what I wish I had said during the #influenceconf panel.

While on the plane on my way to Influence Conference last Thursday morning, I pulled out my little notebook and began penning a few thoughts that I might want to share while sitting on the "Accessible Experts" panel. I got to share a little bit about my experience with rebranding and also my tips on getting beautiful IG pictures. These were two topics that I was definitely excited to share on and I hope my thoughts were helpful to those listening.

But time was short, of course, and some of these things that I have written in my notebook are now singeing a hole through the paper, waiting to be said. It's a random assortment, but here ya go. A few things I wish I could have said during the Influence Conference panel.

Branding:: think beyond the logo

I was asked to share a bit about branding and here's something I most firmly believe about branding.

It's not just a logo. 

When most think of the word 'branding' what comes to mind is the physical aspect of a great logo. But if you're thinking about your branding, think beyond the logo. Everything you do online builds your brand. Your interactions on social media, the voice you write with on your blog, the Instagram filter you use (or don't use!), your product photography. Each one of these things is a small brick that builds the brand that reflects who you are. Be true to who you are throughout all your interactions, and that will be a bigger reflection on your brand than your logo ever could be.

(If I can take that a little further, I'll also say that if you are a follower of Jesus, everything you do and say online reflects on Him, even if you rarely say His name. Convicting for me, that's for sure.) 

My resources. 

I also wanted to share a few of the resources that I use to make my online life a little easier. 

Picture editing-- PicMonkey Royale 

I'd love to learn Photoshop or Lightroom, but for the time being, I'm using PicMonkey Royale and it works really well for me. I do very little editing on my photos, but I usually send them through PicMonkey first to touch them up just a tiny bit. 

Business Cards-- Moo

I love Moo. The quality is great and it's one of the few things that I'm okay spending a little money on. Often times, a business card is someone's first impression of you and I'm happy with spending a little ''moolah" (ha), to get a great card. 

Sponsorship management-- PassionFruit Ads

For years, the managerial aspect of sponsorships was a headache for me. Setting up the HTML, sending invoices-- ugh. Using Passionfruit Ads frees me up to spend more time blogging or hanging out with Si and Chris. I also just learned this weekend of Adproval and I'll be checking out their services as well. 

Blog reading-- Feedly

I have the Feedly app on my phone, which makes it so easy to read all of my favorite blogs and see their daily posts in one spot. The only downside to reading in a reader is that I truly believe it contributes to the low number of blog comments so many of us are seeing lately. I'm trying my best to click over and leave a comment on my favorite posts.

Quiet seasons are okay. 

This is the thing that is weighing most heavily on my heart to share. I want you to hear this. 

 The four of us were touted as bloggers who make real money. Can I let you in on a little secret? I have made very little money in the past year and half. Between moving twice, being pregnant, settling into new homes and balancing motherhood, wife-hood and being a small business owner, my priorities have been rearranged completely. I shared a few weeks ago about a conversation that Chris and I had where we determined that my shop and blog had to be put on the back burner for a bit and they shifted from 'job' to 'hobby' status. 

Sometimes I get discouraged when I see other small biz owners doing their thing and obtaining amazing opportunities. But then God quietly reminds me that my personal calling right now is to be a mom and wife first and business owner second. If I compare my success to others, then I'm guaranteed to feel less than. That's why I have to create my own personal definition of what success looks like to me. (For me right now, it is that I get to create and share my artwork with you, and sometimes sell it and send it out into the world. That's it!) 

So, if you're in a slow season right now, or it's just not the right time for you to be running full tilt towards a dream, that's ok. Quiet seasons are okay, and just because you're not making much money or aren't able to pursue your business full-time does not devalue your art or creativity one bit. Hear this--you can still be a legitimate member of the creative community without making loads of money, being well-known by all, or snagging fancy magazine features. 

I'm an open book, friends. If you have any more questions, feel free to ask in the comments or shoot me an email. I'm still processing all that I soaked in this past weekend, but I will surely be sharing that with you soon!

PS. Starting November 1st, my sponsorship pricing will increase. If you'd like to slip in as an advertiser before that happens, now's your chance! Find all the info you need here.  I'd love to have you!