Brands and Bloggers in Harmony

So, I usually don't write about "stuff" on my blog.

One, because there have been rumblings in the "mommy blog" circuit for a few months about earning money while telling the story of a sick kid.  And I have a sick kid.  And I really don't want to alienate any of my readers by making them think I am trying to make a quick buck off of him.  Although a quick buck wouldn't be so bad.  Just kidding.

But two, this blog venture of mine is about my writing.  I want to get better with my words.  For what purpose, I don't know.  But I enjoy it and it is helping me to heal.

Yesterday, I spent the day with a FABULOUS group of women (and they are fabulous both collectively and individually) at an SV Moms Group event talking about relationships between brands and bloggers.  So many interesting points were raised, especially by my bloggy friend @MinkyMoo, who raised a good point about the importance of brands getting to know the bloggers they are pitching.

In some part, I think the reverse is also true.  I think in some part the brands need to get to know the products they are pitching!

I was shocked to walk into the room of 14 hand-selected brands to find that only a handful were actually interested in talking to me about how their product could fit my needs.  Sure, my "niche" may not be for every brand, especially since my "niche" is rather small and specialized.  But, I am first and foremost a consumer.  And as every good marketer knows, in order to reach a consumer, you have to be passionate about how your product is going to fit that consumer's needs.

So in the upcoming days, I will be highlighting those products that I absolutely LOVED that really do fit my needs.  And the funny thing is, it was with the people marketing those products that I spent the most time.  Because between stuffing my face with artichoke fritters and pepper-crusted salami (thank you Ritz-Carlton, THANK YOU!), I was able to have passionate, engaging conversations about the product with people who were passionate and engaged ABOUT the product.  In my mind, this is the most important.

I would like to thank the wonderful publicist from @TLC who took the time to listen to me rant about things.  Thank you for not shoving a cupcake in my face or smacking me upside the head with a flip-flop.  I appreciate the honest and open conversation we had.  You rock. 

I would also like to thank the people from BitDefender and BitMoms for listening to our feedback as consumers of the internet.  It takes confidence and grace to address a room full of moms and solicit their opinions openly and tactfully.  I really appreciated how open you were to our suggestions.

And lastly, to the lovely women of SVMoms, DC Metro Moms, and Philly Moms, thank you for the sparkling conversation, great support, and the wonderful welcome you gave me into your fold. This was my first blogger event as a "professional" blogger and I really enjoyed my time.  I learned a ton from you all!

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I was offered products at this event for my own use, no greater or fewer than the other ladies that attended.  My opinions are my own and were not influenced by any paid advertising or these free items.