I’ve been sharing some of what I’m learning about this whole trying-to-make-money-blogging thing. I’m no expert, and still consider myself fairly new too this, but I am leaning a little.
You might want to check out the previous posts in this series. In part 1, you’ll find a list of where to find sponsors, and in part 2 you’ll find some samples of email drafts you can use to actually approach the brands you found. Feel free to copy and paste.
Now, for part 3. My personal favorite-Rejection.
I’m not being sarcastic when I tell you it’s my favorite. It really is, and I’ll tell you why.
Here’s my list of why rejection is good for you.
1. Rejection keeps you grounded.
It reminds me I still have a lot to learn. I may have some basic knowledge, but sometimes it’s just enough to get rejected. And that’s OK. I’ll get there. I’d rather be humble and know I’m new and inexperienced, than have a big giant bloggy head! If you think you’re entitled, that’s a sure fire way to end up disappointed!
2. Every rejection is a learning experience.
Even if the answer may be “no”, I still got something out of approaching that brand. I had to draft the email, revise it, and send it. I had to overcome my fear and believe that I am worth sponsoring. Before I ever get the response, I have the experience of asking. That’s way more than I had last year!
3. If you’ve been rejected, at least you got a reply!
Many times I approach a brand only to hear crickets. I’m positive that many of my emails have been deleted or thrown into the spam folders of social media departments everywhere. I know this because I have gone without any response at all from many brands. But, when someone rejects me, they have taken the time to read my email, and respond. Who knows? Maybe they even peeked at my blog to see if it’s a good fit.
Rejections are usually coupled with a valid reason why they cannot work with you, and sometimes, it has nothing to do with you or your blog. It could be that they have already exceeded their budget for the year or season. Perhaps they only work with bloggers that have a certain Alexa Rank, and you’re not quite there yet. Rejections are responses! Follow up in the future. Take notes!
Call me crazy, but I have a file in my email for rejections. I’m going to go back and try again next time.
4. Rejection forces you to revisit and revise!
Maybe your pitch needs to be perfected. Perhaps you should include more information? Maybe it’s too wordy and you need to cut it short? If you’re getting rejection after rejection, there’s probably a good reason why. Try to figure that out before you send your next email. Have a friend proofread your pitch. Sometimes a second pair of eyes can help! I’m happy to do this if you need a pair of fresh eyes.
5. Rejection reduces fear!
Don’t believe me? Try it!
One thing I’ve learned so far? That company you think would never want to work with you actually would! Hitting send is harder than actually being told “no”. It’s not the answer that I’m afraid of, it’s the pitch. Every time I approach a brand, even if they tell me no, my confidence is built. I did it! I believed in myself enough to pitch my blog or my idea. If they don’t like it, that’s OK. Someone will.
Don’t be scared of rejection. It’s good for you!
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Love ya’ll! I really do.
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Thank you so much for these steps. I have being blogging for nearly 5 months. An like you said rejections makes you stronger and gives you more of an idea as what to pitch the brands. But I am trying and so far contacting companies I like to do reviews is working for me. I already have a few reviews to do so I’ll say taking the first step is the hardest the rest is easier. But that has work for me. An I am so happy
Thank you
wendy vides recently posted..Friday Oh sweet end
Twitter: fiercedivablog
says:
When I was submitting fiction several years ago, the rejection letters were very helpful because most of them contained good constructive criticism or gave me clues as to where my writing didn’t fit in and could fit in. The rejection helped me revise and refine. More great info as always. Thank you!
ilene recently posted..How to Be Kick Ass on The Fly
Twitter: AlisonSWLee
says:
I prefer to be told no then told nothing. So you’re right, a rejection email is definitely better than crickets. They may even keep you in mind for a future campaign!
Alison recently posted..How To Pitch To A Blogger
I still haven’t gotten the courage to put myself out there. All of your posts are helping me to build up my courage though. Thank you for sharing all of your experience with us.
Kristen recently posted..Sisters With Pride
I love this series you’ve done – it’s been informative AND helpful. Maybe I’ll get some guts to look for a blog sponsor!
Missy | The Literal Mom recently posted..Might I Present My New Look?
Twitter: themommymess
says:
It means so much that you find it helpful!
Thanks so much for sharing this Adrienne, I just got rejected and this has helped me a lot. Have a super blessed day! Love
Ugochi recently posted..YAY! I WAS FEATURED!!!
Twitter: themommymess
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So glad the timing was right for you!
Twitter: experbadmom
says:
I love your attitude! And you’re right…better to try than not to try. I’m learning, too, as we try and approach sponsors for my son’s baseball team. They have rejected me for valid reasons: 1 because their advertising budget for the year was gone (but try again next year) and 1 because our son’s games are usually in an area where the store doesn’t have a presence, so why would they advertise there? I used that rejection to pitch sponsorships to brands/local companies that DO have a presence where the games are played. We’ll see! Live and learn.
Katy @ Experienced Bad Mom recently posted..This Week’s To Do List
Twitter: themommymess
says:
Good for you for asking though! Someone will say yes!
Twitter: personalaccent1
says:
I love your blog! Thank you for the 3 part series on how to find, approach and take no from sponsors. It is a bit mystifying when you are starting out. It is all good advice. I am going to start right away. Great blog!
Angela – My Personal Accent DIY Blog recently posted..Did I Mention I Hate Spray Painting Metal?
Twitter: themommymess
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Hi Angela, Thank you so much! I’m so happy that you liked this series. Good luck! And be sure to come back and tell me how it goes.
These 3 posts were one of the most useful I’ve ever read! Thank you for sharing! I also prepared a media kit, but still don’t have a huge army of followers, so I’m still postponing the whole sponsor process, but after reading all this, I might even try it sooner than I thought I would.
The Stepford Wife recently posted..Seven days till Valentine’s – seven hearty craft ideas
Twitter: themommymess
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Your comment makes me so happy!! I’m glad you liked the series!
Twitter: hittlistblog
says:
I just learned what an RSS fee was just from you website. LOL..totally unrelated! BUT this was great info. I am going to give it a little more time and craft a letter in a few weeks maybe. When I do, I’ll let you know how your great advice worked! THANKS!
Hitt List Blog recently posted..A Look at Painters with Portfolios
Twitter: themommymess
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Glad to help! Let me know how it goes!