BlogPaws

TV Interviews

2012-05-28T06:38:36-07:00

by Yvonne DiVita, Co-founder and Mom to Chester, Emily, Olive and The Grumpy Old Lady

As you grow your blog - with insight and advice from the experts at each BlogPaws conference - your local news will begin to notice. This week I saw on Facebook that one of our best members, and a repeat speaker at our conferences, was invited to be on TV to talk about fostering. She was a little nervous and asked her Facebook friends what to wear and how to dress.

Thinking about that led me to this blog post. I have been on TV numerous times, and I've talked with a good many PR professionals on how to conduct myself during a TV interview. Here are some points to consider if one of your local channels calls and invites you to speak on your favorite topic - anything having to do with pets or animals, of course.

1. Dress appropriately >>> As if that's enough for someone to say. What, you're asking, is appropriate for a TV interview? Wear color - don't overdress, the lights will be warm and you'll be nervous. Dress professionally. You don't have to wear a business suit - if your normal wear is jeans and a T-shirt, you can wear jeans but I'd advise a blouse or dress shirt instead of a T-shirt. Don't wear things in your hair, ladies. Don't wear loud jewelry. Wear comfortable shoes.

2. Wear make-up >>> Even if you don't normally wear make-up, be aware of the fact that the TV lights will make you look pale without make-up. Don't go overboard, though. Personally, I favor red when interviewed. A red jacket, red lipstick and plenty of mascara. They say more is better for TV. I say, be comfortable but remember that you want to look fresh and collected, no pale and sad.

3. Have 3 solid talking points >>> Well before the interview, ask the TV personality who is conducting the interview WHAT they want to know or learn. For instance, if they want to talk about the concept of no-kill shelters because a new one is opening in your area, ask them what 3 things they want their audience to know. Then, compare them to the 3 things YOU want the audience to know. In the end, you may only have time for ONE of your talking points, so choose wisely.

4. If this is your first time, relax and feel free to repeat the questions being asked >>> For instance, I'm interviewing you and I ask, "What happens to animals that live in a no-kill shelter? Do they live there forever, if no one adopts them?" You smile, look at the camera and answer, "I'm so glad you asked, Yvonne. People are always wondering what happens to animals in a no-kill shelter if they're not adopted out." And... you finish with your answer. This shows that you're listening and it gives you that few seconds to formulate your answer (you should have that answer ready but depending on the question, you may want to change the answer or spin it differently)

5. SMILE!!! Seriously. Unless you do interviews for a living, they can be scary. All those lights. All those people watching you. Knowing there are millions more watching at home. Smiling relaxes you. The bigger the smile, the better. No, don't grimace...smile. Act interested and focus on the person interviewing you. Do some homework. Look at some interviews this person has done before. Are they pushy? Is her or his agenda all that's important? How do they try to make their guest feel comfortable? Pick a particular interview you think went really well, and watch it over and over. Learn from it.

Those are my little bits of advice for being interviewed on TV. They work for radio, also. Yes, you have to be personable and dress nicely and smile on the radio, also.

I hope the PR folks who are part of BlogPaws will comment and share their best bits of advice, also.

Now, go get'em!

BlogPaws (or any) Conference Survival Tips

2012-05-27T06:33:00-07:00

Guest post by Blog Manager Robbi Hess

Whether you’re a seasoned conference attendee or whether this is your first, there are so many things to think about when you’re packing for time away from home that it’s easy to forget to pack a conference survival pack.

Whether you’re flying to BlogPaws 2012 or driving with your four legged conference partner, there are certain items you can take with you, and plan on doing at, the conference that can almost guarantee you enjoy each and every minute of your time at BlogPaws.

Here’s what I’ve learned on how to make the most of all the conferences I attend:

Take business cards. If you can put your photo on a business card, great; this assures that once the conference is over the people you met will remember you (or your pet if you put his picture on the card)
Smile, smile, smile. Look approachable and you will become approachable. Sure, it’s sometimes nerve-wracking to be in a roomful of strangers, but remember, they’re probably nervous too.
Spend time planning which sessions you want to attend. Check the program, check for any last minute updates/cancellations/room changes so you don’t miss any session that you have your heart set on.
Don’t forget pen and paper. Most hotels will provide paper but if you are armed with your own you don’t have to make a mad scramble for something on which to take notes once the sessions start.
Network, mix and mingle and gather business cards. Yes, conferences are exhausting but remember, it’s only two or three days and where will you have the opportunity to be in the presence of the amazing line-up of speakers and bloggers and pet lovers? You can rest up and sleep when you get home!
Plan a little bit of downtime during the conference. Get out and walk around. Go sightseeing. There’s nothing worse than heading to a city you’ve never been to and might never go back to and having seen nothing but the inside of a hotel.
If you’re taking your pet with you, take some snacks, a water dish (and water) and if your pet has an item that will calm her down in a crowded room, by all means bring that. Henrietta gets stressed in rooms of strangers but if she has her blanket she will lie down and calm down. I don’t leave home without it.
Don’t forget snacks, water and a sweater for yourself. The air conditioning in conference rooms typically range from tropical to arctic. Dress in layers.
Introduce your four-legged friend to other four-legged conference attendees. Do so with caution. If your pet is an only child she might be a bit scared of the sights, sounds and smells. Make certain she gets as much out of the conference experience as you do. If you aren’t sure if your pet is conference ready, you may be doing both you and her a favor by leaving her home and showering her with gifts from the BlogPaws goodie bags!
After conference follow-up. Plan to spend several hours after the conference to follow up with the people you met. Cultivate friendships and business relationships and plan to meet up at BlogPaws 2013!

The best tip for BlogPaws… Have Fun!

Do dogs really come to BlogPaws?

2012-05-26T08:01:02-07:00

Dogs and cats and ferrets...oh my (and more). BlogPaws has always been pet-friendly, and this year's conference is no exception. BlogPaws is a year-round community for pet lovers, bloggers, microbloggers, and brands that celebrates and educates in person, too.

When we invited Hairy Putter to come to BlogPaws in Salt Lake City, we never imagined what was going through that adorable puppy thought process of his. Let Hairy show you how it's done and be sure to meet him (and the other "paw-tacular" guests attending) in June. Oh Hairy...

Be sure to join us in Salt Lake City June 21 - June 23.

Here's a complete FAQ about BlogPaws.

Stir Up Your Creativity

2012-05-26T06:27:26-07:00

Guest post by Blog Manager Robbi Hess

“I think I’ll start tomorrow… when I have better lighting, a more powerful computer, a new pencil… etc.” The excuses can sometimes take over your whole day and when the day’s over you still haven’t written a word. Been there, done that? I know I have.

I used to be convinced that unless I had a legal pad and a great pencil I couldn’t be expected to write fiction. I know… kooky, right? I could sit at the computer and hammer out nonfiction without any hesitation, but fiction eluded me. Okay, time to ‘fess up. I let fiction elude me. Why? I was afraid to start, that’s why.

Over time I honed my skills to “write on the fly” and thank goodness because I write for a living so I can’t be ruled by the whims of the Muse. Take it from me, the Muse is a fickle fairy and if you wait for her, you will likely be waiting a long, long time. I’ve found I need to wrestle her to the ground and shake a few good ideas out! Whether you’re a new blogger or a seasoned one, I’m certain there are times when you tell yourself, “I have a blog post to get written,” and then you just sit and stare at the screen.

Here are three tips to (hopefully) help you move beyond procrastination toward completion:

It’s all about time. Don’t take this to mean you need to carve out hours and hours of uninterrupted, peaceful, Zen-like time. You need to learn to use every free minute productively. Sitting at the bus stop for 10 minutes? Jot ideas for a few blog posts. Waiting in line at the grocery store? Mentally roll around a few sub topics for an extended blog series. Use your time wisely.
Survey your environment. Is your office an explosion of sticky notes, half empty cups of coffee and candy bar wrappers? Do you feel inspired to create in that environment? If not, take a few moments and clean it up. Even if you’ve cleaned your office space, you might find at times that you need to shake up your writing environment – sit on the patio, get out of the house and check out the new coffee shop.
Break it down. No, I’m not talking about dancing – although for some people simply getting up and moving around can shake ideas loose. What I really mean is break your project into smaller bite-size chunks. Don’t think, “I have to write A BOOK!” Think, “I need to write the chapter titles for my book,” or “I’d like to write chapter one for my novel,” or “I should spend an hour researching similar books on the market and determine the demographics and need for my particular book.” Smaller bite-sized morsels are less intimidating than an entire project.

Remember, there will be days when you simply cannot create whether it’s due to internal or external forces; on those days give yourself permission to simply take a day off and start fresh the next morning.

What steps do you take to get your projects completed?

It's All About the Dogs

2012-05-25T07:51:02-07:00

by Co-founder, Yvonne DiVita (mom to Wabby, Chester, Emily and Olive)

Actually, it's not all about the dogs. It's not all about the cats. It's not all about the ferrets, guinea pigs, and other pets people bring to BlogPaws. It's about...the people.

The coming conference in Salt Lake City will be like the others - it offers expert speakers on a variety of social media marketing topics. It offers networking opportunities and exhibit tables where our favorite brands want to talk to us. It offers a wealth of information to help you, the blogger or micro-blogger, excel at your online efforts.

But, the very best and most important thing is offers is - that face-to-face connection with the people you love!

Laurie Ruettimann, one of our Monetization speakers, wrote a post on her blog recently talking about this very topic. Understand that Laurie is a career advice blogger and covers HR - and cats. She travels and speaks and shares advice on the people-part of conferences, more than anyone I know. Here's what she said in her post,

Social media is dumb and makes us lonely unless we can convert our narcissistic impulses and voices in our head into meaningful interactions in life. Texting, Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter can’t help you find a soul mate or your kindred spirit — but if you are someone like me who lives thousands of miles away from the people that she loves, my smartphone can bridge the gap.

And isn’t that what life is all about? Yes, sharing ideas on my blog is fabulous — but I want to see the people I love and eat ice cream and cupcakes.

So I’m probably going to haul my ass down to Atlanta in June to connect with amazing HR professionals. Who cares about Twitter and Facebook groups? I just want to visit with my friends at SHRM12, get a little smarter by association and enjoy the company of the people I adore.

Forget about social media. The media part is a tool. The social part is a lifeline.

We hope to see you at BlogPaws, this year. You're our lifeline.

Interested in Getting Pinterested?

2012-05-23T13:19:16-07:00

By: Carol Bryant

“While Pinterest has been chugging along for a while, it’s recently become a freight train,” Caroline Golon, co-founder of BlogPaws recently shared.

Wondering what all this pinning is about, why and if you need to do it, and most importantly, can it actually help grow your blog and social media presence? Are you interested in getting “Pinterested?” So are we, and here’s how…

Caroline will be leading a session on Pinterest during BlogPaws 2012, taking place this June in Salt Lake City. In our BlogPaws Speaker Series, we've been sharing highlights and insider info about the variety of stellar speakers and educators we have leading our sessions.

"The pet category is one that holds a lot of potential so I’ve been spending quite a bit of time exploring and testing different methods of growing influence, driving blog traffic and monetization. I’m excited to share my findings in this session," Golon said.

Pinterest lets users organize and share things found on the web. Have you seen the BlogPaws Pinterest page? We're sharing news about sponsors, speakers, and lots more. We're also the inspiration for the Visit Salt Lake pet board, so be sure to check that out, too.

What is Caroline most excited about this go round in Utah? "We founded BlogPaws with the intention of bringing pet people together to network, learn from each other, make connections and have fun. Each year, I see friendships and partnerships deepen and I see new people light up when they realize the endless possibilities that come from collaboration. I love it!"

What pets aka furkids share her life? Romeo and Pugsley are Caroline's Persian rescue cats. Romeo is 9 and Pugsley is 8.

Don't wait until BlogPaws to connect with Caroline, as she's one busy lady:

She has three blogs: www.romeothecat.com, www.thehappylitterbox.com and www.dailynuzzles.com

Why three? "I love exploring different niches within the pet category," Golon reported.

Connect on Twitter: @romeothecat, @happylitterbox, @dailynuzzles (and all three have Facebook pages), too!

P.S. How about this for an interesting fact? Caroline is highly allergic to cats!!

Wordless Wednesday - Share Your Pets

2012-05-23T06:01:00-07:00

By: Felissa Elfenbein

Submitted by Caren Gittleman

Love Wordless Wednesday because you get to post pictures of your pets?

Well it is now 100 times better! Each week BlogPaws is going to create a link up for the community for you to add a link directly to your Wordless Wednesday Post. That way we can all share and enjoy each others pets.

The rules are super simple: Show us your pets! Leave a link directly to your Wordless Wednesday Post Visit other blogs and say hello (don't forget! This is the part that is the most fun!) Remember to leave a comment to let everyone know you stopped by for a visit. Share the link up with your readers so they can join the community and link up as well.

You can grab the code and place it on your blog or you can refer your readers right back to the Wordless Wednesday post of the week. If you would like your pet’s picture featured as our Wordless Wednesday picture of the week, please join the BlogPaws Community Center. Please DO NOT EMAIL your pictures. All pictures that are uploaded in the BlogPaws Community are considered for inclusion each week.

How to increase blog traffic

2012-05-22T14:18:46-07:00

by: Carol Bryant

Who wants their blog to be a traffic magnet? Whether spreading the word about pets in need of forever homes, the latest info about dog food and treats, or whatever topic in the pet world that you deem blog worthy, Lorie A. Huston, DVM, knows the secrets of driving traffic to a blog.

Dr. H plans to cover SEO (search engine optimization) basic and social media to drive traffic to your site plus a few other tips and tricks to increase your numbers. Here's how to learn more:

During her session at BlogPaws 2012, attendees can expect to walk away with an arsenal of info on driving blog traffic and keeping people coming back for more. This is Dr. H's third time to BlogPaws, and we are honored she keeps coming back time and again.

So who is she? In addition to being a veterinarian, she is a heavy hitter on the social media scene, including her blogs, Pet Health Care Gazette and Social Media Savvy Pets.

She has her own website, Lorie Huston

and can be found on Twitter @lorieahuston, on Facebook with the Voice of Pet Care and Social Media Savvy Pets.

She doesn't stop there, she's also on Google + at Lorie Huston, DVM and Social Media Savvy Pets and LinkedIn.

So to say she is a bit of an authority and passionate about what she does would be an understatement. She's has six cats: Rhette, Dillon, Rusty, Merlin, Midge and Lilly and hails from Rhode Island.

On a "last note" (pun intended) Dr. H shares this fun fact:"I played classical piano and cello when I was younger and almost majored in music in college instead of pursuing veterinary medicine."

Sign up for BlogPaws 2012 and say hello to Lorie in person. See you there! Be sure to catch up on the BlogPaws Speaker Series by joining our online community!

FAQs about BlogPaws: What you need to know

2012-05-22T09:56:39-07:00

by: Carol Bryant

With under one month to go before BlogPaws 2012 takes flight in Salt Lake City, we’d like to announce the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions we’ve been receiving at the BlogPaws offices.

Wondering what to wear? What the policy is on bringing pets (wag with us, it’s spectacular), and where to learn more? Read on, we’ve got you covered.

Will you be doing any Twitter chats so we can learn more and ask questions? Yes; we’ll have one or two pre-conference Twitter chats before the conference so you can ask whatever you want!

Where can I learn more about the BlogPaws speakers? Be sure to check out our BlogPaws Speaker Series for the inside scoop on the speakers.

Can pets come and where are they allowed? Yes, we love the non-human variety and pets are welcome. Animals are allowed everywhere in the hotel except for the public food outlets – Starbucks, the bar and restaurant. However, they are welcome in ALL the BlogPaws rooms, including the meal room and the evening functions! There are always ‘talkers” at the event, so no worries!!

What is the attire for BlogPaws in general? Are jeans and/or shorts acceptable? We say business casual, but anything is acceptable. You can come in their pjs if they want! Ok, we recommend business casual, especially to be taken seriously by the brands, but jeans/shorts are fine.

What is the attire for the red carpet awards on Saturday night? Officially we would love people to dress up, but it’s not required. BlogPaws staff will be dressed up.

I want to come to BlogPaws but I’m not sure it’s for me? Who should come to BlogPaws? BlogPaws is a media company and online community site for pet bloggers, pet enthusiasts, pet people on Twitter and Facebook and brands eager to tap into a growing, vibrant, vocal community of serious writers, bloggers, tweeters.

I’m nervous about what to say and have pre-conference jitters. Help! Breathe in, breathe out, we have the pre-conference jitters tips and cure!

Does BlogPaws give back? In three conferences, we’ve been able to donate $35,000 in dollars and pet products to rescues and shelters. Additionally, we are committed to supporting bloggers and pet enthusiasts everywhere, and brands that embrace our Be the Change for Pets channel. BlogPaws supports many efforts across the web that help pets in need, that work to bring attention to issues surrounding animal welfare and to show the world that "pets are people, too!" We <3 all pets and pet people!

What about entertainment and things to do in the hotel? A conference can be very busy (and fun), especially when it’s BlogPaws! You and your pet can participate in some jeans-tested yoga this June! Also, Dogster/Catster present Indy folk/pop star, Sarah Donner! The Nose-to-Nose pet blogger awards are on Saturday night, June 23, too!

What food is available? Thursday reception will have a buffet style meal, Friday/Saturday morning has breakfast, Friday is plated lunch, Friday evening is light appetizers (Friday night is out on your own), Saturday is buffet lunch and hors d'oeuvres for the pawty, but enough for people to feel fed. There will be food for receptions on Thursday and Saturday.

Does my full conference pass include the red carpet Nose-to-Nose pet blogger awards, too? The awards ceremony is definitely a part of the conference, and if you have a full conference pass you are invited to the event (Saturday night, June 23).

When BlogPaws the conference is over, how can I stay involved? BlogPaws is a 24/7, 365 social media company and interactive community that also hosts a yearly conference. Stay connected, stay tuned, and stay in touch.

Do we get freebies, swag, or shirts? Swag and freebies galore, and yes, we have an official t-shirt! Have you seen the cat with a mom who “glos” as winner of our BlogPaws 2012 t-shirt contest?

What have people said about BlogPaws in the past? Is this really the fourth conference? Oh yes! See what past attendees have said here.

Are there any contests happening during BlogPaws! Yes, and you need not be a professional to enter – we want to see all photos! Learn about the fun photo contest here.

Are there any group tours or things planned at night? Working on that now, keep checking back.

Is anyone talking about BlogPaws where I can join in, ask questions, and get to know some folks ahead of time? Absolutely! Join the BlogPaws community for free! Did you know our private message community is growing and it’s FREE??? Simply sign up and start chatting with fellow pet lovers like yourself.

Where is the schedule/agenda located? Program is here.

If I haven’t signed up yet, is there still time? Yes! Join us here.

What else is there to do in Salt Lake City? We are blogging all about it in these posts:

SLC things to do part one

SLC things to do part two

What do I blog about once I get home? We've got that covered, too, with 50 ideas here, just print and bring it with you to BlogPaws. Jot things down as they occur!

What exactly am I getting for the cost of a pass to BlogPaws? We’re glad you asked. Here's what your price of admission gets you.

Are there any special events being held prior to BlogPaws I need to know about? Kenn Bell, creator and executive producer of video series and website, Dog Files, and the Animal Planet special, Hero Dogs of 9/11, will host a three-hour master class at BlogPaws 2012 on Thursday, June 21, 2012 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Hurry, limited seating!

Can anyone come to the veterinary-themed sessions or are they for vets only? BlogPaws has a few vet world oriented sessions on Saturday, June 23, and all are welcome. These sessions are not just for veterinarians, but for the anyone who registers and attends BlogPaws. Woot! Be sure to check out “Conversations to Have With Your Vet," session being conducted by Dr. Terry Warren and author of one of the most well-read syndicated pet columns in the country (“My Pet World”), Chicago’s own, Steve Dale.

Will there be any celebri-dogs there? Guinness World Record “Fastest Skateboarding Dog,” Tillman, and television’s famed “Super Scooter Dog,” Norman, will kick off BlogPaws 2012.

Is that all I need to know? Nope, we have many surprises in store. Watch for announcements and in-person goodies galore!

More about BlogPaws and to register for in-person: BlogPaws 2012 registration

Wendy Diamond to sparkle at BlogPaws

2012-05-21T13:42:54-07:00

By Carol Bryant

Some people sparkle with such an aura and give back to the pet world so much, what a joy it is when paths cross and one gets to meet them. In our BlogPaws Speaker Series, we’ve been introducing you to our BlogPaws featured speakers. Not only can you listen to these experts in person in June, but also ask them questions and network.

On Saturday night, June 23, pet lifestyle expert, author, humanitarian and television personality, Wendy Diamond (Animal Fair), will be our emcee of the BlogPaws Nose-to-Nose Blogger awards! During the red carpet celebration at the national social media marketing conference, Wendy will announce the winners, hand out the awards, and network with everyone. So just who is Wendy?

With the mantra of BlogPaws proudly proclaiming to “Be the Change for Pets,” Wendy is a voice for animals in need, seeking to improve the quality of lives for all animals homeless, sheltered, endangered, or otherwise. To date, BlogPaws conference sponsors and attendees have enabled BlogPaws to donate over $35,000 in cash and pet-related items at their three conferences to date. Wendy will fit right in, with her philanthropic spirit of giving and caring.

We met Wendy at the Betty White Friars Club Roast recently, with her adorable pooch, Lucky, and are thrilled to have her give a resounding “yes” to emceeing the BlogPaws Nose-to-Nose Blogger Awards!

Fast Facts About Wendy:

Where Have You Seen Her? You might have seen Wendy on a variety of different television shows, including The Today Show, The View, Good Morning America and in magazines such as People, The New Yorker, and Oprah, amongst others.

Where is Wendy from: Chagrin Falls, Ohio

What About Her Animal Involvement? As Wendy tells it, “Outreach has always been at the forefront of my animal rescue and welfare mission, and became even more real for me when Lucky was diagnosed with canine cancer. Through active media mindshare and by filming a documentary, I hope to raise awareness and search for answers to help find conventional and holistic preventions/cures for this fatal disease, especially since 1 in 2 dogs will get cancer during their lifetime. Lucky is getting married July 12 so hope you can join us celebrate one of the luckiest dogs in the world! Lucky and I will never give up on the good fight; please join us to promote fairness to animals and make a difference!”

Follow Wendy and Lucky on Twitter and Facebook for the best that the pet lifestyle has to offer!

Sign up for BlogPaws 2012 and say hello to Wendy in person. See you there! Hurry, time is ticking and the big event is fast approaching! Here's the "reel" deal on Wendy: