Blogging

Is it a Dream or is it Jockin’? – B.B.M.

Well helloooooooooo, world!  No, I haven’t totally gotten rid of my Become a Blogger Mondays series, but you all know that I won’t write if I’m not feeling it.  With that said, we can all assume that there must be SOMEthing that I’m feeling!  I’ve sat back and watched and observed and pondered and…OK you get the point!  I’ve just been taking note of all the brains going a million miles a minute.  I’ve paid attention to those around me who are pursuing their dreams and it’s so great to see the creative wheels turning…it’s a source of inspiration for everyone when this happens.

However, I think for some it’s just a fad.  Like, do you get the impression that everyone has a blog? Or a clothing line? Or they make jewelry?  Or they rap? Or they sing?  That kind of annoys me.  It makes me wonder, are you doing this for you? Or are you doing this just because you want to be like everybody else?  Or because you THINK this is how you can get rich?  If it’s coming from the heart and it’s something that you genuinely love to do or you take seriously, I 100% support it, but if I get the feeling that you’re just doing it “just because” then I may give you that “look”.  Follow your dreams and passions, but make them your own…add your own spin to it…be original and even when it gets hard, KEEP going…that’s how I can tell if you’re really about business or just herding with the masses.

Let others inspire you, but don’t become them!  BE YOU!

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Behind the Music: Toni Braxton [Full Version]

Source: Google Images

This is an amazing story of passion, struggle, fortitude and above all, endurance!  No one ever said that following your dreams would be easy and Toni Braxton’s story is a perfect example of working hard for everything that you have.  (Thanks for sharing, The Jasmine Brand) Check out the full version of Vh1’s Behind the Music: Toni Braxton.

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Become a Blogger Mondays: Spread Your Wings!!!

spreading-my-wings-butterfly-maria-martinez

Source: Fine Arts America, Maria Martinez

Hello, Dreamworld!  Welcome back for another segment of Become a Blogger Mondays!  As you know, I like to share my experiences and advice about what I’ve learned within the blogging realm, thus far.  By now, the new bloggers who began on this journey with me are not so new anymore!  They have a little bit of experience under their belt and are trying to boost their brand, their reach and their content.  I can’t stress enough how important expansion is for your site.  A couple of weeks ago I discussed consistency in posting, but once you’ve developed your consistency, it’s time to take it to the next level.  Here are some tips on how to SPREAD YOUR WINGS:

1.  You don’t just want to tap into your regular following.

It’s extremely imperative that you are dipping into unique pools of visitors, followers, readers, etc.  Gaining momentum is all about expanding past that group and making “new” people aware of what you have going on.

2.  So how in the heck do you do this? Well, social media will be your new BFF!

Writers, journalists, artists, etc. all have a distinct advantage in 2012.  We have the world at our finger tips.  Use what resources you can…that’s what I call the “low hanging fruit!”.  Don’t be afraid to post your links/articles on Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, etc.  As you know, word of mouth is POWERFUL!!! So a friend can pass along your site link to their friends and it creates a domino effect and before you know it, there are people you don’t even know reading your stuff.

3.  It’s not just a virtual world…get back to the basics.

There’s something to be said about people who still have the ability to speak in-person and network.  Sure, social sites are amazing, but be sure that you are still MEETING people and giving that good ol’ firm hand shake.  What do I do? I go to events, I volunteer, I work with other bloggers, I sign up for media coverage at events…there’s so many things that you can do to physically be in someone’s presence.  I must say, sometimes that can leave more of a lasting impression than just forwarding a link along.

4.  Don’t be afraid!

It’s hard to just put yourself out there and share your mind with the world, but don’t let that stop you.  Fight past the nerves and be open!  What’s the worse that can happen? Someone doesn’t like what you write? So what! You write for you and followers are just a bonus.  Be confident and don’t psyche yourself out.

I hope this has helped you on your blogging journey!  Feel free to ask any questions and/or add your own tips!  Thanks for visiting Danithedreamgirl!

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It’s Time to Get Real! F What You Think!

I’d just like to start by saying that I’m not sorry for what you are about to read.  This is my blog, this is my mind and it’s every bit of my prerogative to share what I want with the world.  Call it a last straw, call it the straw that broke the camel’s back, call it what you want, but that moment of clarity has arrived.  When you get to the point when all you want is total and complete happiness, you are willing to do any and everything to get it, including being selfish! YUP, selfish!  It’s all about me, me and me…me.

I’m at the point where I just don’t give a hoot about certain things such as:

-People who walk out of my life

-Judgmental people

-Misplaced blame

-Ungratefulness

-Being taken for granted

-DISrespect

-Immaturity

-Stupidity

I learned a very valuable lesson this past week and that is to not allow myself to be treated anything less than what I am worth, by anyone…family included.  If you choose to not support me, that’s fine…different strokes for different folks, but please step aside and let’s do away with the fake smiles.  If you can’t be genuinely happy for me, pack your bags, your belongings, your space, your breath and exit the building.  Sometimes people put up with more than they should and they keep negativity around and they fight for something that hmmm…wouldn’t fight for them.  I’m taking back control of my life, my circle, my bubble!  I’m so focused, I can taste the success.  I will not allow myself to be derailed.  My dreams are being protected!

Thanks for reading luvs!

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A Night Out With Dwele!

I had the pleasure of attending the Gypsy Soul & Infiniti Entertainment Present the Fourth Anniversary Ear Candy featuring Dwele & Nicholas Ryan Gant event, this past Wednesday in Baltimore, MD.  The event was held at a very quaint establishment, Teavolve Cafe, that allowed personal and up-close, face to face time with the artists performing.  Dim lighting and an eccentric crowd was the perfect recipe for a stimulating evening.

Not only did I attend the event, but I was part of the exclusive Q&A session with Dwele before the performances began.  It was a great opportunity to learn more about his journey and see him interact with fans as he signed their copy of his new CD, Greater Than One.

Dwele’s Q&A Session

Dwele Signing CD’s for the Fans

The Fans Waiting to Meet Dwele

Dwele Signing More CD’s for Fans

The Amazing Dwele

Check out a small bit of what he shared with us:

Q: What’s the same about all people you meet?

A: That’s a tough question! If they are at my shows? They have a great taste in music.

Q: In this new era of R&B/Neo-Soul, what artists are you inspired by?

A: I’m inspired by living!  I may have Bilal setting the mood, but you may find 2 Chainz or some Future in the whip!

Q: Why does it take you so long to come out with an album?

A: I don’t like rushing music.  I stay out on the road…when you’re constantly busy, time flies!  It’s not intentional.

Q: Were you born to “live” by just living or did something happen to make you live that way?

A:  I was always into music since a very very young age.  My father inspired me…he got me into instruments…continuing on with that was a way of keeping my father with me.  As far as living like an artist, I put out the Rize album just to see how people felt.  I just wanted to see what would happen.  I only dropped 100 albums and in my mind I was platinum (lol)!  From there I met Slum (Slum Village).  Also, bootlegging was just getting started then and it created a buzz for me.  It really helped me!  At the time I was working at AAA (Triple A)…if it worked out, cool!  If it didn’t, cool!

Q: What’s your favorite song?

A: That impossible! They’re all my babies.  My favorite song off of Subject would probably be the title song.

Q: What do you want your fans to know?

A: I thank everybody for supporting me. I love you! I’m gonna keep bringing you that good music!

I just loooove the fact that he is so humble and was nice to EVERY single person he came in contact with.  Take a look at some more pictures of Dwele, as well as, some pics of Nicholas Ryan Gant performing songs from his latest album.

Me and Dwele

The host of the event also sang her heart out…

Nicholas Ryan Gant Performing

Nicholas Ryan Gant

Dwele Rocked Out in the Crowd

Dwele Sits Down to Do a Radio Interview

He Started to Sweat When Asked if He Was Single!

Overall, I had an AMAAAZING evening and I was nothing short of entertained! Thanks for visiting the Dreamworld!

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Become a Blogger Mondays: Be Consistent!

 

 

Hello Everyone!  Thank you for visiting my world for another edition of “Become a Blogger Mondays!”  As you know, there are many benefits of having a blog site, but in order to keep reaping those benefits, you must be diligent in posting regularly.  Everything is pretty much tied to how often you post, when you post, the things you post about etc., so it is important to remain consistent in staying true to your readers and build a rapport with the virtual world.  Here are some tips and examples of what has helped me remain consistent with posting:

 

1. Create set days for posting.

 

It took some time for me to realize that this was key, but with some guidance and following successful blogs, it was clear that setting a schedule for myself would really help with creating posts on a weekly basis.  For example, I block out Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays for definite posts, so anything that I may feel the need to post in between those days, is strictly at my leisure (i.e. no pressure).

 

2.  Keep a personal “life schedule”.

 

No matter what I have going on or no matter how busy I am throughout the day, I always set at least a half an hour aside to work on my site (sometimes more).  This time can be used for anything (writing, maintenance, design, etc.).

 

3.  I stick to my blog’s overall theme, but throw a curveball every once in a while.

 

I think it’s important to give the readers what you say you are going to give them.  My whole blog is based around chasing your dreams, living outside of the box, inspiring others to follow their dreams by interviewing people who have made it or are on their way, etc.  But every once in  while, I like to have fun with my posts and tap into a unique visitor pool.  I manage to remain consistently inconsistent (lol).

 

4.  I put it in perspective.

 

When all else fails, I force myself to maintain my site.  In order for me to achieve the goals I’ve set forth for, danithedreamgirl.com, I need to stay on top of what I do.

 

 

As always, I hope this helps and feel free to add your tips in the “Comments” section.  Happy blogging and I will see you next week!

 

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They Want ME? Yes, They Do!

Bloggers have different goals for their sites.  Some do it just for the fun of it and others use it as an outlet to branch into other things like: blogging for other sites, to make money, to build their brand, etc.  I, myself, am open to any and every door that opens up for Danithedreamgirl.com.  With that said, I’m blessed to be able to say that I’m taking major steps in the right direction!  I’m officially part of a growing team at MuzikTalk.com.  They are a brand new site that is launching this winter and will be a great resource for EVERYTHING MUSIC!  You’ll be able to get information on current events within the music world, updates on new music and it will also be an amazing tool for all music artists.  Up-and-coming artists, or established ones, will be able to promote their projects and their skills with MuzikTalk and of course, I will be one of the selected bloggers bringing you interviews and highlights from around the music industry.  My main focus will be to cover the genre of R&B, but if you know someone who is looking to break into the industry (within any genre), send them my way!

If you would like to submit information/tracks from your current or upcoming project(s), email info@muziktalk.com and become part of a community that is going to help promote you!

This is an amazing opportunity and I’m definitely looking forward to this new piece of my journey!  My dreams are becoming a reality; I hope you are all paying attention!

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