Blogging has created a new revolution in the way people connect, receive and share information. Major corporate companies are beginning to recognize this and are wanting to tap into this market for publicity and advertising. In some ways this is a good thing. Bloggers are finally being recognized for their hard work and dedication. On the other hand, many companies are new to working with bloggers, and think it is easy to get free advertising, publicity and/or consulting.
As a blogger, you have a voice and a power that many celebrities couldn’t even hope to have. It’s time for each one of us to recognize, with a humble heart, that we have value and worth when it comes to influencing and motivating the masses.
It’s easy to become star-struck when you receive an email from a big name company that wants your advice, or wants you to share something with your readers. I’ve had many companies ask to “pick my brain”, without a promise of anything in return. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not someone that constantly thinks “What’s in it for me?,” but I work very hard doing what I do. I recognize the potential for a company to profit from my free advice or publicity. With how hard each of us works, we owe it to ourselves to not sell ourselves short to a market that is constantly trying to cut corners and use/abuse the so called “little man.”
Whether you blog as a business or not, it’s best to always be cautious when a company contacts you and wants you to work for them without a promise of anything in return. You wouldn’t go over to the local supercenter and stack shelves for free, so don’t do freelance and consulting work for free either. Recognize your value as a blogger as someone who holds the power of social media and influence.
Related Helpful Articles:
Do Big Brands Exploit Mommy Bloggers Who Work for “Prizes and Rewards”?
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Public Relations People and Bloggers Can Work Together
How Much Should Mom Bloggers Earn
Crystal blogs at TheThriftyMama.com where she works full-time every day on her blog, and doesn’t sell herself short when a PR company emails her wanting to “pick her brain” or receive free advertising.
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I’m new to the world of blogging and just stumbled on to this site. I agree with you that bloggers should receive compensation depending upon their contribution to a large firm or the services that they’re providing.
You might enjoy this interview with Harlan Ellison about getting paid for his services. He’s very earthy but I think it is relevant to your post.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mj5IV23g-fE
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