Based out of New York City and Canada, Cinny is the mommy to JR and Baby Pom. When not working or studying full time, she can be found working on Whirlwind of Surprises or cuddling with her hubby and playing with her dogs. She shines in the warm company of friends and family and enjoys playing with her 3 little nephews.
Bloggers are considered members of the press.As such, I pride myself in bringing you the coolest and the latest while being fully professional. My honest and straightforward opinion is represented on Whirlwind of Surprises and I put out quality work. I feel it reflects in the increasing numbers of press events I have been invited to cover.
As bloggers, we are also social media specialists. We draw attention to products, events, causes, or even sometimes, our personal lives. In doing so, we support and provide exposure to brands we back.
Here I am at my two press events recently, both within 1 day, in my Sleeveless Penelope from Karina’s Spring line. It’s so fresh and colorful that it chases away the winter blues. I was able to run from the live taping of The View and interview with Ted Allen (host of Food Network’s Chopped) to the Peterson Chiropractic event and even enjoy a girl’s day out in the city because Karina was with me.
There are many different types of press events. I’ve attended anything form a big fully sponsored trips to ones where I had to transport myself there. It all depends company, their budget, and how they work with bloggers. Sometimes, they haven’t even thought about crossing that bridge yet. It’s not just PR companies though, it also depends on you.
5 tips for getting invited to press events
1) Work on your blog and social media networks
Present quality pieces, not just quantity. It’ll get you noticed. Stay active on your social media networks, like twitter. My tweets landed me a fully sponsored conference job last year.
2) You have to know that some press events are geographically limited
For example, my blogger friends in California receive many more press event invitations because there are just more local events.
3) Brand relationships are important
Make use of face time. Create and maintain relationships with brands because they’re more likely to work with someone they already know. I have spoken with many brands in person and none of them are interested in one-night stands.
4) When other bloggers go on press trips and events, interact with them using the twitter hashtags
You may get noticed for brands through this support.
5) When you do get invited to a trip, have fun but remember to stay professional as it is still work
Promote the event and brand on your blog and social media networks. Tweets are being tracked by the brand so they do know if you are supporting them or not. Make sure you are prepared…do some research and have a game plan.
If you were invited and you agreed, please SHOW UP or let them know in advance that you cannot make it. It is a matter of being professional. Not only are you wasting the PR company’s time, you are also holding up a much wanted spot. When you do go, dress professionally (shameless plug here for Karina dresses because I love wearing their dresses to PR events.) because first impressions DO matter. After the event, follow up and express your thanks and show appreciation.
Good luck!