1.  Please tell my readers a brief summary of how you came into the blogging /writing world.

I began writing online in 2006 through 2007, as I spent that whole year learning how to walk again. I needed something other than physical therapy to pass some time. I had always enjoyed writing and stumbled on blogging towards the end of 2008 and have never looked back. For me, blogging was a form of therapy and it has helped me find a new purpose and a new lease on life. 

2.  What excites you most about social media ?

I love the fact that people can grow businesses through social media, connect with good people all around the world, and it’s also fun to try new things. And let’s face it, social media is always changing so there is always something new to try. Many of my closest friends today are people that I have met through blogging. Blogging has given me the chance to help connect others. Through my love of travel and enjoying talking with people, I have been able to help people make connections that they would not have had. 

3.  You have made such an impact in Northern Iowa with your social media skills. Do you feel that people are embracing social media and understand what it can do for them individually and for their businesses?  What piece of advice would you give a business who wants to utilize social media to the fullest?

North Iowans still have a ways to go. They are smarter and safer online than they were four years ago, yet many people in the midwest, including North Iowans, do not understand that we have a global economy and social media can be the anchor to the world. Ongoing education through the North Iowa Social Media Breakfast Club has helped, but there is still much more work to be done. My advice to business owners would be to take advantage of any education that you can when it comes to social media. The people that have physically worked in this space do want to help businesses, but businesses have to be open to the education and help that they need. It’s truly rewarding to take a company that is not using social media, to three years later when they are hiring a full time marketing manager (social media included). Once a business realizes the global reach through social media, a lot of new doorways open for business owners. The people that work in the arena of social media, bloggers included, are a fantastic resource for business owners.

4.  If you have one destination that you have traveled to so far that you would have to say is your favorite destination what is it and why?

 

I would have to say the Alabama Beaches all the way! The area is affordable, home to beautiful beaches, and the people are friendly. That speaks volumes to me when traveling. 

5. You have recently stepped into the arena of publishing ebooks.  What is one piece of advice to anyone who wants to venture into that area of writing?

 

Start writing them. Here’s some advice in one blog post. http://socialsaraconnections.com/social-media/tips-for-writing-your-first-ebook/

 

Lisa, my business partner with MidwestTravelBloggers, and I have written three ebooks, as of this writing.

 

Top 10 Things To Do In Omaha, Nebraska

Top 10 Things To Do In Mason City, Iowa

Top 10 Things To Do In Clear Lake, Iowa

Lisa Trudell and Sara Broers

 

 

 I have also written an ebook on How To Start A Social Media Breakfast Club

6. Tell me one thing that you think my readers would like to know about you.  It can be something about you personally, something that you have set as a goal or advice you have to share. 

In 2006, I never imagined that I would be writing ebooks, speaking at conferences and mentoring other bloggers. If you have a passion for something, make it happen. In those early days of 2008, I knew that I wanted to travel more, but I had no idea how to make it happen. Blogging was the gateway for me. I did not wait for that call or email to come, as I reached out to others and waited for a response. I can honestly say that I have heard the word NO more times than YES. And that’s because I have asked a lot of people for a lot of things. By reaching out to others, I have been in the driver’s seat and have been able to set my course of action, in my business. If you do not ask, the answer is always no. Most importantly, remember this. You do not know who the person knows that is sitting next to you.

7.  Anything else you want me to tell my readers?

It is a wonderful feeling to help a new blogger soar to the top and watch them shine. The power of a friend and smile are more than you will often know. The beauty of blogging is that you can blog from anywhere in the world. I live on a farm in Iowa, have the opportunity to travel the world, and help other people, all due to the internet and social media. 

 

I truly have the most supportive husband on the planet. Without his support, I would not be where I am today.