10 Things I Learned About Blogging from Apartment Therapy at the WithIt Educational Breakfast at High Point Market

Maxwell Gillingham-Ryan, Co-Founder / CEO of Apartment Therapy Presenting to Withit at High Point Market

Thanks to long time twitter friend Julia Rosien, who just happens to be the Withit 2012 President, I attended the WithIt Educational Breakfast at High Point Market this morning featuring keynote speaker Maxwell Gillingham-Ryan of Apartment Therapy.

For those of you who may not know . . . Apartment Therapy is one of, if not THE, top design blog. They receive 7 million unique visitors per month (PER MONTH!), their reader base is 59% women, and they currently have 18 full time and 170 freelance design bloggers that contribute to their success!

Maxwell Gillingham-Ryan’s presentation “10 Things You Need to Know about Apartment Therapy” shared Maxwell’s personal philosophy and and the mission that has changed the way millions approach creating a home. Regardless of whether you’re a renter or own your own home Maxwell says that “your home is a path not a place.” He went on to share the “Design’s purpose is beyond “stuff” it’s how you, your family and friends feel in your home.”

10 Things I Learned About Blogging from Apartment Therapy at the WithIt Educational Breakfast at High Point Market

  1. Have a mission.
  2. Know your purpose.
  3. Be a resource.
  4. Collaborate with guest bloggers.
  5. Share your passions online and off.
  6. Know your blog’s “prime time” – the better you know your readers the more your can offer them information they crave when they are hungry for it.
  7. Visit your readers blogs and participate in their success. Comment, share and celebrate!
  8. Paths are often blurry. Your success comes from knowledge of yourself and knowing where you excel.
  9. Don’t be afraid to put people in the rooms when taking photography of your projects.
  10. Environment affects learning – make sure your blog is the right environment for your readers.

What did you learn from Maxwell’s Presentation?

How will it change the way you connect with and build your community?

Follow Apartment Therapy on Twitter and show them how much you like them on Facebook!

Be sure to enter Apartment Therapy’s Room for Color Contest!

High Point Market Makes Planning Easier With Event Calendars

This year, planning which events to attend during High Point Market just got easier with their Social Events and Educational Events calendar!

Deciding which social and educational functions to attend during Furniture Market is always challenge. These calendars are an amazing tool to keep you in the know and on time!

Here are just a few Highlights from each day thanks to High Point Market  website. Please visit the Social Event / Educational Events Calendar for the full daily listing of events)

Friday ::

 

High Point Market Kick-Off Party

When: 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM

Where: Center Stage, Between the Transportation Terminal & Showplace

Summary: The official kick-off to High Point Market Week presented by IHFC, Market Square & Suites, Showplace, Plaza Suites, Furniture Plaza, National Furniture Mart, Hamilton Market, 200.320.330 North Hamilton. Sponsored by: Shelba D. Johnson Trucking, Ashley Furniture, Furniture Today and Home Accents Today.

Saturday ::

 

Breakfast in Bed with Leslie: Waking Up to the Power of Social Media

When: 10 AM – 11 AM

Where: Market Square, Antique & Design Center – Mezzanine Level Seminar Space

Summary: Featuring Leslie Carothers, The Kaleidoscope Partnership. Sponsored by Pandora de Balthazar. There’s one topic currently befuzzling the minds of designers, retailers and manufacturers everywhere: How do you measure the return on investment (ROI) of social media? Does it really work to get new sales? Secure new clients? Attract media attention? If you’re wondering whether your investment is truly paying off, join social media expert Leslie Carothers for a rousing wake-up call on social media metrics. Chock full of insight, specific tips on how to measure a program’s effectiveness, and real-world examples on how to connect the dots between sales, client acquisition and the kind of media exposure that leads to further financial opportunities, this presentation will kick off your Market and get your social media strategy on track faster than a double-shot espresso. Complimentary breakfast served.

 

Industry Mixer

When: 4 PM – 7 PM

Where: IHFC, The Phillips Collection IHFC – C 202, sponsored by ASFD, ART, SFC, YHFP, WithIt

 

Meet Rachel Ashwell – Shabby Chic® Founder

When: 4 PM – 6 PM

Where: Miles Talbott, 1690 English Road

Summary: Come early and receive a signed copy of Rachel’s newest book, Shabby Chic Inspirations and Beautiful Spaces. Cocktails and hor d’oeuvres.

 

IMC Opening Night: featuring the B52s

When: 7 PM – 9:30 PM

Where: Center Stage, Between the Transportation Terminal & Showplace

Summary: Please join International Market Centers (IMC) as we make our debut at the High Point Market with a concert and celebration co-sponsored by the High Point Market Authority. IMC will present The B-52s, the World’s Greatest Party Band.

 

Sunday ::

WithIt Educational Breakfast

When: 7:30 AM – 9 AM

Where: IHFC, IHFC Green Wing, 11th Floor, Ballroom A

Summary: “The 10 Things You Need to Know About Apartment Therapy”, presented by Maxwell Gillingham-Ryan. Maxwell is an interior designer, author and the founder of Apartment Therapy Media, a network of blogs devoted to helping people make their homes beautiful, organized, and healthy. Today, Apartment Therapy is the web’s leading source for all things design and the most-trafficked blog in the design space. Maxwell’s talk is a compelling history of his personal story, the humble beginnings of the brand, and a general roadmap for understanding design and the role it plays in our lives. Sponsored by IHFC and WithIt. Breakfast and Seminar are free of charge. Reservations are required by email (please see event page for email details) or www.withit.org.

 

Dwell Studio’s Christiane Lemieux – Growing a Business in Today’s Digital Age

When: Noon – 1:30 PM

Where: IHFC, Green Wing, 11th Floor ballroom B

Summary: Dwell Studio founder Christiane Lemieux will delve into how today’s small businesses can get ahead and compete with the big brands by being creative with the resources they have and the free technology available to everyone. The key to growing a successful business in today’s economic, digital and sonsumer-driven age with topics ranging from sourcing to marketing to media and design trends. Sponsored by IHFC and IFDA, Carolinas Chapter. $20 includes lunch. Advance registration recommended. Reservation is secured upon receipt of payment. Mail check to IHFC, Attn: Holly Allred, PO Box 828, High Point, NC 27261. You can request a credit card authorization form via email. (Please see event page for email details)

 

David Easton Book Signing

When: 3 PM – 4 PM

Where: Market Square, Safavieh, Suite 120

Summary: Renowned architect and interior designer David Easton and rug maker Safavieh will introduce Easton’s new Indian Sojourn collection of ikat carpets for Safavieh Couture with a celebration and book signing on Sunday, October 23, 2011 from 3:00 to 4:00 PM. The designer will sign copies of his latest book, “Timeless Elegance” at Safavieh’s Market Square showroom, Suite 120. Wine and Indian-inspired refreshments will be served, and Easton will present the collection with insights into his extensive studies of weaving crafts in Silk Road Cultures.

 

American Furniture Hall of Fame Induction Banquet

When: 6 PM – 10 PM

Where: IHFC, Green Wing, 11th Floor International Ballroom

Summary: Each Fall Market, we induct industry leaders into the American Furniture Hall of Fame, the furniture industry’s highest honor. Cocktail reception begins at 6pm, dinner at 6:45pm. Tickets are $125 a piece. To purchase tickets, please call 336.882.5900 or purchase online at www.furniturehalloffame.com

Monday ::

Reception with Kathy Ireland

When: 11 AM – Noon

Where: IHFC, Pacific Coast Lighting – M430

 

“Modern Design in the 21st Century” by Dwell Editor Amanda Dameron

When: 6:30 PM – 8 PM

Where: 220 Elm, Leif Petersen Showroom 328

Summary: Appetizers and cocktails followed by the Dwell presentation.

 

ASFD Pinnacle Awards Banquet

When: 6 PM – 9:30 PM

Where: IHFC, Green Wing, 11th Floor ballroom

Summary: Winners in 16 home furnishings categories will be presented by Furniture/Today and Guest Retailers at the 16th Annual ASFD furniture design awards dinner. For more information: info@asfd.com or www.asfd.com

 

UPCYCLE Textile Runway Show

When: 7 PM – 9 PM

Where: Market Square, Courtyard

Summary: In conjunction with Dstripped Magazine, ITMA – producers of SHOWTIME, and Market Square & Suites, we’re putting on a fashion show like no other! Designers from the apparel, footwear, jewelry, furniture and set design industries are collaborating to showcase their talents. Come see these designers’ creative solutions light up the runway with recycled fabric swatches. Join us for live entertainment, food, beer and wine.

Tuesday ::

Julia Rosien of Social North – “The Digitally Savvy Retailer – Using Emerging Technologies to Engage Shoppers (and sell more stuff!)”

When: 9 AM – 10 AM

Where: IHFC, Green Wing, 11th Floor ballroom B

Summary: In 2011, consumers can know as much about your products as your sales staff before they step foot inside your store. Your business survival depends on creative and inexpensive initiatives for you to leapfrog past the competition and grab the spotlight. Do you know how to break through the clutter and capture your customers’ attention? Fortunately, a virtually limitless supply of new technologies, tools and networks are available. Social Media Strategist, Julia Rosien, will help “demystify” some of the more exciting new technologies like location-based marketing and social media marketing. It’s not rocket science but it is the smartest way to get and keep your competitive edge. “If you’re not doing business online, you’re just not doing business…” ~ Julia Rosien. Complimentary Continental Breakfast Provided. No reservation needed.

 

Currey Honors ASID

When: 4 PM – 6 PM

Where: IHFC, Currey & Company, M-110 Streeet Leve

Summary: Currey takes time on Tuesday to honor and support the American Society of Interior Designers. National ASID Board members will be on hand from 4 to 6 PM to answer your questions about ASID and to provide extensive information on this very important organization. Italian food & wine will be served –music will be a provided by Four For One Jazz Quartet and Martha Bassett & Friends.

 

Wednesday ::

“Market Trend Wrap-Up” Presented by Jenny Heinzen York – Home Accents Today

When: 9 AM – 10 AM

Where: IHFC, Green Wing, 11th Floor ballroom B

Summary: The editorial team from Home Accents Today spends each High Point Market seeking out all the latest product styles and trends. Editor in Chief Jenny Heinzen York leads this exclusive review of the hottest trends from the October 2011 show. Complementary pastries and coffee provided. No reservation needed.

 

Designer Luncheon

When: Noon – 2 PM

Where: French Heritage, Inc., 1638 English Road

Summary: Spend some time with Henessey and Jacques Wayser as they introduce over 60 new items for market and enjoy a Classic French Lunch in our Bistro. 336-882-3565

 

Courtyard Cookout

When: 7 PM – 9 PM

Where: Market Square, Market Square Courtyard

Summary: Pull up a chair and kick back under the stars and join us for our traditional Market cookout. Connect with colleagues enjoy food, drinks and live entertainment on the last night of Market!

Thursday ::

 

Complimentary Buyers Breakfast featuring Starbucks Coffee and Krispy Kreme donuts

When: 8 AM – 10:30 AM

Where: 330 S. Wrenn St.-The Platinum Building, Platinum Decor

 

 

Complimentary Buyers Lunch

When: Noon – 2 PMWhere: 220 Elm, Leif Petersen -328; Jesper Office – 324; Linon – 202; Outer Limits/TemaHome – 311 

What #HPMkt events are you most looking forward to?

How will you use social media during High Point Market?Want to write a guest post on Furniture Market for Linking Triad? Leave a comment and we will work with you to share your High Point Furniture Market Experience!

 

Goals and Their Impact on Your Success

If you’re bored with life – you don’t get up every morning with a burning desire to do things – you don’t have enough goals.  – Lou Holtz

 

If you don’t know who Lou Holtz is :: From wikipedia -Holtz is the only college football coach to lead six different programs to bowl games and the only coach to guide four different programs to the final top 20 rankings. Holtz also coached the New York Jets of the NFL during the 1976 season.

 

What are your goals?

Reading over Jack Canfield‘s The Success Principles this morning and on page 56 there it was. . . this quote from Lou Holtz. I am no big  sports fan, but could absolutely appreciate the story of what changed his life.

In 1966, after a personal set back, Lou’s wife gave him a copy of The Magic of Thinking Big, by David Schwartz. In this book, David encourages you to write down all of the things you want to accomplish in your life. This simple act would change Lou’s life and help him make history. By owning his goals and having a daily reminder of what he wanted to do – Lou was able to achieve nearly all 107 goals he set for himself.

As I continued to read about Bruce Lee’s letter and Jim Carrey’s check, it was apparent that these success stories all had one thing in common. . . clearly defined goals.

Ask anyone who has achieved success (could be someone you know personally or admire) and they will tell you that having clear goals of what you want in your life is vital. Whether it is writing it in a letter, a journal or on note cards. . . write them down today!

You want to set a goal that is big enough that in the process of achieving it you become someone worth becoming – Jim Rohn.

Do you have clear personal goals?

What goals do you have for your company or career?

How do you stay on track when you hit a roadblock?

Share your success story with us about a personal success you have achieved thanks to your goals.

Business Blogs: Inspiration to Grow Your Audience

After reading over Social Media Examiner’s post on the 10 Top Business Blogs and Why They Are Successful – it made me curious as to what business blogs the leaders in the Piedmont Triad enjoy and why you think they are successful.

We each have different needs as it relates to our professions – but we all have one thing in common when it comes to blogging . . . we want to provide relevant content for our readers and hope that they connect with us and continue to come back and comment.

Some of the best ways to learn how to improve your own business blog is to be a devoted reader of other blogs. It could be a plugin that you discover that could be the missing ingredient, a layout or theme that catches your eye or simply a style of writing that really inspires you.

Here are a few links for inspiration to grow your business blog awareness and your eventually your audience.

The 50 best business blogs – Times Online

Small Business Blogs – Forbes.com Best of the Web

Top 10 Business Blogs for Women | Little Pink Book

Top Business and Entrepreneurship Blogs

Top 10 Business Blogs to Bookmark

 

What are your favorite business blogs to read? Why?

Monday Morning Motivation: Communication

Monday Morning Motivation by David CottrellIf you haven’t picked up the book Monday Morning Motivation – Five Steps to Energize Your Team, Customers and Profits by David Cottrell – it is a must add to your business bookshelf.

Whether you are a small business owner, a mid level manager or a CEO – David will guide you to effectively motivate and energize the way you interact with your business. It takes commitment to become successful and making sure that everyone on your team has the same level of commitment as you is vital to your businesses bottom line.

In chapter 6 we learn that high level employee engagement has a measurable impact on the bottom line. Companies who have a strong internal communications programs are more successful than those who don’t.

Take a look at the top 50 most admired companies. How are they engaging with their own army of brand ambassadors? What are they doing to empower their top performers? How are they keeping their teams motivated and on task?

“The most important element of the communication conductor is to connect the corporate goals and objectives with the activities on your team.”- David Cottrell

 

This brings us to the Monday Morning Discussion questions from page 105 –

  • How often do you as you team for feedback and input? Do you receive it constructively and genuinely listen to the ideas?
  • Do you promote a culture of learning within your team? What additional information and knowledge can you share with team members so they will better understand the business of your business?
  • How can you tear down the walls and create better connections within your team? Between your team and others in the organization?

If you are interested in making your Monday morning meetings meaningful – take time to pick up Monday Morning Motivation, Monday Morning Mentoring and Monday Morning Choices by David Cottrell. His books will change the way you do business.

xxx

How does your company communicate?
Does your company ask for valuable feedback?

 

What company do you look toward for inspiration?

 

 

 

 

Mentors and the Success Principles

I am currently reading Jack Canfield‘s incredibly informative book The Success Principles. This morning I on principle #44: Find a Wing to Climb Under.

The chapter starts off with this quote relating to mentors. . .

“Study anyone who’s great and you’ll find that they apprenticed to a master, or several masters. Therefore if you want to achive greatness, renown, and superlative success, you must apprentice to a master.

Robert Allen, Self made multi-millionaire and coauthor of The One Minute Millionaire.


Here is some great info from Wikipedia on Mentors ::

Today mentors provide expertise to less experienced individuals to help them advance their careers, enhance their education, and build their networks. In many different arenas people have benefited from being part of a mentoring relationship, including:

Who was your mentor?

How did having a mentor shape/change your life and career?

Are you a mentor now?


Here are resources about mentoring in the Triad and North Carolina ::

North Carolina Mentoring Partnership

National Mentoring Partnership

SHIELD Mentor Program

UNCG Guarantee Mentor Program

Have additional resources for those interested in becoming a mentor or those in need of one? Please share in in the comments!

Taste Carolina Brings Flavorful Tours to the Triad

Who doesn’t love a great meal. Right?! Now, thanks to the folks at Taste Carolina, you can go behind the scenes with the Owners and Chefs of  some of North Carolina and the Triad’s tastiest places.

Choose from a variety of walking tours in DurhamChapel Hill/Carrboro, Downtown Raleigh, Hillsborough, Greensboro and Winston-Salem as well as Custom/Private Tours, The Whole Hog Barbecue Bus Tour and Cocktail Hour Tapas Crawls.

Meet the folks behind Taste Carolina and stay up to date on what they have planned!

It’s a safe bet if there is a foodie in your life, a gift certificate from Taste Carolina would hit the spot!

Learn more about Taste Carolina in this great article from The Triad Biz Blog and  while you’re at it – follow them on twitter and show them how much you like them on facebook. Tell them @linkingtriad sent you!

Have you been on a Taste Carolina walking tour? Share your favorite Triad experience!

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