By Erin
I’m a pretty small-time blogger, but I love it.
I watched as some of my blog idols tweeted about their fabulous time at Blissdom. Sounded amazing, but probably not for someone like me, I thought.
Then I heard about Relevant – a conference for Christian women bloggers. Their tag line really spoke to me – “Blessing your family, Engaging your world.” Wow – exactly where I want to be.
Again, I thought “Not for me.” But this time it was a money issue. I’m a stay-at-home mom. My husband is a medical student. Not a lot of money flowing around here!
At this point, the “get a sponsor” conversation started on Twitter and I was very intrigued.
I hopped in on the Twitter party to find out more. And I was inspired. So many great tips and encouragement for us “small” bloggers.
So, that night, I wrote an e-mail because of one of those tips and what I know was a leading from God.
“Think of companies you already have a relationship with.”
A company came to mind right way.
I sent the e-mail that night, asking if they were going to have a presence at Relevant, and if not, would they like one? I started with that and one or two ideas of what I could do for them in return. But nothing too in depth – probably a little fear of rejection there.
Then I prayed.
I got an e-mail back within 24 hours. They were interested and wanted more details.
More details and more ideas went their way and within several days, it was set.
I had a sponsorship for Relevant!
I cried. This company that I already adore wants to work with me AND send me as a representative to a conference I REALLY want to attend? Unbelievable.
So my next question was, “why me?” I don’t have a huge blog. I don’t live near their headquarters.
So I asked them, partly because some of you had asked on Twitter why a company would pick a “small blogger.”
And here were their reasons:
- They knew me already. I wasn’t someone who had never been in contact with them before.
- They already knew I supported their product AND actually use it in daily life.
- Sure, some of my promotion ideas were good, but what I had already done spoke louder to them than anything else.
- They appreciated my genuineness.
In my mind, this is all a God thing.
But maybe this story will be enough to push you to pray and ask.
Hoping to see lots of you at Relevant!
About the Author:
Erin is at “Home with the Boys” after five years as an elementary music teacher. She is a follower of Jesus Christ, wife of a medical student and stay-at-home mom to two boys - all loves of her life and areas of inspiration for her blog! You can also find her on Twitter – @elmusic4kids
What a blessing! I’m not in the blogging position where I have relationships with any companies at this point. I’m glad that it worked out so well for you though!
I love how her post encourages even those who haven’t been blogging long and don’t have killer stats to try for sponsorship! Sometimes it’s truly about creating a relationship and being authentic.
Fantastic! You’ve inspired me to approach a company that I’ve worked with several times in the past. Thanks for the nudge!
So glad her post inspired you! That’s the whole purpose of this site…to inform and create confidence!
Glad to hear this helped! Can’t wait to hear how it went for you!
Sending prayers your way!
Awesome!! I love that you have used God in this whole thing… if it’s His plan it will happen!
Congrats and I will see you there, sponsor or no sponsor (I’ll sell some of this junk to go! LOL)
That’s the spirit! Looking forward to meeting you!
And it was ALL a God thing – so glad He is in control!
Thanks for the encouragement. I’m getting ready to start contacting companies as well!
You’re welcome! My prayers are with you as jump into this!
What a great site you have!! I am a new follower and am excited to read more.
Welcome and thank you!
~Tamara
Great post!
The greatest hurdle to overcome with regards to sponsorships (IMHO) is just asking or beginning dialogue with a potential sponsor about it.
I have never done it. Something about it scares me beyond belief. This is my year to overcome that fear.
Your post makes that seem doable. Thanks!
It IS doable and I will be praying for you as you step out there!
You can do it!
Thank you for the post! As a new blogger looking for a sponsor to Relevant 10 it was very encouraging to read. Thanks again! – Michelle
Glad it could help! Praying for favor with companies for you!
Thanks… that’s so kind of you! Hopefully I’ll see you in Oct!
I recently won a trip to camp blogaway which included the registration. I didn’t let that stop me and decided to seek sponsorship for travel and had a very similar experience to you! I now too have my first sponsorship and am so very excited!
http://www.stockpilingmoms.com
Awesome! What a blessing!
You have encouraged me to write my fist sponsorship letter…praying even if it doesn’t work out I will be motivated to continue seeking sponsorship.
So glad her post inspired you!
I am encouraged by this post. I am not sure if anyone cares to share more about exactly how they started the dialogue for the sponsorship and how you exactly figure out – what you can do for them etc… but that would be something I would love to know more about. Thanks for sharing!!
I’m working on gathering some posts on this very topic and hope to be able to post them within the next month or so. I think lots of people would be interested in reading more on this topic! Thanks for stopping by and I am glad this post encouraged you.
I was wondering if you’ve completed that post and could direct me. I stumbled upon this and glad I did. I’m still totally clueless about “sponsors”, let alone getting sponsorship to a conference! But definitely interested! (smile)
I’m so glad I read this! You helped de-mystify the process, and encourage me to just send some emails and see what happens.
Praise the Lord for such a quick and exciting answer to prayer!
That is awesome! I want to go to Relevant too! It gives me hope!
It is definitely possible to get a sponsor. Just stay confident and don’t get deterred by “no’s.” Let us know how it’s going!
And thanks for stopping by….
Thanks for the encouraging post!
Glad you enjoyed it!