2017 is the year of the Yes. Why am I saying that? Is it because it’s a new year? NO. It’s because you are worth more than a no. This post is specifically written for bloggers. It’ll have some relevance for others, but on the whole, it’s written for someone who could identify with what I’m going through.
As a blogger who has above a couple thousand on Instagram, I get pitched. Don’t get me wrong, I still pitch as well, but every so often, I do get people and companies emailing me. When I pitch, I send a lot of pitches for one project because at the end of the day, I know that there is a strong likelihood that more than half will either not respond or will turn me down. It’s sad but true. I’m no mega-blogger that people are dying to work with and I know that. But then again, what do I do when brands turn me down or hotels tell me they don’t want to host me? Do I sulk and walk away with my tail between my legs? Hell no.
I keep going until I find the right people to work with and when I find those brands, I create a working relationship. Getting a no is really hard at times, especially when I’ve worked hard over the past 3+ years to grow to where I am today, but there are people who at the same time started a year ago, but have bought their followers and ended up getting major work and campaigns, solely because of their numbers. We all know who they are, but do brands care? No, for the most part, they do not.
H&M Black Pleated Jumpsuit || Apple Watch in White & Silver || River Island Ankle Socks
No’s are very powerful when it comes to campaigns because they can make or break your budget for the year. They can lift you up and make you excited to work for the week, but they can also ruin your day and make you consider quitting. Don’t quit, especially if you’ve put so much hard work into it already. It’s not worth the pain and regret, and often times, you’ll end up wishing you hadn’t quit. Don’t let the no’s win because that means they weren’t right for you. This is your work and your brand. A no is almost a gift because if they’re not the right fit now, they most likely will never be.
Now let’s talk about No’s from the other side…when you need and should use a no. As a blogger, you can’t just do everything for the money. It’s not worth it and at the end of the day, your followers are going to hate you for it. Selling out doesn’t do anything for you, it hurts you ultimately. Giving out No’s doesn’t have to be a regular thing, but when it comes down to it, you have to learn when a campaign is truly worth it and in line with your branding. If it isn’t and you can go without the money, say no. It’s not that easy, especially for smaller bloggers who want to grow and get exposure.
If a brand is not willing to pay you for your work, you have to know when to buckle down and know what your worth is. As a blogger, you are a representative of the brands that you work with to your readers, and as someone who frequently reads other blogs, I can tell when a blogger doesn’t really love the brand they’re working with. You can’t come off as fake in this industry or you won’t succeed or last very long. Readers like honesty and quality, so if you don’t think you can do either of those things with your readers, then there are some things you just need to say no to.
SHOP THE POST:
The word “No” is very powerful, but it doesn’t need to ruin your life or your career in blogging. As a writer/blogger/photographer/whatever you do, the word no allows you to define your worth and can provide immense motivation. Each time I get a no, it makes me want to work a little harder to get to the top. I want to show the people around me that I can succeed in blogging. No matter what people say or tell me. I’ve done so much in the last year personally, and want to know how I stay motivated? No. Just that one little word. It keeps me going and reminds me that at the end of the day, I can always be better and do bigger and greater things.
Thanks to Kaye from Fordtography for these great pics!
If you’d love to follow me on Snapchat and see me shooting or going about my day, head over to my Instagram! I’m posting on Instagram Stories more often! Also, you should show some love on my Bloglovin page!
Find My Favorites!
Sharon Wu
such a great post babe! i totally agree with you! knowing when to say no is so important not just in the blogging world but in life generally speaking too! 🙂
XO, SHARON
http://WWW.STYLELULLABY.COM/BEAUTY/LOOKING-WELL-RESTED-CLARINS-MULTI-ACTIVE-EYE-GEL/
@STYLELULLABY
Mariann Yip
I love this post because I can totally relate! I used to say yes to everything when I began because I was happy that I was getting approached by brands. But now that I’m doing it full time I am extremely picky and make a priority to align with brands that share the same values as me. I am definitely inspired to write a similar post so thanks for sharing 🙂
Samantha Mariko
I can relate to this article so much.. As a model, I’ve faced rejection countless times. I’ve gotten a lot better at handling it than when I first started, and it’s an amazing feeling when the right people do give you the big YES! And I also agree, it’s important to learn when to say no when it doesn’t feel right. Really enjoyed this post girlie!
http://www.samanthamariko.com
Gracie
I loved reading this post. I have not been able to say no to some clothes, products, etc. You are right NO is a very powerful word. Although if someone tells me NO, it makes be more determined. You are on the right track and makes me want to follow your path.
Xxgracie
snappedbygracie.com
Yasmin
Thanks for getting real. I often struggle with progress, measuring it, and holding myself accountable (without comparing myself to others). Blogging is so saturated and it’s important to believe in yourself and know your worth. Sometimes when you don’t progress at the rate you desire, you feel your worth taking a nosedive. But then other times out of the blue something happens to lift you up. I feel like the best way to progress is to constantly push yourself to innovate and try new things. And brands notice when you do good work. It’s getting your foot in the door that’s the hardest.
xx Yasmin
http://banglesandbungalows.com
Candace
It honestly took me years to learn how to say no to everyone and it has been working beautifully in recent months because I have more time to post content that really matters on products I really enjoy. You have definitely motivated me to continue doing just that!
http://www.thebeautybeau.com
Linh Dao
Yes girl! Thank you for this inspiration! At times I feel like this when brands turn me down too! But I do have to remember and know my worth!
Linh
http://www.xcapewithlinh.com
Stephanie
This is such an important post for all bloggers to read. “No” can be so necessary, and I wish I had learned to say it more often as a beginner blogger. I ended up getting myself into some serious brand messes because I just kept saying yes to everything. I am so glad I’ve learned to make sure it all matches my feed and my brand now!!
Stephanie // SheSawStyle.com
Jo
Great post, babe! When I was starting out it took me some time to get used to the frustration of getting rejected. As you mentioned, when you work really hard to create quality content and it doesn’t seem to matter as much to brands, it can be really discouraging. But with time, I’ve learned not to take the rejections personally. Getting a ‘no’ is definitely a part of the process but in another day will come another ‘yes’.
xo, Jo
http://www.cutandchic.com
Thomas Falkenstedt
It totally feels like I could have written this post myself. I could identify with each and every word and although I do need the money, I just realize saying no to a few things that offered me big money, but campaigns that did not at all align with my brand, I know I’ve done the right thing. I cannot go recommending my readers and followers a freaking vacuum cleaner no matter how much they pay and the funny thing is that that particular NO got a really rude reply back asking me “who do you think you are?”. Well, I’m not one of those who bought a whole lot of followers and just to touch that part of your post… I don’t think these people who bought their followers will work with one brand more than once as soon as the brand discovers there is nothing they get back from the collab as no one engages with their product. So they’ll die out, eventually.
xoxo
Thomas
http://thomasfalkenstedt.com
Josie
Such a heartfelt post and everything is so right on point. I remember at the beginning I would get discouraged and kind of angry when brands would say NO to me. But with time and more maturity, I have learned that these NOs actually push me to work harder and reach higher standards. As a blogger , your branding is everything, it is what makes you different from the next fashion blogger so sticking with your branding and working with companies that are aligned with it is so essential.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts. It was a great read!
Bisous, Josie
http://www.petiteandbold.com
Kristine
I love that your pictures tell so much. With your expressions and smiles, it says much about who you are and then adding the context of your post gives an extra level of detail.
http://www.seenaskristine.com
Marcy
I have always believed that No is an opportunity for you to learn and improve yourself.
I dont think it matters about numbers because I have known bloggers with huge amount of following and still get rejected.
Bernice
This is a great mindset to tackle blogging, and to ensure you only work on projects if you want to! So proud of you xx
https://www.bunnybernice.com/single-post/2017/04/25/Dress-For-Work-Without-Being-Dressy-For-Work
MJ Junior
So much wisdom in one post! Thank you for sharing!
http://www.tlmurban.com