Conversations•
on October 9th, 2011•
One of the things I love about the blogoshpere and the twitter-world is that there is almost never a dull moment! And that could not be more true this weekend!
It started on Thursday when Jenny, aka The Bloggess, wrote a post about a pitch she (and other bloggers) had received from a PR firm. In short, it was one of those typical “you don’t know me, my blog, or my audience, otherwise you would not be sending this to me” type of a pitch. Most of us just hit the delete-button when we receive those pitches but not Jenny. She likes to help “educate” those PR firms, in a way that only Jenny can.
So, the drama unfolded. In short, the VP of Brandlink Communications mistakenly hit “reply all” and sent an unintended and extremely inappropriate and unprofessional email response about Jenny to Jenny herself. Opps. You can read story over at TheBloggess.com and more commentary on MomCrunch {here and here}.
So, my question to you, do you think that this PR company can recover?
Let’s face it, we’ve all made mistakes, especially when it comes to email/blogging/social media, in either our personal or professional lives. We’ve sent an email to the wrong person. Sent a public tweet when we really meant it to be a DM. At one time or another, we’ve shoved our virtual foot into our virtual mouth.
And we’ve survived.
Bigger companies have made mistakes. Offended bloggers. Pissed us off. How did they bounce back?
Or did they?
Also, how do you think this will affect the continually changing relationship between bloggers and brands/PR firms?
Conversations•
on September 14th, 2011•
With the growth of ideas, DIY tutorials and things like Pinterest I’m wondering if we’re seeing a social shift from an Expert to an Innovator. I no longer dial my electrician, mechanic or plumber before I head online to see if this is something I could easily, painlessly and cheaply do on my own.
You even have DIY builders. We’ve all seen the sites, been enamored with the things you can accomplish when someone else is giving you the information for free.
This begs the question – what are you? And how does this affect your online identity? As a writer/blogger? Social media company?
Bloggers used to brag about being experts on all things (pick your niche) and now – we’re a dime a dozen. What sets us apart and how are we keeping the lines between “Them” and “Us” bold enough to differentiate?
It’s not enough, anymore, to add your voice to the loudest conversation in the world. You have to figure out a way to be the one holding the mic. How do you do it?
Conversations•
on August 17th, 2011•
Do you have something you’d like to add to the conversation?
Gleek Retreat is currently looking for a couple contributors to write (or recycle) some posts for the blog.
If that sounds like something you’d like to do, great! We’ll still be posting and publishing articles and items of interest pertaining to the conference throughout the coming months but know that you have something wonderful to say, too.
What will writing for Gleek Retreat do for me? (oh we know you’re wondering!)
We’ll be promoting the articles on Facebook and Twitter all the while giving you due credit.
You’ll be a valuable creator of the community that is Gleek Retreat 2012 (and we’re a pretty fun bunch!)
You’ll have the opportunity to be in-front of a wider audience, possible cross promotion and inclusion will be explored.
You’ll gain experience if you’re new to writing outside of your current audience.
Are you in?
Conversations, featured•
on August 12th, 2011•
Are you ready to collaborate with other bloggers, websites, business or individuals? How do you know when it’s right for you?
We’ve found that a some key fundamentals need to be in place in order to work well with others and being able to share and dole out constructive criticism is among the most important. Here’s how it works for us: Stacey and Jodi of MediaTreats, LLP which brings you all Gleek Retreat among other fantastic opportunities.
First, you have to like each other. This seems simple enough but there are collaboration opportunities all over the place, if you don’t play well in their sandbox you’re not doing anyone else a favor by sitting on the side haphazardly pushing the sand around with your broken shovel. It’s ok to move on.
Learn how to say no. When collaborating it’s usually a good idea to have someone who’s great with ideas and big thinking and someone who’s amazing at harnessing that into actual work, lists and ways to pull it together. If you’re both (or all) big idea-hunters you’re going to run short of execution every single time. You also do not have to say yes to every collaboration project that comes your way. Be aware of your own limits and where your Brand needs to stop bleeding into someone else’s.
Be identifiable. Keep your own identity apart from collaboration. You bring something unique to the table, don’t give it all away to the project/contract/client. They wanted YOU for a reason.
Share and play nice. Once you’ve found a good fit or even while you’re hunting for one – do not be the hoarder. We all know who the hoarder is and no one wants to work with them. That doesn’t mean you have to work for free or give out all your resources or contacts but the Golden Rule applies to creating relationships within the vast and ever-changing boundaries of blogging and collaborating.
And lastly; Be a resource. This goes along with playing nice and sharing, but bring something to the table. You have to offer up your percentage of the collaboration to make it work and to make it a lasting relationship. Are there two of you collaborating: then 50% of it is on you. Someone has the idea, you have the contact? If it’s a good fit and the opportunity won’t dilute your identity or brand then I think you’ve got a great start.
What tips can you share with us on Collaborating – from a past collaboration or present: we want to know!
