The Story of Modern Mix Vancouver

As Modern Mix Vancouver recently reached our 5-Year anniversary (celebrated by a reader appreciation party in May 2013), this is a good time to reflect on some good questions I have recently been asked about how I got started with blogging.  InNetwork, a company which connects influencers like Modern Mix, with marketers and other brands, recently contacted me and they were interested in sponsoring a blog post on my story as a blogger, so here it is!

Blogging on Modern Mix Vancouver since 2008
Blogging on Modern Mix Vancouver since 2008

I grew up in Vancouver; by being at the right place at the right time, I happened to “be in the know” about new restaurant openings, sample sales and new club openings. I didn’t know who to share this information with, so I started putting it on a blog.

When Modern Mix Vancouver started in 2008, I caught social media during a time when it was just starting to explode with brands. Facebook started in 2004, Twitter in 2006. Foursquare, Pinterest and Instagram weren’t even around yet! All of these new and social platforms make sharing information easier, and because of these tools, the opportunity to be an “influencer” is now more accessible than ever before.

2009 vs. 2013.
2009 vs. 2013.

Especially within the past year, I’ve noticed that bigger brands are recognizing bloggers as a legitimate channel for marketing. This means that bloggers like Modern Mix Vancouver are provided with opportunities to get an insider’s preview on story ideas, new products and launches.

A lesson in Mixology with Bombay Sapphire.
A lesson in Mixology with Bombay Sapphire.

Some of the most innovative opportunities I’ve received with Modern Mix Vancouver includes being flown across Canada to participate in a trivia contest game with Dodge Canada, participating in a fashion blogger challenge at Metropolis at Metrotown (which eventually led to a contract writing opportunity), speaking on holiday trends at Nine Westhaving a mixology lesson with Bombay Sapphire, and of course, throwing MMV’s 5 Year Anniversary Party.

Giving a style presentation on behalf of Modern Mix Vancouver at Nine West.
Giving a style presentation on behalf of Modern Mix Vancouver at Nine West.

As a Vancouver lifestyle blogger, I think it’s very important to me to not forget the origins of my blog – to keep my readers up to date on lifestyle and events in Vancouver. Sometimes it’s easy to get caught up with the big, national brands because they are the ones with experience and expertise to put together a PR and marketing pitch to the media.

I’ve been making an effort to not forget about all the local brands and retailers which also have great products and services, but could benefit from an “influencer” like Modern Mix Vancouver to get their brand out to our readers.  For example, with the recent “Vancouver Designer Spotlight” series on Modern Mix, we’ve had a chance to chat with local jewelry designers who each have a story behind their creativity in designing and producing wearable works of art.

Vancouver-based Bones & Stones in the Vancouver Designer Spotlight Series.
Vancouver-based Bones & Stones in the Vancouver Designer Spotlight Series.

So what’s next?  As a hobbyist blogger, I love all the opportunities I have received and experience I have gained through Modern Mix Vancouver.  I don’t think I’ll ever be short on content to write about – new brands and businesses will always continue to launch, and events will always be put on in our city.  Some upcoming events to check out this summer in Vancouver include the Vancouver Farmer’s MarketTheatre Under the Stars and the Yaletown Outdoor Movie Night.  As long as the opportunities keep rolling in to write about, I look forward to writing about them on Modern Mix Vancouver!

This post is sponsored by http://innetwork.net.

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