Hey there! I write helpful tips for online influencers. Specifically, I focus on pitching brands to help influencers earn an online income. In one year, I pitched, landed and created 100 pieces of sponsored content generating a full-time income from my blog. Now I speak at conferences, and train others how to pitch brands and land sponsored work.
How To Kick Fear To The Curb – Tips for Influencers
I want to offer a special thanks to the influencers who responded to my survey about the challenges facing bloggers today in terms of pitching to work with brands. In this post I’m going to talk about overcoming fear…
If you haven’t responded to the survey yet and would like to, you can add your input here: The Biggest Challenges Bloggers Face in Pitching Sponsored Posts. The insight gathered was very helpful, and the comments were incorporated into my presentation at the Build Your Blog Conference in Salt Lake City, Utah. And as new comments get recorded, I’ll add some helpful tips for readers to this site.
For the Blogger Whose Greatest Challenge is Overcoming Fear
One of the themes I noticed as I reviewed the responses I’d received from the survey, was that some influencers don’t extend themselves for certain opportunities because they are afraid that they’ll be turned down.
In one participant’s words, she wrote,
“I don’t apply for sponsored posts because I’m afraid of rejection.”
No One Likes Rejection
And we all know what it’s like to have to face rejection – weather it’s being the last one picked for a softball team [at 4’11” – I was almost always the last person picked for any sports team – so, I became a cheerleader], being given a failing [or less than desirable] grade on an assignment in school, or not getting an invitation to the “popular kid in school”‘s birthday party.
Rejection builds character in my book. Use it as a tool to learn something new. It can also come in handy as equity in a relationship. If you are friendly and shake off the rejection when it comes [it always comes, because no one can be your everything all the time], people will admire your refusal to give up. Of course, you do have to draw the line somewhere, don’t chase a relationship with a fool who does not see your worth. It’s a waste of your precious time.
By the way, I credit my tenacity to being constantly underestimated due to my size. Once folks meet me and get to know me, they don’t notice my size as much anymore… they’ll use words like “Powerhouse” or “Small but Mighty.” Don’t let anything define you other than what YOU choose to define you.
Remember Your “WHY”
We can’t allow fear of rejection to stand in our way. Whenever I find myself fearful, I remember my “WHY”. I think of my two little boy’s faces and how they are counting on me. Then I’m transformed into a mama bear who would face down a lion — so fear of rejection can not overcome me.
Close your eyes… think on your “WHY”. Why do you work so hard? What are you fighting for? What type of impact can you have if you do not give up?
Now you’re ready. Go climb that mountain and do not give up.
Focus on the Quality of What You Have to Offer
I also think of the quality of what I have to offer. I’ve been an online influencer for over six years, I have an MBA, and have worked for both Advertising Agencies and a Public Relations firm. When I present my expertise at a conference or online, I always run the risk of rejection, but I know that if influencers attending a conference presentation, or reading a post, take my advice to heart, they can transform their businesses for the better.
Keep your heart on your “WHY” and focus on the quality of what you have to offer. Then get out there and write your presentation, your blog post, your video or podcast, and connect with the people who need to hear what you have to say.
Build Relationships Over Time
Brands, small business, and influencer networks are looking for authenticity and connection just like we are as individuals. They do not like rejection either. Focus on building a relationship over time, and forget about any fears you may have. When the opportunity comes, they’ll remember you. But if you don’t apply, they won’t know who you are.
Want More Help?
My online program, “9 Essential Steps to ROCK Sponsored Posts” was created to help you “PITCH, LAND, and CREATE AWESOME Sponsored Content”. I’ve trained over 100 students already and not a single one has come back to me and said, “I can’t make money with sponsored posts”. It just doesn’t happen.
But, it won’t happen if you don’t kick fear to the curb, and give it a try.
So let’s quiet any voice that doesn’t say “Go for it!”, or “You can do it!” I’m your biggest cheerleader [and probably the shortest person you know].
Let me know if this post helped you out. I’d love to hear from you.
Monica
Author: Monica Pruett, MBA, MonicaPruett.com
Other articles of interest on MonicaPruett.com:
Fear is such a huge factor in keeping us for going after our dreams and sometimes even our shorter term goals. Thank you for helping me swallow my pride and set aside fear. I’d never have made the connections I did with it. Because after the first few rejections…I started to get yeses.