08.09.2019 // Friday Charades

Jennifer Lake

5 years ago

This past week on Instagram Stories, I talked about a favor that I need to ask of you. It’s not like me to ask for favors. Frankly – I’ve never been good at it (i.e. I never want to inconvenience someone or be a bother). However, this favor is important to me, and I hope you know by asking it, it truly must be.

Fohr, an influencer marketing company who connects brands with influencers, has released a tool called “follower testimonials” (linked here). Basically, it’s a quick survey with a few questions that ask why you’ve chosen to follow me (on Instagram or this blog). Based on these responses, Fohr is planning to connect brands with influencers who make sense for campaigns.

As you may already know, paid campaigns are one of the ways that allow me to continue to run this blog. The influencer space is extremely competitive and saturated – making it even more difficult to stand out (or be picked) for brand partnerships.

Additionally, campaigns are not a “one-size-fits-all” model. While the money would have been nice, I’ve turned down countless offers this year since they companies were simply not a fit. Walmart, for example, has sent no less than five offers. Each time I politely declined. Do I shop at Walmart? Sometimes – typically when I’m in Wisconsin with Bob where we pick up toiletries. But do I purchase home items or clothes from there? No, never. It doesn’t mean they’re not a great brand! It’s just not an authentic fit for me.

Am I thankful the brand thought of me? For sure! It’s an honor to ever be considered! But by saying “yes,” I’d be taking away an opportunity from another influencer who genuinely buys things there on a consistent basis. Above all – you, my smart, savvy reader – would see RIGHT through it. And I’m not about to live that life (or have that type of blog).

Have I done collabs that first felt like a stretch? Sure! I remember painstakingly reviewing Tide Cleaners and Clorox for hours. But analyzing these opportunities, I realized all three were indeed perfect fits! Bob and I use, shop, and remain loyal to all of those brands! Our laundry room and kitchen storage are filled to the brim with items from them. And, with the right content concept, I could make the imagery for these brands feel authentic and truly my own. I’m so glad I say “yes” to all of those brands, and I hope they’ll work with me again.

What I’m getting at is that paid collabs are hard to come by, and when they do, I’m not quick to say “yes.” However, I love being at the negotiation table. Getting to the table is hard enough as it is. Staying at it? Even harder. Therefore, by you taking a moment to fill out the Fohr questionnaire, I have the chance to vie for a seat. Any seat. In doing so, it allows me to continue to work with amazing brands, tell unique stories, and hopefully bring imagery and content that brings a smile to your face.

Thanks for doing me this favor. It means the world! Have the best weekend!