I was so excited and honoured to be invited to speak at this event founded by the wonderful Lucy Hall  and I knew it was going to be a great opportunity to connect with others and absorb heaps of advice and tips on how to enhance my customers’ experience.

I’ve taken so much away from my time at this event, but if one thing stands out for me as I reflect one week on, on my experiences, it’s the power of social media to industries and disciplines to open up opportunities, cultivate understanding and develop relationships which, in turn, enable businesses to flourish and people to grow.

Of course digital marketing isn’t without its perils, mental health and keeping and our young and vulnerable people safe online is a matter very close to my heart.

But if ever there was a perfect example of how digital marketing can be used to help others, make connections, nurture relationships, and, well….be KIND…then this event was surely it!

Take the example of my own path to the event: little did I know that, in doing my thing, reaching out and connecting with others online, offering help, support and generally trying to be useful (and kind), I would make a connection with the lovely and super talented Lucy Hall who is the mastermind begind Digital Women and these amazing events, would not only invite me to attend the event but also to present a workshop on How to create a website (in 20 minutes and make it fun!)

You see, the wonderful truth about digital marketing is that, whilst it’s fundamentally an online creature, it spreads out shoots offline too. With a bit of attention and nurturing, these shoots will establish roots and ultimately you’ll see them blossom into healthy, positive and flourishing relationships.

If you engage authentically, as yourself, and proceed with a genuine desire to be kind, open and helpful, you will make connections that translate beautifully into real-time, real-people relationships which will enhance not only your business but your personal experiences, confidence and offerings too.

Succeeding online isn’t about shouting the loudest, or running as fast as you can in an attempt to overtake the competition; on the contrary, it’s about standing confidently in your own brilliant uniqueness and really listening to others. Dig deep, find out what your potential customers and community really want and give it to them: respect them, value them and show them that they matter: this in turn builds trust, loyalty and enduring relationships.

The long and the short of it is that if you really want to stand out online and achieve your own version of success, then your focus should be on building communities, developing bonds and collaborating with others.

I have many memories to treasure from my time in London, and they’re all filled with the passion and energy, the kindness, the encouragement and the shared inspirational vision of so many great people at a truly great event.

Digital Marketing is bringing us together, it’s opening doors and empowering us to succeed in business and as individuals.

Being a part of Digital Women Live was a glorious reminder of that for me; it’s made me reflect on how far I’ve come and how thrilled I am have the opportunity to meet such amazing people And, as I reflect one week on, making pland sfor next year and focussing on what’s next…  there’s one thing I can say for sure: I certainly wouldn’t want to have been on this journey alone!