Hello Pretties,
Was your weekend grand? I hope you did something, everything or nothing. It’s all good. This Monday is another day of musing about things that are top of mind lately. Last Monday, I shared with you all about a new social media tool Periscope, that is growing and how fear almost, almost kept me from diving in. I watched quite a few “scopes”as they are affectionately called, and people who use Periscope are “scopers” and really good scopes are “dope scopes.” Yep the word dope is back in fashion. Periscope is just another thing on my blogging journey. But I realized while watching the scopes, how I almost missed two important pieces of blogging – Connection and Community.
Connection
It is all about connection. Using this platform to make solid connections with like-minded people. I’ve blogged for almost 3 three years, writing posts, posting pictures of fashion, vacations and just about errythang I ate, doing DIYs just humming along. And that’s all good, but I was doing that in a vacuum. All your efforts are for naught if they don’t move toward strengthening connection, bringing something to your readers, which builds connection. Always respond to comments and email. These two connectors I mastered, but also respond on your other social media platforms – Twitter, Facebook, or Pinterest. Post comments or ask and even answer questions. Be a resource, a help to others to make that connection. Now the connections have to be authentic, folks know when you are on some bull-ish, so keep it real! And, reaching out to other bloggers, connecting with them is so important. Which brings me to Community.
Community
Community is another important facet of blogging. Your brand will only thrive and be successful if you have a community of supporters. To build community – make connections. Yes ma’am, they go hand in hand. Build a pretty place where people come to be educated, entertained and inspired. I have made some strong connections on this blog with some authentic and very wise women – Neti @ My Kurves, Beckey @ Really Really Real Housewives, Nerline @ Chic From Hair 2 Toe, Antoinette @ De Divah Deals, and Merrie @ Petite Career Girl. This is my blogger tribe! They are so dope and we connect weekly, visit their blogs and show them some love! Make an effort to support your community or tribe everyday, by commenting or sharing their posts, information about classes they are teaching or events they are hosting. Or re-tweet key points from their posts. Let them know you have their back!
Growth is a process and I’m getting better at building connections and community. It takes time, but it is well worth it. How are you connecting and building community in your space, blogger or lovely reader?
Linking with these lovely bloggers.

Woman, you just made my Monday! I am honored to be considered part of your blogging tribe. It is my pleasure to have connected with a woman such as yourself who keeps it real on her blog!! Since I began reading your blog I have been amused, informed, and inspired. Keep it up!!
Beckey
http://reallyreallyrealhousewives.blogspot.com
http://queenbsbusywork.etsy.com
Beckey recently posted…A Spirit of Gratitude: August 17
Hey Beckey, I mean it lady, so happy to have connected with you! You’re a gem!
Love this post and our connection. Looking forward to a hug soon.
Neti recently posted…Bra ha ha
Neti, you are the bee’s knees. Love your blog and you always drop a good word on us!!!
Thank you sweetie, I love having you part of my “blogging sisterhood” and always look forward to your thought provoking posts, awesome OOTDays and shopping videos. I haven’t embraced Periscope quite yet because of some weirdo comments, plus I enjoy doing videos on YT better. Have a mah-vah-lous Monday night.
Antionette Blake recently posted…10 Simple Ways to Clean Up Your Home’s Exterior This Summer
I appreciate you Antionette, you willingly share your passion for bloggers with others. Love how you are helping Senors learn about the Internet.