Lemon & Mint
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PRs and Bloggers #FTW

Teamwork makes the dream work

This year my career took a change of direction. Not a dramatic one I admit, but nevertheless, I left my comfort zone of advertising to go into the world of PR. And yes, it is quite different. Managing people’s expectations (and emotions) has become another string to my bow. It has been quite the learning curve and it’s given me a better insight into how PR agencies and bloggers can work better together.

And seeing as bloggers and PR companies both want the same results (great content), we should be working to help each other out, right?

PART 1: ADVICE FOR US BLOGGERS

Remember, PR people are human too

Yes, I didn’t believe so until I crossed over to the dark side. I thought they ran on batteries and that their smiles were plastic (sometimes they are when it’s waaay past their bedtime and sometimes they are genuinely happy to see that you’ve turned up to their event).

Even though it looks like a dreamy job – the eating out and being out and about all the time –  it can be tough. They take calls and work beyond regular office hours. If your client has an event, PR people are there until the client is soothed and satisfied (which can often feel like never).

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Apply real-life etiquette

I’m sorry if this sounds preachy and unnecessary but I’ve been guilty of not doing some of the following, so it’s just a little friendly reminder that good manners go a long way.

Respond to that invite – Even if it’s a ‘thanks but no thanks’ it helps a PR team to finalise numbers and ensure there are enough food, gifts, and space for everyone to leave the event happy.

Share your feedback and thanks –Thanking your host and providing feedback, whether it’s good or bad, (not just backbiting to other bloggers) is helpful and constructive to ensure future events are better.

Don’t be scared to pitch ideas

PR account managers are busy people. They don’t always have the time they’d like to have to devote to finding creative ways in which you can work with their client. So, if you have an idea for a great collaboration, pitch it. You might just come out of that meeting/discussion with something that will add real value to the blog and appeal to your readers.

Stand out for your professionalism

Whether you’re in the blogging game for fulltime work, for a creative outlet, or just for the love of your chosen subject, it’s good to approach it with a professional attitude. If you’ve attended an event and written about it or shared a PR on your site, send the link to the relevant PR contact. It’ll make them very happy – you’ve just saved them some time browsing the web in the search for coverage. They’ll appreciate the gesture and you’ll be one their go-to list.

Image result for wedding crashers
photo from: therisetothetop.com

Event Crashers ruin things for everyone

Let’s be honest, bloggers in Qatar get a bad rep. We’re seen as freeloaders. People who would attend the opening of a packet of crisps (chips) if we think we’re going to get a free meal, goody bag, voucher out of it.  The Event Crashers don’t help this situation.

I’m talking about the people who have turned up uninvited and unannounced to an event when it has been stated that there are limited numbers. And, even if it doesn’t state limited numbers, isn’t it nice to let people know you’re coming so the PR and the client are prepared for your appearance?

In the short-term, you might be getting something out of it such as a free meal, or giveaway but in the long-term, the only thing it gets you is a bad rep.

Are you a blogger? Would you like to take the baton, and write the follow up to this post, which might be how PR agencies and brands can work better with you?

Lemon & Mint

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