Event Partnerships: Goals, Expectations and Value

I purposefully did not call this event sponsors. Honestly, our whole idea of blogging is not about sponsoring us. It’s about partnering with businesses to fulfill a mutual benefit. Maybe it’s semantics, but this is how the Savvy Blogging team views our relationships with brands.

There are so many fabulous events to attend as bloggers. In fact, the event list has become so long, and somewhat overwhelming. But, before you think about what to put on your business cards, might I suggest you back up and take a big picture look at the reason you are doing what you are doing and why you are going where you are going?

Review Blogging Goals

Before you even think about what brand you want to partner with, go back and look at your goals. We have shared why blogging goals are important. Over 100 bloggers have shared their professional goals this year as well. When you reach out to a potential brand partner, they need to understand what yours goals are.

There are no right or wrong responses to this, but if you are managing your blog as a business, goals are critical to have focus and direction. Any potential business partners need to be made aware of those.

Establish Personal Expectations

Why do you want to attend XYZ event? This should relate into what you want to achieve, and hopefully fulfill a goal for the year. Or, at least help.

As you review the list of events, since they are overwhelming, it is SO easy to get lost in the frenzy and excitement over “I just gotta go and hang with you.” And, that may clearly be the entire motivation or goal for going. If that’s it, then skip over this part. If not, then read on.

As you look at an agenda, think about your goals. Create a list of personal expectations and what you want to achieve from this event if you were to attend. Make a Pros/Cons list for each event you are considering. Before you pitch potential partners, having this established will make it easier for you to relay what you want to achieve and get out of the event, and partnering with them.

Determine Value for the Brand

See, as we call this Event Partnerships, that’s what brands want. You to be an extension of their brand. You could call it an Ambassador, but that’s not it. Your pitch could include various items that an Ambassador role fulfills though (which we’ll get to next). Brands want someone who will be the voice, face, blood of their brand in their absence. Can you exude that passion for them? How will your partnership add value for the brand? Why YOU and not the other blogger in the same niche as you who equally loves them?

Also, don’t misunderstand passion with overbearing and annoying. You WON’T want to be the blogger who has a Brand Partner and does this…

“Hi, my name is XYZ Blogger and I’m here thanks to X Brand. Here’s the free sample they asked me to give away. Hope to see you around.”

Wait, did they even ask my blog name? Does that person I just met even know if I would have a need for that product. Um. no. If a brand wants a more aggressive personality really selling the brand, is the event you are selecting the right place for that. I’m not sure many blog events like pushy and aggressive. Unless we’re fighting over who’s singing Karoake next…

Ultimately, the reason a Brand will want to work with YOU is because you are YOU! Your unique influence needs to fit the brand’s story. Can you organically fit your love for their product into your conversations with other fabulous bloggers? Your new friends will remember your conversation – your story – months after the event is over. Just remember, that means good…and bad.

Up next…the 3 P’s: Pitching Potential Partners.

Andrea publishes Savings Lifestyle (formerly Mommy Snacks.net). Her mission is to “Save on what you need. Spend on what you want.” The brands she partners with are well aware of her site’s mission and business goals.

This post is the Blog Conference Newbie’s Blog Hop Conference At Home. Find more “sessions” at home when you visit Blog Conference Newbie.

Photo Credit: Billaday