First of all, I am not an expert, and everything is based on my personal experience of my 4 year journey in this blogosphere. After relocating over and over again, surprisingly, Manchester, UK is one of the locations where I have found myself working with the brands and PR the most. People always aim for the capital such as London because it is a big city with a lot of opportunities (I agree!) However, working in a smaller city where the industry has been expanding can be the right option too. About a year in this city, I have had an opportunity to work with a lot of online retailers, brands, or even Adidas NEO (still they sponsored me to London). So, I would say that opportunities are everywhere if we have something to offer. I have got a lot of questions regarding the PR and how to contact them, or how to get an invitation to the fashion events. So, here are some of a few tips that work pretty well for my relationship with them.
1.) POLITENESS IS THE KEY
Bloggers and PR people are like a magnet because we need each other to complete our goals in this industry. Bloggers are important, PR also necessary, yet no one is the 'VIP' so don't be a cocky type. Be polite when writing or reply an email, not acting like 'PR you need to give me space to attend that event because I am a blogger!' No no, those words are like a suicidal way to degrade oneself. Whenever we contact the PR team, just be polite in every way. It is the best way to represent yourself as a professional blogger, not a freebie greedy. I have had some emails from the PR who didn't know how to write the message. "Hi, do you have a photo we can use? Thanks" <-- Thanks!? First of all, this is not a friend kinda internal-pal, or anything like that. I found it rude, and it kept pushing me away from working with that person. Remember my 2 P, polite&professional.
2.) SCHEDULE THE PUBLISH DATE
It is very crucial to let the PR or the brand know when we are going to publish our post. If we are busy, just tell them that the post may be delayed or it will be in a few months away because of the busy work. If they are alright with such plan, then there's no worry at all. I think the duration of a month or two is fine, as long as, it is not being postponed for 6 months. Actually, that case has happened to my friend's brand whose blogger published her photo with the product almost a year after receiving the item. In this way, we can avoid pushy email too!
3.) BE CLEAR ABOUT THE PROPOSE OF THE POST
Last year, there were a few annoying emails which I wish I do not have to deal with anymore. The PR just kept emailing back and forth to add this and that, and somehow it was my fault too that I wasn't that clear about the purpose of the posts. In order to avoid the confusion, and frustration, just ask them what do they want, or even tell them the voice and content of what are we going to write for them. At least, we won't have to feel stressful when emailing with the unclear messages with them.
those lace up boots are super cute! working with PR of brands is so important, and being professional with them is crucial. great advice!
ReplyDeletewww.samanthamariko.com
You're cute as always! Thanks for sharing your tips :)
ReplyDelete- Mariah-Ruthel
http://mariahruthel.blogspot.ca
I believe so that in UK you get plenty of collaboration I seen it with other bloggers. You look amazing great color coat.
ReplyDeleteRule number one, always be humble & polite. I've seen some cocky bloggers who think they're divas & that's not very nice. Great shots, dear! xoxo
ReplyDeleteGreat tips, especially regarding politeness - so important! Love those lace up shoes.
ReplyDeleteBella Pummarola
wow!!! sooo interesting post!!!
ReplyDeleteI love this look, super jacket
ReplyDeleteI'm still trying to figure out how to work with PR brands and how/where to reach them. And thanks for the tips! They were really helpfull! Btw, you look gorgeous ;)
ReplyDeleteLove, Marie Roget
very interesting post. Love reading it :)
ReplyDeletegail, i love how you always give such practical tips. it's very helpful really! so thank you very much ;)
ReplyDeleteGreat tips! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteThestyletune.blogspot.com
Great tips! I completely agree that politeness is key. It can sometimes be hard since you can't hear someone's tone over email, so I always try to be overly nice. A smiley face never hurts! haha
ReplyDeleteJamie
http://www.treatsandtrendsblog.com
great post! love the pics, thanks for sharing
ReplyDeleteGreat tips, I love your honesty. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.racheldinh.com
Thats a nice coat you are wearing.
ReplyDeleteJenny’s Bicycle-Indian Fashion Blog!!
ur ideas makes sense. don't know but Indian Pr's are usually crass and impolite and confused lol.
ReplyDeleteBesides this I totally love the colour of ur jacket .
New Post on my blog, do drop by soon ,<3
✿thefashionflite
✿twitter
✿Bloglovin
✿FaceBook
tus zapatos son lo mas
ReplyDeleteVery nice post! You look gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteEliana,
http://around-eliana.blogspot.pt/
I love how you incorporate your style and advice into one post Gail. The part where you mentioned a blogger not featuring someones product until a year later!? What?! The longest time for mine to be put up is like a month and a half!
ReplyDeleteIsobel x
New Post - http://fashionistachic14.blogspot.co.uk/2015/12/beauty-make-up-revolution-redemption_14.html
Blog - http://www.fashionistachic14.blogspot.co.uk
Instagram - https://instagram.com/isobelceline/
Bloglovin' - https://www.bloglovin.com/blogs/fashionistachic14-12984939
Such a nice look love the shoes !
ReplyDeleteSara,
www.thecrimeofashion.com
It must have been so interesting to have relocated so many times and I agree with how you mention opportunities are everywhere if we have something to offer! Great point on being polite and professional at all times too :)
ReplyDeleteGabrielle | A Glass Of Ice
x
ps. love the photo of your smiling!
Dear Gail, wow, you look fantastic in your look and the lace-up boots are really cool! I agree to the points you mentioned here and I see you are absolutely experienced in this matter. In general I have the opinion in business it is an advantage to be as clear as possible and also in this context!
ReplyDeletexx from Bavaria/Germany, Rena
www.dressedwithsoul.com
Great tips! Thanks for sharing your experiences.
ReplyDeleteI like your coat in this outfit too, looks so cosy! :)
Away From The Blue Blog
Nice post. I've also had a few unfortunate mishaps with PR. Communication is important but sometimes they never give you space. However I agree that being polite is the best way to go about it.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.mimosasandme.com/2015/12/stocking-stuffers-for-rich-and-poor.html
It was a text about the lack of reciprocity on the internet mainly.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful, I love the jacket!
http://heyimwiththeband.blogspot.com.br/
Thank you for your good advice!
ReplyDeleteI can put off my stress to confused PR communication!
akiko
Super classe :)
ReplyDeleteheilani.blogspot.fr/