“Kids Business always put on a phenomenal event that brings together bloggers with brands. This event for me is something that I have grown to majorly appreciate. Kids Business get a lot of brands that I don’t think I could have ever gained collaborations with, without the help of their events. If I was to ever have to miss an event hosted by Kids Business I am always kicking myself as I just know that so many valuable relationships come from their events” Nikita, NJT Blogger

During a Bloggers Brunch, there are brands participating who are interested in starting and developing relationships with you. If you are interested in forming more blogger/brand relationships, here are some tips from bloggers who are working with brands they met via the Kids Business Bloggers events

Bloggers include:

• Kim-Marie from Kimba Likes
• Amanda D from Mummahh
• Georgia from Parental Parody
• Amanda from Real Mums and Diary of a Mad Cow
• Anorina from Samelia’s Mum
• Caz from The Truth About Mummy

What did you think about the Bloggers Brunch events?

Kim-Marie- Christie Nicholas and her team from Kids Business are a fabulous resource for bloggers and companies who want to connect.  Their professional and friendly approach towards the business of connecting likeminded bloggers and companies means their events are run smoothly and achieve fabulous results.  I have attended various events such as the Bloggers Brunch^TM and charity fundraising project launches, where I have connected with various organisations whom I continue to have working relationships with.  I have also participated in sponsored review and promotion projects.  It is a pleasure to be part of the Kids Business family as they make being a blogger so easy, with their interesting and relevant events, as well as clearly defined requirements for both brands and bloggers.

Amanda D– These are fabulous events. As a blogger you don’t often get the chance to meet other bloggers face-to-face, you are stuck in the cyber world. At these events you can catch up and network with fellow bloggers. In addition to meeting like-minded people who are passionate about blogging you also have the opportunity to meet with brands and create relationships with them. The Bloggers Brunch events give you an opportunity to connect with brands that want to connect with you.

Kyla-For bloggers who want to work with brands these events are a must-attend, getting in front of the brands that you want to work with and being able to talk face to face with the people involved in the brand is invaluable.  The events are very well run with great speakers, good food, a chance to catch up with other bloggers and a consistently good line up of brands keen to work with you. I really enjoy the events and am always looking forward to the next one.  As a result of the events, I’ve done a lot of work with Philips, and I’ve also worked with Brauer

Georgia- The previous brunch was the best event I’ve ever been to, and just this week I’ve entered into further blogging work for both Target and Lenard’s.  Your Blogger events are by far the most fruitful and useful.

Shae – The Bloggers Brunch has been a great opportunity for me to catch up with other bloggers and to see what brands have on offer. And now I’m an ecostore brand ambassador!

Amanda – Kids Business, thanks for the opportunity to meet some awesome brands, yet again, at your Bloggers Brunch. Whilst I have some evil plans for many of them, I just wanted to let you know that I have created a great relationship with Mix Apparel from the November 2011 event. 
Having the opportunity to present myself to them and meet with them at the event, I now blog for them on a regular basis (and they pay me for the privilege, which is a bonus!) and have recently secured a sponsorship deal with them as my clothing sponsor for my presenting role on Room To Grow. I’m really excited to be working with them … so just wanted to let you know.

Kate – I love the events Kids Business puts on.  It has been a fantastic opportunity for me to connect directly with some really strong, iconic brands who share the same values and target market as I do.  Christie short circuits the whole process of engagement between bloggers and brands by putting them together in a stylish, fun and energetic environment.  Babysitters and More is proud to sponsor Kids Business events by providing onsite babysitting for bloggers with kids in tow!

Caz – I have truly enjoyed attending the bloggers brunches.  I think my favorite was the BBQ in Melbourne – that was such a great relaxing and informative day. I always leave feeling inspired and having networked with my blogger buddies as well as being shown some brands that I know are open to my approaches as a blogger.

What should bloggers do to make the most out of the events?

Amanda D- Don’t be afraid to ask questions or approach brands and other bloggers. These events offer a unique environment that can provide not only brand and product information that can assist with content for your blog but the knowledge and experience of other bloggers is worth tapping into. I always look at the brands that will be attending and choose which ones are relevant to my readers. Even so, it’s good to keep an open mind about brands you may not think you have a synergy with. Be a sponge and aim to take away as much information as you can – you may be surprised at what you find.

Kyla– Plan. Look at the brands attending, figure out who you want to work with, who would be the best fit for your blog and reader base and make sure to visit them, ask them questions and follow up after the event. The events are busy and the brands are speaking to lots of bloggers so take interest, make an impression and make sure to follow up, even if your blog does not fit the brand, a quick “Hi, it was nice to meet you” email can go a long way to keeping you in mind when that person talks to other people in the industry or moves on to a brand that is more fitting

Laney – Bloggers’ Brunches are a good chance to make an impression with a brand you are interested in.  Have your elevator pitch ready and some questions you want to ask them.  Remember, it’s the start of a relationship, what you want to do with it will be largely up to you.
Shae – I think it depends on what you want to get out of the event. If you want to review a lot of the freebies and samples on offer then it’s a good idea to bring a big bag to take it all home in! Having your details on a business card is an easy way to pass your info on to brands an other bloggers easily. Don’t forget that the networking with other bloggers is just as valuable (and more fun!) than working with brands.

Georgia – Research.  Know the brands. A Blogger’s Brunch is a prime opportunity to engage directly with brands, and you can’t do that if you don’t know what they’re all about.  Take the time to familiarise yourself with their latest products, as that’s what they’re most likely going to be showing and offering.  Going in knowing what will be most relevant to your readers really helps when it comes time to chat with brands.

Amanda – Be clear on what you are. What is the purpose of your blog, what is its point, what are your values and, most importantly, how does it work with the brands at the event.
Is it about informing your readers about products out there, generally, or specifically? Or do you really love a particular brand and would like to work more with them? Or something else?
All these options are fine, but know what you want to get out of it before you go.
Also, be open to ideas and don’t let your expectations cloud your experience.
Remember, also, that while you have a goal and know what you want to get out of the event, so to do the brands and companies there – while you’re thinking “What’s in it for me?” also keep “What can I do for them?” at the front of your mind … that is where some brilliant things can happen!

Kate – There are two things you definitely must do at Kids Business events (i) meet the brands, tell them about who you are and what you do and then understand from them how they want to connect with your market (ii) meet lots of other bloggers – it’s a great community with a lot of support

Anorina – Firstly, I think bloggers should have some quality business cards printed up and have them ready to distribute. These events are always crazy busy with a lot of mingling and chatting, so if a business card stands out, it will make more of an impact and make the blogger more memorable to the Brand representatives.
Secondly – Try not to be shy, and chat with the Brands represented on the day. They’re probably nervous too, so take that first step, approach the table (or setup) and say hello.  It’s all about connecting with the Brands which you want to work with and which would be a good fit for your blog and your readers.

Caz – Remember this is an introduction. It’s a bit like speed dating. You take the numbers/cards/samples of the brands you like the look of so you can hook up with them later. How you choose to hook up is really up to you and the brand. Just remember the brands are already interested in working with you – otherwise they wouldn’t be there in the first place. In my opinion you leave the events with no obligation to blog about anything. If you take gifts they are simply introductory gifts. The business should happen after the event – when the real relationship begins.

What feedback do you have for brands who want to work with bloggers?

Amanda D– The Bloggers Brunch is a brilliant opportunity for brands to get their products and services out there. Bloggers are skilled in the “cyber- world” and can find information about your brand on the web. But it is these events that give brands face-to face contact with bloggers and the opportunity for “touch and feel”. I would encourage brands to make use of this by offering samples, demonstrations and insights that can’t be found elsewhere.

Kyla– Research, read the blogs and figure out which ones have a reader base that will fit with your brand and keep an eye out for those bloggers especially on the day. Tell bloggers what you’re looking for and if you don’t know make sure to say that you’re open to suggestion

Caz – Be really clear about what it is you are offering and why you want to work with bloggers. Most of us love the idea of being PR friendly and want to work in partnerships with brands – but we can be a little reluctant to put it all out there and risk you rejecting our ideas (Yes we can be a bit fragile like that too). Work on win/win scenarios. So we both get something we want. From our end it might be free products we love to try with our family, sponsored posts, brand ambassadorships or something totally different. Tell us what you want and we can work towards making it happen in a way that makes us both happy. I don’t want this to sound harsh but be aware that most bloggers won’t work with you for a $10 sample product. (At most it might get you a Facebook mention or instagram picture.) We are not a ‘greedy grabby bunch’ (as some in the media would have you believe) but we do like to have our work respected and valued. Blogger put A LOT of time and effort into their blogs (often for many years) in order to build up their readership and enjoy being approached with respect for that in mind. Brands are doing this increasingly well.

Did you approach the brands after the event, or did the brands approach you?

Amanda D– I have attended three Bloggers Brunch events and have created relationships with many brands (directly from the event). In most cases I have contacted brands post event and found they are more than willing to work together. Some brands have approached me which is brilliant.

Kyla– A bit of both, I prefer it when brands approach me as it’s always easier knowing that they have thought about what they want out of their blogger outreach marketing strategy and generally have a budget or product spent amount in place. If I am particularly keen, know the brand would be a good fit for my reader base and have had a positive brand experience myself I don’t hesitate to approach the brands with suggestions

Georgia – A bit of both, really.  I approached brands that I was particularly keen to engage with.  Even if it was just handing over a business card or completing a registration form, not necessarily engaging in a lengthy conversation.  It has all resulted in new connections, opportunities and relationships.

Amanda – The brands have either contacted me in one way or another; either following up after meeting at a Bloggers Brunch, usually asking what I thought of their product at the brunch. For brands I’ve really wanted to work with, I’ve made a point of contacting them, saying hi and “thanks”, just to keep contact.
In the case of Mix, they clearly had a goal in mind, and I was approached, with a bunch of others, about blogging for them. I thought long and hard about how it fit in with my goals, and considered it from their perspective as well.

Shae – I approached ecostore. I was very keen to work with them!

Kate – I approached the brands.  Just put yourself out there!

Caz – Generally I find that if you approach brands with ideas they’re really pleased you did. It’s well worth the effort to sit down and have a good think about how you could create an interesting post about their product before you discuss it with them – especially if you do genuinely do love their product. It’s easy to sit back and wait for brands to approach you – but I think you’d be surprised at the reactions you can get if you take the first step and show some creative initiate. It also means you get a post that ‘fits’ your blog and reflect much more of your own personality.

Did you come up with suggestions for the brands in terms of what you could do for them on your site?

Amanda D– It is best to work with the brand so there is a mutual benefit. Brands will usually discuss what results they are aiming for and I offer suggestions on how my blog can help them achieve that.
Both of you need to be comfortable with the chosen execution and I have found all brands I have worked with to be really approachable and easy to work with.

Georgia – Not at the Blogger’s Brunch.  I personally didn’t really get that in-depth on the day.  I have since engaged in giveaways and reviews as a result of the contacts I made at the Blogger’s Brunch.  In the lead up to all of that, there was an ongoing dialogue about the logistics – what the brand wanted to communicate, how and where I could work with them (whether it was a sponsored post, a giveaway, Facebook Page and Twitter mentions etc.).

Kyla– I have a clear strategy for my sites and if I’m keen to work with a brand I will always suggest something in line with that and negotiate from there. Knowing what you can offer brands is always a great place to start

Laney – Come up with some great ideas and pitch them, make yourself memorable and follow them up after.  I emailed ecostore as soon as I got home from the Bloggers’ Brunch and suggested a catch up over coffee.  That started a relationship that lead to my blog ambassadorship with ecostore.

Shae – We had a discussion about what we both wanted in terms of exposure and brand afflilation. I suggested sponsorship to both the DP conference and advertising on my site. They we also keen for some sponsored post and being a brand ambassador so we negotiated.

Amanda – With Mix Apparel, I worked with them on their project, then, once I felt comfortable, I approached them re some other ideas and projects I have going. I came up with the idea/suggestions and worked with them on making it happen.
Other brands, I’ve contacted them with ways in which I think we can work together that go beyond “just blogging” and I’ve tried to be creative in ways I can expose their brand to my readers.

Kate – Yes I did, but this obviously needs to be done knowing who your target market is; what your readers are interested in and what your brand and personal values are.  The brands I have worked with have all had a very good idea of how they want to work with me, but are definitely open to ideas.

How did you keep connecting with the brands after the event?

Amanda D– I have had on-going relationships with brands I met at my very first Bloggers Brunch event. The brand may contact me on occasion or I will follow up with them if I feel they are relevant for a post or topic I am working on. Continue to let brands know you are there and willing to work with them.

Kyla– Email and social media for the most part, occasionally by phone. Kambook has been particularly good at the social media aspect

Shae – Via the email from their business card and then by phone. It started with a follow up email from me the week after the Bloggers Brunch.

Georgia – Most brands made the effort to follow up via email after the Blogger’s Brunch.  The personalised nature of these emails was a refreshing surprise.  It gave me the perfect opportunity to follow up with the brands.  I wanted to run a giveaway, and each of the brands I approached were more than happy to oblige.  I wanted to share, via a blog post, the great products and brands I’d seen at the Blogger’s Brunch. I’ve since been approached again by some of those brands to create a more in-depth brand/blogger relationship, which I am absolutely thrilled about.

Amanda – Because I often (always?) have something going on I consider the brands that I like to work with (I do have personal values, too) and those that I feel will most benefit my readers. This is always put into the context of the project I’m working on, so that it makes sense for a particular brand to be seen involved in the idea.
I am clear about what I would like from the brand, as well as how they will benefit from being involved, then shoot them an email with my idea, a 1-2 page proposal and leave it open to discuss ideas. I make it as easy as possible for them to be involved.

Kate – Predominantly email.  It takes time to build up a strong relationship.  I am still building with the brands I met at the last event.  Be patient and open and honest – that’s all they can ask for.

Anorina – Tweeting during the event lets the brands know who you are and that you’re interested. Like their page on Facebook. Leave a comment on their FB wall.  After the event, send out a quick little email thanking them for the goodie bag or information or whatever. It’s about getting your email address into their inbox and continuing the relationship which began at the event.

Anything else bloggers should know?

Amanda D– Above all have fun!

Kyla– It doesn’t matter how big or small you are, if you’re a new blog or long established one, these brands want to work with bloggers, they’re looking for new ways to share their products and want to talk to you so take the time to find out more about them. Blogger Outreach is a relatively new marketing strategy and as a result brands are open to suggestion, take advantage of it, speak to them on the day, follow up and pitch your ideas

Georgia – Be prepared with your business cards.  I tossed up taking my Media Kit, and chose not to.  Depending on the size of your kit, it can be quite bulky to carry 15-20 copies around with you.  I found that brands prefer to have the kit electronically, so swapping business cards to later re-connect and forward your media kit that way seems more logical.  Take a pen and a small notepad (or an iProduct…naturally) because sometimes there’s a bit of extra information provided by a brand rep that isn’t included in their material on the day – a release date for a new product, details of an upcoming product, contact details for their PR firm or Marketing Manager who may be interested in discussing sponsorship or advertising etc.  I forgot this vital piece of equipment, and had to decipher my own hastily jotted notes from the back of various leaflets and brochures.  I won’t make the same mistake next time (because that in itself is justification for an iPhone, yes?).

Laney – It’s a good idea to have your business cards at the ready and also fill out the Kids Business Media Kit profile.

Amanda – The Bloggers Brunch template, I have found, is incredibly useful. Whilst it may be “the same” as everyone else’s, the brands have consistency when flicking through them.
Mostly, i think being aware of your expectations about the event is paramount. It is easy to walk in and think “this is what I want” or “this is the way it should be”, but the brands also have their ideas … when we have such strong expectations we can easily be disappointed when a brand doesn’t react like we “expect” them to. You can kill an awesome potential with a brand you really like in that moment.
The brands are also dealing with 50-100 bloggers with various expectations, so it can be difficult for them to get it right straight off. The relationship needs to be nurtured, and amazing things can happen when you think of what you can do for them, rather than what they can do for you (although that is important, too)
And bring a clear idea of what your blog is about, and what your values are.

Shae – Business cards are always handy. It really depends on what you want to get out of the brands. The brand reps probably don’t want a big media kit if you are only going to do one review but if there is a brand attending you are really keen to work with long term more info could be better.

Kate – Definitely take business cards – both for the brands and for the other bloggers.   Go with an idea of who you want to meet; what you have to offer and what you hope to achieve.