It’s a New Year and that means a new post on blogging tips! This time around I would like to discuss YOU being the Captain of Your Own Ship. What do I mean by this you’re wondering? Let me explain. I had a very shady experience happen to me not too long ago and I’m going to try my best to make it brief.
A lady invited me out to be apart of a panel discussion not too long ago. I was thrilled. I was running around trying to get my hair and makeup done, find an outfit and more. I posted the event flyer on my blog(which I rarely do for free), on my other media outlet sites I write for and I tweeted,tumblr’d it and facebook’d the event continuously.Why did the night before the event, she had someone call me and say my services would NOT be needed. I didn’t know what to say! I felt violated, used and abused! It was my fault though because as old as I am, I should have smelled the bullsh*t a mile away! Basically she got FREE media promotion out of me and I got NOTHING in return.
Or how about this situation: Have you ever applied for media credentials to cover an event for your blog and then when you get there, the host/event planner/pr person tries to boss you around like you work for them? Yes, that bothers the heck outta me! Don’t fall for it people! Be the Captain of your own ship and speak up! In a nice way you have to let people know that although you are very grateful that they allowed you to cover their event, you are in NO way their employee for the evening! You have no idea how many events I have went to where they treat you like you should be “happy” to even be at their party/event. I beg to differ and a few times I have even walked right back out the door. I don’t need the extra aggravation and these same people will be the ones emailing or calling you the very next day asking for free photos and when are you going to write up the post on their event, chile bye!
Or I hate this one. You agree to come out to an event and stay a few minutes and they try to send you a list of things to do while you are there. WTH? See thats when you definitely have to let them know, look you are NOT paying me(if that’s your agreement) and I think I will pass. Or you can let them know,I still would like to come out to your event but all those activities you have going on, I will NOT be participating in and leave it at that. I just don’t understand the balls of some of these people lol. I do understand that at some events they are giving you a free ticket, or V.I.P. access but come on now, it’s just getting a little out of hand! I also get that people do act like they are for real media and just want to come to a party,eat, drink and network on your dime. I’m not that chic though lol. I don’t drink and I don’t want your snacks. I’m good and I get PLENTY of stuff sent to my house so I don’t want your goody bag either! Smh!
Think about it.If you add it up, by the time you spend money on babysitter,gas,getting an outfit,hair & makeup, valet parking,your time covering the event,snapping photos,editing photos,writing up recap, etc…who is really winning here? No mam!
I’m sharing this information with you because it happened to me and after I had to get a few folks together they have learned now to respect me and my brand. I don’t want you to fall for the okie doke! Speak up,be direct, be firm and let them know in a nice way that you are the Captain of Your Own Ship.Till next time! xoxo
