Some of our wonderful brand ambassadors are native to our host city, Toronto. Today we introduce you to one of our great brand ambassadors @MyBitsandBleeps :
Tell Us about YOU! Your family, where you live, etc.
I’m Canadian (born and raised), with a European background. Currently I’m 44 years old, but shhhhhh! no one has to know, I have a 14 year old daughter (challenged with ADHD, ODD, and GAD), a gorgeous orange cat (Jake), and we all live with my partner. I live in Toronto, Ontario, and since I have many friends, and family members across North America, I enjoy sharing various types of information with everyone.
How long have you been blogging? When and Why did you start?
I’ve been blogging for nearly two years now. You may be wondering why I called my blog “My Bits and Bleeps”; you may not have wondered at all! I feel like I should try to explain. I’ll do my best.
I really enjoy shopping (what girly girl doesn’t?). What’s even more exciting is to find a great deal, or score big at a sale. Right? Now slap on some coupons…Woot! Woot! Discovering freebies, contests, and sweepstakes was a natural progression for me. I’ve been quite fortunate, at times, and have won many contest prizes. Some may say that I have a horse shoe tucked away neatly somewhere! I don’t recall acquiring a horse shoe ever; however, I do believe that if you don’t enter, then you can’t win. The question that triggers a reaction in me is “Why?” and, I instinctively reply, “Why Not?” That’s how all my fun first began.
It helps to genuinely enjoy discovering all that “fun” and, so, why not share all that great information with others? I love it. I love sharing great finds with my friends and family. I also love trying products, or reading books, and then sharing my reviews. It’s amazing all that I’ve reviewed and all that I’ve won so far. When I get samples, or wins, very often I share (or give) them to others…they feel great, I feel great, and I feel great that they feel great!! It’s such a WIN/WIN situation!
Before I knew it, I became a “go to”… you know, “go to” her when you want to find out about products, giveaways, contests, coupons, sales, etc. etc. etc.!
I think it’s great; however, I was getting a bit tired of sending all the information I discovered to all my friends via emails, word of mouth, or by posting on several community blogs. I came to the conclusion that starting my own blog would be an easier way to share all the info. This way, everyone could sign up by email or by the RSS feed and I could reach everyone at the same time! Fantastic eh? Yeah, I thought so.
So….
It became time to pick a name for my blog. Initially, I wanted to choose “My Tid Bits”, but all the “Tid Bits” variations were already taken. So that’s when I came up with “My Bits and Bleeps”!! Why “Bits and Bleeps” you ask?
Bits – Bits of information (including reviews)
Bleeps – Bleeps = (*! @#*) any negative information (including reviews)
It was going to be a temporary name, but now I’ve grown to love it! What do you think?
What role does blogging play in your life; fun, extra income, main source of income, journaling, memories, etc.
I love participating, and posting reviews of various products and books … along with everyday “mommy” blog topics, and hosting the occassional giveaway. I enjoy trying out new products and sharing my experience. Over the last two years, I’ve learned that blogging is an excellent way to journal/share memories, and even an excellent way to make an “extra income”. Of course that “extra income” varies from zero to ??? … some bloggers make more and some bloggers make less/nothing.
For me, blogging has been life-changing. I’ve made many friends (Brands, Bloggers and Followers), and have had many wonderful opportunities. Even more wonderful: I’ve learned a lot about me.
What role has social media played in your life?
Social media has opened many doors for me. Not that I’m completely “shy”, I have learned to exercise a part of me that was dormant for far too long. I’ve learned that I can (and should) share my voice/view/opinion. I’ve also learned that my honest view is important … not only to me … to many.
Creating buzz about product is what moms do best! The power of mom/dad bloggers to influence buying decisions is indisputably effective.
Tell us about your “Brand”.
Since I’ve only been blogging for two years, my “Brand” is still being formed; however, I believe it will be ever-changing. I like so many things, and like to share everything so I’m certain that whatever it is that I write about will always be fun and interesting … in fact, you’ll never know what will happen next! I guess you’ll have to follow me to find out more!
How many SCCTO have you attend? Was the conference what you expected it to be? Why?
I attended the 2011 She’s Connected Social Media Conference, which was by invitation only then. I was honoured to have been selected as a Speaker on the Rate Cards, Guidelines, & Disclosure Panel. This year, my honour is greater … I’ve been selected as a 2012 SCCTO Ambassador!
Since last year’s conference was the first time I had attended, I didn’t really know what to expect. The outcome was spectacular though! I was shocked to discover just how much bloggers have in common! I loved connecting with both Brands and Bloggers alike, and am very happy to have continued those relationships.
I’m very excited about this year’s conference … as Ambassador, I know I will learn a lot! I can hardly wait to see you all there.
What was your favourite part of the conference? What was your favourite booth and why?
I don’t think it’s fair to pick one favourite booth, or one favourite part … the overall experience was outstanding! I met many wonderful people, and was given many opportunities since.
What was your most memorable moment from SCCTO?
My most memorable moment was having to be a Speaker on one of the Panels. It was a difficult thing to do: overcoming my shyness, and overcoming self-doubt. I survived.
Thanks to Donna for believing in me.
Did you continue your relationship on social media with other attendees? Brands?
I most certainly did continue my relationship, on social media, with other attendees and with Brands.
Before attending the conference, bloggers were known by their blog names. After the conference, bloggers had names and personalities too! It sounds silly, I suppose, you could say that the conference helped make blogs more personable … it put a face to the blog. Now when I think of a blog name, or a twitter handle, I remember the person behind it.
I can say the same for Brands too.
Why are you proud to be this year’s SCCTO Brand Ambassador? What are you looking forward to this year?
I am proud to be this year’s SCCTO Brand Ambassador for several reasons. I feel honoured to be part of a group of talented bloggers … it feels wonderful to be recognized, and acknowledged especially since blogging is such hard work. This honour means that I’m being heard, I’m making a difference, and I’m being valued. As a blogger, can anything be more important?
This year, I’m looking forward to learning everything I can. Being an Ambassador is not only an honour, it’s a fabulous opportunity that I am so very grateful for. The ability to connect with both Bloggers and Brands on a different level will be quite interesting. I look forward to embracing the entire experience.
You can also find My Bits and Bleeps on Twitter, Facebook and YouTube. 