If you are an aspiring (or current) e-commerce, blog or social media entrepreneur, then this meet-up is for you.

Join the gathering on 28 May 2016 at BSpot Eton Cyberpod, Ortigas Avenue  (across Robinsons Galleria) from 9am to 2pm and learn from from entrepreneur experience sharing from the following : JM Mariano of BigBag Fresh, RM Nisperos of CrusadeHero, Jeffrey Aspacio, Pandora Security Labs, Koody System, Sole Searching Soul, Online Jobs University, Gerry Siquijor, and of your's truly Jennifer Lopez - Gana of "Wooden". 

This event is free. Participants are requested to make a P200 contribution to help cover the cost of food. See you there!.

Click here to register :

How To Be A Digital Influencer

Do you want to become a digital influencer? I am sure that you answered with a big YES, that is why you are here now reading my post. Now let me ask you the reason why? Maybe you want to be known in the furture as the next big social media influencer like  Maine Mendoza, or maybe you need it in your profession or business. Whatever it is, being a digital influencer in your own field will not happen overnight.

Last year was a breakthrough. I was given a chance to speak in front of fellow digital influencers and marketers about my journey in this field of social media. 

In this journey, I've realized that there are steps for you to become one. This is a not a formula, but these are the things that I realized as I walk through this path.

Steps to Becoming A Digital Influencer

1. Be credible. People will follow you if they trust you. To be able to show that you are credible will also not happen in a snap. It take years of effort and patience to show the world that you are indeed credible.

2. Share. Share. and Share. Share your knowledge and expertise for free. 

3. Build a network. Join Groups. I feel good about myself if I am surrounded with like-minded individuals. Learn from them.

4. Be yourself. Be real. Be a real person and not a robot. Social media is already digital and your follower  need someone who can reach them, and that is you.

5. Find conferences and events. Put your skills to the next level by attending conferences and events. One event that I really  look up to is the Digital Influencers Marketing Summit organized by Digital Filipino. Check out the event details below and learn from practitioners.

The 2015 Digital Influencers Marketing Summit (#DIMSummit2015) will be held on October 10, 2015 at Best Western Plus Antel Hotel, Makati City. In this event, learn how  practitioners are building their digital influence to strengthen their branding and identity, sustaining their business and projects, converting strangers to customers and brand ambassadors.

Event Learning Objectives :

1. Market positioning and explore collaboration opportunities.

2. Roadmap to digital thought leadership.

3. Getting your money's worth in digital marketing efforts and results dreived through it.

4. Learn how to build a customer engagement blueprint that works.

5. Meet emerging influential faces in blogging and social media.

Be the next emerging influential person in social media. Attend the Digital Influencers Marketing Summit 2015 on October 10, 2015. Register now!

For more information on how to register: Click here

Bloggers as Digital Influencers : How Blogging Changed My Life

I've always mention this to my friends that taking this CBSME course from Ateneo-DigitalFilipino  is really life changing. A lot of opportunities knocking at my door lately and right now I am considering and taking a leap of faith on each one of them. My appearance at Kris TV was one of them, a  job offer related to Marketing  from a former boss and the chance to be a resource speaker at the recently concluded Digital Influencers Marketing Summit 2014 last September 13 at the SMX Mall of Asia.

I attended the Summit because of 3 reasons : 1) as a CBSME graduate helping out in the event; 2) as a participant and 3) as a speaker. It was my first time, and I think I still have a lot of things to work on to, perhaps a Public Speaking Workshop will do the trick. Honestly, it was easier for me to sing/perform on that stage because I've performed at that same stage several times already.

I had a hard time expressing my thoughts during the event, so I am redeeming myself by writing what I should  have said.

Photo Credit : Mark Gana

I was asked to share my experiences on how I used my blog to share my mom-hood, my online party planning/supplies business   and my I <heart> being a Mom advocacy project. So here it is, my "My Life Story as a Blogger".

 

Mommy JLo

I started being a mommy blogger as early as 2004, just a few months after my eldest Janelle was born. I had a hard time conceiving that's why I started sharing about my PCOS and TTC Journey. I used my blog to inspire and give hope to women who also had difficulty getting pregnant or TTC (trying to conceive). I started to gain a handful of followers/readers and most of them started asking questions already about my OB/Gyne, medicines to take, strategies, tips and some even asked for "sex positions"  to use. :-)

Like most of first time mom out there in the blogosphere, I usually talk about my daughter and her developments, from learning how to walk, how to talk, eating habits, first hair cut and all those "first" and milestones.

Being able to give hope to those couple that they too can bear a child  means so much to me. Most of them became good friends and some became "kumares" to their first born.

JLo the Mompreneur

In the year 2007, I started to blog about my kids parties. I share with my readers my "suppliers rating" and started to give fearless reviews on each suppliers I hired for my events.  I started to realize the power of blogging and how it will influence the consumers  buying decisions, a simple review will make or break a supplier.

Now that I am already a so called "party supplier", I used blogging to share with my readers all successful events we had. I even asked blogger friends and clients who eventually became friends also  to do a product review. Blogging about a product or services will make a business credible enough to be trusted. 

The I <heart> being a Mom Advocacy Project

The projects' main objective is to show that Social Media can be a platform for social change and anyone has the power to motivate others to give back to society.  And yes, objectives attained. 80% of the people who worked with me on this project I met only on the day of the event. I am really amazed  with the power of blogging and social media in generating the buzz about this project, call for bloggers, donors and sponsors were all done on-line.

My desire to come up with this kind of project started 20 years ago but never had the chance to. Through blogging, one can have that great power to change the world one step at a time. Use it to help and be of service to others in need, and use that power to influence others to do the same.

L-R Grace Bondad, JLofied, Ben France, Janette Torral

The Top 10 Emerging Influential Blog of 2014 Writing Project

8 month old JLofied.com was nominated on this project. I did not make it 'tho, but Ms. Lani Lyutz of www.mommybloggersphilippines.com asked to me to claim the certificate in her behalf. Oh and wait there's more!  I won a $100 in the raffle draw. It seems that all the stars in the universe are all watching over me! :-)

 

Receiving the award for Ms. Lani Lyutz of Mommy Bloggers Philippines

 

The #DIMSummit is organized by DigitalFilipino and co-sponsored by the ff :

• Digital Influencers Marketing Summit
• Certified Blog and Social Media Entrepreneur Program
• Philippine Internet History #phnet20 Project
• Digital Creators Boot Camp
• Infinity Hub Web Development Services

JLofied and Wooden Goes to Kris TV

Year 2014 has really been very good to me in terms of my career and business. Even though there were times that God has been testing my patience, discipline, faith and determination to go on with the things I planned for. I guess it was meant to  be and I am so blessed that He gave me a "Darna!" attitude towards life.

One of the many blessings I received recently was when Darla of Kris TV messaged me and asked if I want to be featured in Kris TV and I said YES right away. Do you think I made the right decision? Of  course I do!  Seconds later, one of the staff called me and informed me of the call time and the  requirements needed, and I only have 3 days to prepare before the taping day. Whew!

September 8, Monday (Taping Day 1)

We arrived at Sampaguita Gardens at exactly 7am and started with the Ingress right away. Team KidiKraft was so excited to be featured and be interviewed by one of the most influential person here in the Philippines, no other than Kris Aquino herself.

As expected, the taping started really late at one in the afternoon.

September 9, Tuesday (Taping Day 2)

The production team visited my showroom in Quezon City for another interview and this time I get to explain further about the business and my future plans for KidiKraft. 

September 12, Friday (Airing Day)

The segment with KidiKraft was aired  last September 12 (Friday) at ABS-CBNs Kris TV. I didn't expect that I will personally experience the following :

1,500 FB Likes in 2 hours

300 FB messages in 24 hours

15 calls in 30 minutes plus 11 missed calls

150 SMS within 24 hours

I even hired a Virtual Assistant from www.professionalvas.com to help me engage with my customers. If you will  ask me if appearing in the show makes a difference in my business, just look at the figures above. :-)

If you missed the show, please click the clip below : 

Blogging with a Purpose : My Top 10 Emerging Influential Blogs 2014

2014 marks the 8th year of the Top 10 Emerging Influencial Blogs 2014 Writing Project that seeks in identifying new and emerging blogs who are making an impact to its readers in 2014. These are blogs that started anytime from August 2013 to the present.

So what makes a blog influential? 

Influence can not be attributed only to traffic and readership level. For me, influence can only be measured on the effect on the character and behavior of someone, it cannot be dictated or imposed.

The next question is, what are my personal criteria in choosing my Top 10?

Here are my parameters :

1. Credibility
2. Informative
3. Inspirational
4. Consistency
5. Uniqueness
6. Personal 

Here it goes (drum rolls) : My Top 10 List of Emerging Influential Blog of 2014

1. Dizkarteng Noypi (www.jhojovillas.blogspot.com)

Jhojo Villa's mission is  to spread financial literacy to help every Filipinos in achieveing their dreams and gain financial independence. Dizkarteng Noypi is informative, motivational and straight to point. I am happy that a lot of Filipinos nowadays are starting to realize the need for financial literacy.

2. Raket Hub (www.rakethub.com)
Raket or Side Business, this is what a lot of  Filipinos need nowadays. A self-proclaimed "raketera", Sherlane Fortunado shares with her readers business ideas that can help Filipinos augment their income.

3. JLofied (www.jlofied.com) 

Work hard. Give More. Play harder! Jennifer Lopez - Gana talks about celebrations and living life to the fullest. Aside from sharing tips and tricks on all things pertaining to parties and events organizing, JLofied is also  about inspiring  and empowering people to be the best that they want to be. The blog also advocates for creating a second source of income by being an events organizer to help her readers increase cash flow.

4. Pinions and Plumage of Love (http://pinionsandplumageoflove.blogspot.com)

Mommy Joy Lojo is  a full time wife and mom with a 2-year old daughter. She shares with her readers her stories on being a SAHM (Stay-at-Home) mom. What I admired about her is that you can really feel the sincerity in her posts, no rants, just pure bliss. She talks about blessings, greatness and beauty with God as the center of the family.

5. Sole Searching Sole (www.solesearchingsoul.com)

Apple Allison, "Ang Lakwatserang Mansanas" blogs about her travel while working or what calls "Workcation". Her Date in Daet 2014 campaign which encourages Bloggers and Businesses and other stakeholders be closer to Daet aligns with her purpose of making a difference in a community one trip at a time.

6. Matakaw Na Bata (www.matakawnabata.com)

Just from the domain name alone, you will easily get an idea of what is it all about. Christian Melanie Lee is a certified foodie. She will blog about anything about her foodie adventures
whether it's a simple instant pancit cantom or or  a famous restaurant.

7. Mommy Bloggers Philippines (www.mommybloggersphilippines.com)
I was surprised that Mommy Bloggers Philippines blog site is only less than a year old. I've been part of this  community and I've met a lot of mom bloggers whom I've networked with already. Mommy Lani Lyutz built this community to bridge for everyone who wants their services, products, a cause to be examined in true life by mother who have their own passions in unique fields. 

8.  The Daily Pedia (www.thedailypedia.com)

Are you on a look out for trending topics? Mc Richard Pagcalinawan's blog should be your       go-to-site for interesting topics / articles on news here in the Philippines and  around the world.

9. Dok Tour (www.doktour.blogspot.com)

Dok Tour  is all about food, travel and adventure. I always look forward to Brian Macasa's  post about his  adventure whether its about food, family vacation, events or places to hangout within the Metro.

10. Astig.Ph (www.astig.ph)
Know the hottest news in technology, entertainment and lifestyle. Great layout and visuals.

This writing project is sponsored by :

• Digital Influencers Marketing Summit
• Certified Blog and Social Media Entrepreneur Program
• Philippine Internet History #phnet20 Project
• Digital Creators Boot Camp
• Infinity Hub Web Development Services

To know more about this writing project, visit this link : 

http://www.influentialblogger.net/2014/05/join-top-10-emerging-influential-blogs.html

My CBSME Journey with Ateneo-DigitalFilipino

June 28 is Social Media Day in the Philippines, and there is no other way for me to contribute in the celebration than by sharing with my readers my journey in attending the Certified Blog and Social Media Entrepreneurship (CBSME) Program with Ateneo-DigitalFilipino.

The CBSME Course Pie

If you are a blogger, online seller, social media practitioner or a student who would like to understand social media more, then this program is definitely for you.

I started blogging in 2001 and it is only in January 2014 when I realized that there is more to blogging than being a personal journal. As an online seller/entrepreneur, the program helped me in terms of  attracting leads and generating sales.

MODULE 1

Blog Launch, Copywriting, and Social Media Promotions

Hands-on Project : Produce a blog, follow an agreed-upon content plan and promote

Project : JLofied.com

When I migrated from Friendster to Facebook in mid 2000, I lost interest in blogging since I already can do microblogging using FB. I am glad that our mentor Ms. Janette Torral of DigitalFilipino inspired me and brought back the fire in me in blogging.

It was the 25th of January 2014 when JLofied.com was launched in cyberspace and it was life changing. JLofied.com talks about events and celebrating life to the fullest.

Objectives :

1. Identify goals, target audience needs, and potential.

2. Build a blog site and content plan.

3. Roll out the site and perform basic promotions inlcuding social media.

4. Reach out to fellow bloggers, social media users and build community.

5. Monitor and improve performance.

Lessons Learned :

1. Blogging is not Bragging, always think about your readers

2. Content is the King

3. Trust your brand

4. Find your niche

5.  Be an influencer
6. Use the power of being personal

Self rating : 88%

MODULE 2

Professional Blogging, Social Media Marketing, and Advertising as a Business

Hands-on Project : Design and run a blog and social media marketing and advertising program

Project :  I :-> Being a Mom : An Extra Ordinary Way to Honor Mothers on Mother's Day

This is my favorite Module of all. I was given an opportunity to campaign for an advocacy which helps single mothers from Nazareth Homes. With the help of the mommy bloggers community, we were able to  come up with this event.

I only envisioned it as an outreach program where a group of Mommy Bloggers will just blog about the institution after turning over the donations, but it turned out to be a baby shower, seminar on stress management and breasfeeding and mentoring program all in one.

The Mommy  Bloggers and the Mommies of Nazareth Homes

Related Article : http://www.jlofied.com/2014/05/i-love-being-mom-wrap-up.html

Objectives :

1. Tap blogs and social media in various ways for promotions, awareness, and support for marketing and entrepreneurial pursuits.

2. Understand the available blog and social media advertising platforms, costing, and analyze a blog's effectiveness.

3. Profile blogs, bloggers, social media users based on their reach and influence.

Lessons Learned :

1. Build your own tribe

2. Create and/or Join networks/communities

3. Collaboration works
4. Beef up social media profiles
5. PR / Building relationship is important

Self Rating : 95%

MODULE 3

Make Money from Blogging and Social Media as a Service Provider

Hands-on Project : Come up with a social media services package and roll it our for a client

Project : Lopez Canteen FB Page and Blog Promotions

Module 3 gave me the opportunity to provide social media services to a business. We were tasked to come up with a social media services package and roll it our for a client. Dealing with clients is not new to me but offering social media services is really something new. During the course, Digified Solutions, Lopez Canteen's FB Page and www.lopezcanteen.blogspot.com was born. 

At first, I thought that this will be the easiest Module, but I was wrong, it is not an easy task. Creating a website is not for me (yet ...), but what I love about Module 3 is the opportunity and having the  chance to organize bloggers event or at least  be invited to a  bloggers event.

For this project, I asked blogger friends to do a product a review (Lopez Palabok and Lumpiang Prito)  for Lopez Canteen. And this is what they came up with :

Elaine Gallardo of Wife na Mommy pa 
Joy Lojo of Pinions and Plumage of Love


Objectives :

1. Generate income through blogging.

2. Make money from Blogging and Social Media as a service provider.

3. Offer blog creation, blog marketing, blog advertising placement, content development and, social media promotion as a service to businesses.

4. Build a blog content writers network.

Lessons Learned :

1. Engage with followers

2. Promote as much as possible
3. Post daily social media content
4. Be visual

Self Rating : 86%

Revelations & Experiences during and after the Program

1. Be a mentor.

2. I am an influencer
3. I was able to enhanced my presentation skills.

4. Social media is really that powerful. Use it wisely.

5. My mantra - Work hard. Give more. Play harder!

6. My leadership skills was put to a test, and I was able to validate  that I am a good leader.

7. I've met and networked with awesome, empowered and like-minded individuals who value hard work.

8. The program opened me to a new world of PR and marketing which gives me more self-confidence.
9. I was able to build my own network.

Do you want to experience the same? Join the Certified Blog and Social Media Entreprenuer Program. 

Click Here to Know More about this 14-week Online Mentoring Program

My Internet Life Story (since 1994)

29 March 2014 - Today marks the 20th Anniversary of Philippine Internet. As a tribute, I made an infographic showing my Internet Life Story. What's yours?