O M G- I just returned from the best blog conference I have ever attended, EVO10 and I have so much to share with you all about PR, brands, relationships and the evolution of this wild, wild west atmosphere we are all currently in. There were so many brilliant speakers and one on one conversations that I had and I promise to keep sharing those this summer but this is a conversation that I had with a very lovely, smart and genuine pr rep, Karie Reynolds at Grand Avenue PR. We shared a shuttle back to the airport so keep in mind I was running on a lack of coffee so this is at best paraphrased.Make Your Pitches Relevant- As bloggers we constantly moan and groan about the completely irrelevant pitches we get sent. Apparently some reps feel the same way, completely contradicting the advice I once gave. Thus, proving the evolution of our world. Do your homework. Most reps work with many brands. Tell them specifically what clients and products you want to work with and why. For exampleMy name is ____________, I blog at __________________. I am having a new baby and writing about my experience. I have seen the new ______________ made by __________________ and would like to try it out. ...
PR Monday: Your Reputation
Last week I had a great lunch with some blogging friends and Chris Byrne, The Toy Guy. The topic of conversation eventually turned to moms and reviews and giveaways. We all agreed on this basic truth: Your reputation in blogging is all you really have. Being a somewhat anonymous venue it is hard sometimes to remember that everything you do and say contributes to that reputation whether positively or negatively. But at the end of the day and all the SEO and traffic tricks out there, if people don't trust you the gig is up.So, how do you focus on being trust worthy?Be consistent with your social media. Your personality on your blog should be YOU and YOU should be YOU across all venues. Don't fall victim to multiple blogger personality syndrome.If you take a PR opp, DO IT! Sadly it doesn't always happen. Communicate with the PR Rep if you are having issues getting an opp done. They are depending on you but they also understand that we are moms first. Communicating is really all they ask.Make sure any sponsored posts or ads fit into your value system and personality of your blog.Take giveaways seriously. Get your winner their prizes asap.Manage your offline personality. There shouldn't ...
Disney’s Club 33 Review
Ah, the mystery, the allure, the exclusivity of Disney's Club 33! Walt Disney's private club hidden inside the New Orleans area of Disneyland. It's only mark on the outside is a simple 33 posted on the door near the exit of Pirates of the Caribbean. There are many stories about the who, what, when, where and why's behind Walt's creation of Club 33. It is a legendary place among Disney fans and it is rare to get the opportunity to visit. The general consensus is that Club 33 was opened by Walt as a place to entertain the original 33 investors of Disneyland. However, it says on the menus that is named simply because of its address. Believe what you will. It is the only place within the main (old) park that serves alcohol to this day. It is said the wait list for membership is about 15 years long. The fee's are quite steep. Most families that I know who have had the chance to visit work for one of the companies that have a corporate membership. So, what is a visit to Club 33 really like and what is the hype all about? You start your day by going to guest services outside of the park. You pick up day passes for your family to the park. These don't have your name on it and ...
PR Monday: PR VS. Advertising
Last week I complained about irrelevant pitches and why I think bloggers should start using the NO word. I got a few emails. Just a few but enough to make me want to clarify the difference in my mind (which is a scary place to be) and when the situation warrants you charging.I want you to say NO when you are being used for free advertising with no personal gain to you.I do not charge for every pitch I do! If someone approaches me with a pitch that is relevant to my blog, I am interested in or truly think you would be, I happily accept it. NO CHARGE. That is PR! That is the two way street "Win-Win" I am always preaching about here. Kinds of pitches that fall into that category for Elementary Spirits: educational games, science info, and experiences I can share.BUT, if I am approached with a pitch that is irrelevant, I am not interested in and I know you wouldn't be either than in my way of thinking they are asking to use my platform to spread their advertising. That is when I would charge! Kinds of pitches that fall into this category for me are:" tell your readers about our contest" and "our newest product that has nothing to do with families."I just want to add in that there is ...
PR Monday: Stop Selling Yourself Short! PLEASE!
Sadly it seems that the middle ground for the pitches I receive is rapidly disappearing. I either get really, really great pitches or really, really bad ones. This is one of those that falls in the really bad category. I want to share it with some of you to show WHY I think this is a pitch that most people should pass on. I know when you are new to this you get all bubbly when a PR firm picks you and it is easy to get tricked into taking all the pitches that come your way. So lets dissect this one and if you still think it is worth your time at the end that is OK! We all have our things we will work for peanuts for. Just be educated about when you are doing it.Hi, I have an item that you may like for your Blog. Blah Blah Company (I changed the name), a leading provider of school uniforms, this week launched a $15,000 contest in which kids who attend a school that has a dress code can show the world what makes them unique and special. The contest is titled, “Blah Blah Contest,” and it is designed to provide a forum for kids to express their individuality. Kids and their parents can enter the contest by visiting www.blahblah.com and following the instructions regarding submitting a ...