over to an actual domain site. Waiting.

Where do you get your ideas?

Honestly, if my post is not a paid or sponsored post where the company has assigned a topic, then most my topics come from real life. Things my kids do, things my Mexican family does, food we cook and things we do or feel as a family and individuals. And, a little behind the scene work comes from my Hubby! My Hubby will not admit it but if we are out and about or doing something with the kids he will say... "You should blog about this!" or "Here is a Blog topic for you...." He really is a huge contributor and inspiration on this here blog! 

I also am a part of several Blogger groups and follow a ton of other fellow Amazing, Motivating and Inspiring Bloggers and have created some post based on others feedback and questions like these!

How do I change the design of my Blog?

Way back when I had time, I created my own headers and coded my own designs but these days I have to pay someone to help me out; my most recent help has come from Olivia Smith a local Blog designer she exhibits her work over at http://livysmithdesigns.com/ .   That is one thing I am passionate about is using local resources! But, there are several others that I love! I have to compile a list. My good friend Ruby from GUBLife and her Hubby have very unique blog designs, you can visit her design site here:  http://www.rubysdesignstudio.com/

How do I increase my Social Media following?
I started by using those FB pages that said, follow so many and we will follow you back. But, you quickly realize that, that's not your real audience. They just follow you because they want to gain followers. I gained a lot of followers that way but stopped. What has worked best for me is sharing everywhere! On my personal FB, on Twitter, on Instagram! I ask people to join me on my journey and many do and those that do, well they read and follow my post in the most amazing and loyal way! 

I also share in various like-minded Blogger groups that I belong to and they follow. There is a feature on your FB fanpage where you can ask people to "like" your page, I do that a lot. Along with creating FB groups of my own! And, yes sharing!! I am sure I become annoying to some, but I love blogging and the goal is to share some will join you, others will not and that's okay too!  

How do you find your niche?
Honestly this is an on-going journey for me; while I started as a "MommaBlogger" with personal post and online journaling just to keep track of my family. My Blog has slowly evolved to a Lifestyle & Parenting Blog with a mix of culture, food and now fitness! I love writing so I don't think I will ever stop trying to create new topics! My goal is be a relate-able Momma for all audiences. I am not perfect. Life is not perfect and I don't just want to be a Momma who writes, I want to be a Momma who inspires and motivates action! 

Jon Acuff is another Author who truly inspires me and motivates me to push forward! He said it best this morning! 

Picture snagged from Jon Acuff's FB page :) 

How to put your Words in Motion & Emotion?

How do I put my words in motion? And, emotion?

I pray and I think and I do what I think is enough for my actions to create reactions, change and results. Still not much happens. I linger in this place where just going through the motions is inevitable and I sit in the same vicious cycle of everyday life and routine. I am ready for more. But, how? What?

My friend Melissa from Painting Mariposas in the Sky; stated that she has all of these drafts sitting on her blog none that have seen yet the light of her screen or met the eyes of her readers. And, the question remains, why?

Then I read an article from one of my favorite writers Lysa  Terkeurst where she connects, with ME.  And, I sit and wonder and finally think; that's what it is! We {Melissa and I as well as many other Bloggers}, are connectors and we long for our words to jump off the screen and provoke that same action that we want to see in ourselves as writers. We put constant effort into our post and a lot of thought into our words. We are life storytellers. The question then becomes, how? How do make those connections? All I know now is that I am determined to do things and make changes that will allow my drafts to be not just blog post but new connections to the outside world and who I want to be.

I have already started making real connections in order to become a better Blogger, then next step is to see the results of my online, in-person, and story telling connections.

What about you? Are you making those connections?

If you want to share your story with me; message me on FB, connect on Twitter or comment below!

Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/pages/Momma-of-Dos/167499493284586
Pintrest:http://pinterest.com/mommaofdos/
Twitter:https://twitter.com/MommaofDosTX
Instagram:@mommaofdos
Email: mommaofdos@gmail.com