The 3 Key Things I’ve learned about working with Brands

Whether we’ve been in the business six months or six years, we as bloggers and influencers, will be approached by brands. For most of us, including myself, working with brands is the goal. The first time I received a email from a brand two years ago, I was so excited. But the scary part about it was, I didn’t have a clue as to my monetary worth at that point in the game. I was new to blogging..I didn’t have a lot of followers on Instagram, or a community that frequented my blog. What I did have was confidence in the content that I created. I loved it, but wasn’t sure that any one else would, especially brands.

The first brand that I accepted an offer from, was a watch company. This company offered me product in exchange for my services, and I was perfectly fine with that at the time, for two reasons. The first reason was that the watch was a quality piece. The second was that it was my first brand partnership, and I wanted to get experience. I did two campaigns with them, and was very pleased with the work I delivered, and also happy that I choose a brand that aligned with my style and aesthetic.

In the short time that I’ve been blogging, I’ve turned down quite a few offers from companies that just didn’t fit with my brand. But, I’ve also made the mistake of accepting a couple of offers that were just totally wrong for me. I tried to make a square peg fit into a round hole. It was a total disaster. Navigating the business side of blogging can be a bit tricky. The road can definitely get bumpy. I’ve learned a lot over the last year, and there’s a few key practices and principles that I follow now, when working with a brand, or considering working with them.

1. Be Authentic

First and foremost, only work with brands that totally align with your morals, aesthetic, and personal brand. I know this is a blanket statement, and if enough cash is involved, its hard to say no. But if you would never in a million years, wear the type of clothing that the brand sells, or eat the type of food products they make, don’t partner with them. Would you use their appliances, or decorate your space with said brands furniture? If the answer is no, I wouldn’t suggest partnering up with them.

I know from personal experience, that it can be very tempting to snatch that check, and fake it. I also know the emptiness that comes alone with being untrue to oneself. How it feels knowing that you have compromised your own personal brand. I’m here to say, its not a good feeling, and usually not worth the price we pay with our dignity.  Sometimes a brand might not be exactly who you would normally afiliate with, but it feels doable. Look, I’m gonna keep it one hundred with you all, in the future, if I’m offered five or six figures to represent a product that isn’t far removed from my norm, that’s a comfortable fit, your girl probably will do it.

I know it sounds like I’m double talking, I am kinda. What I’m saying is, if it feels wrong, it probably is. When working with brands its important that we believe in the product that we’re representing, or at least feel comfortable. If we don’t, it will definitely be evident in the quality of the work that we produce, especially if the work involves putting your voice or face to a campaign, unless you’re one helluva good actor.

2.Keep It Professional

Whether you’re emailing, interviewing or networking at an event with a brand, remember to keep it professional. No matter how comfortable the contact person might make you feel, this is business at the end of the day. You want to always give a great impression. In this day of text messaging regularly, instead of talking on the phone, one can easily loose focus while emailing, and start to write in abbreviated terms. It’s super important to give your emails a once over before hitting send. Another thing, no DMs please, unless the brand prefers to communicate that way.

Being a blogger or influencer can have its perks when it comes to where meetings and interviews are held. If you find yourself in one of the trendy eateries, or a beautiful meeting space instead of a stuffy old office, don’t forget that you’re there to cut a deal, and how you conduct yourself is super important. Its kinda like the office holiday party..don’t say of do anything that you’d be a shame of later.

3.Know Your Worth

Even if you’re a blogger who’s just starting out, don’t sell yourself short. The most important thing that I’ve learned about working with brands is, that if they approach you, they want to work with you. Now this doesn’t always translate into them being fair and respectful in terms of what they offer you for your services. Some brands, unfortunately are looking for something for nothing. Those are the ones you through up the peace sign to. In other words see you later..no thanks.

It might take some time before you’re really comfortable with asking for what you’re worth, but as you garner more and more experience, it’ll start to become second nature to you. Also don’t be shy about asking other bloggers that you’re familiar with, how much they charge for a similar service. Always consider the amount of time it’ll take to deliver quality content, and if there’s any expenses involved, like photography fees, traveling expenses..etc.

As you grow in the blogging industry, always continue to educate yourself on the business of blogging. I’ve found a ton of useful information by checking out the blogs of more experienced influencers that I admire. If I could only say one key thing about working with brands, and blogging in general, it would always be stay true to yourself. At the end of the day..that’s all that matters.

Until our next stylish encounter, as always loves…stay inspired.

xoxo

Photos:@wildnyc