To be or not to be....

I'm talking CyberMummy here of course...

Earlier this year (in the run up to CyberMummy10),  I was approached by a lovely community minded blogger who was desperate to help others raise the money they needed to get to CyberMummy.

We had a few long discussions about what we would like to achieve - we set up a donation link - we both blogged - and tweeted - like crazy.

The response was dreadful. Five people donated to the fund. I was one, she was one and we had three others.

We were both shocked and disheartened I have to say. We put a lot of time and effort into our little plan because we wanted as many bloggers as possible to have the chance to be at CyberMummy. All you had to do to be in with a chance of winning our prize fund ticket was post a comment and donate (if you wanted to.)

We had lots of people wanting to win - but only three people willing to put their hands in their pockets.

We were both sad that we only managed to scrape two blogger places to the conference - we both looked like this :(  :(

We didn't get it. It seems we are all too ready to ask, ask, ask but we're not willing to give anything in return.

So this year we are determined to make our 'mission' work and we need your feedback. Please be honest  - that is all we ask.

If we ran a 100 club would you be willing to pay £10 for a number? 

Obviously we would need to get 100 bloggers on board - but that's easy peasy.... right? We know enough bloggers to make a 200 or a 300 club ....

100 bloggers paying £10 each would enable 12 winners to go to CyberMummy. 

This is our little trial - if we don't get any takers we are both ready to skulk back to our corners of the blogosphere and retire from trying to help others.

Yes it's Christmas - but you really do have to give and take.

Comments please.....

Brand looking for London based blogger

CyberMummy - Sponsor a blogger call out!!!

I have a brand looking to be paired with a London blogger who has a child or children aged between 2 and 4 years.

If this sounds like you, please leave me a comment with your Twitter id or email and I will be in touch to get some more info from you.

CyberMummy - Some tips on getting a sponsor

I had such a big response following my post offering to help bloggers hook up with sponsors for next years CyberMummy that I've put together a short guide on how to approach brands and establish mutually beneficial working relationships with them.

1. First and foremost, identify the brands that you would like to work with.
Make a list. Aim high but also be practical. Don't just target anyone and everyone.
To be a good honest brand representative you need to have some natural rapport and feel good factor for the product you are endorsing. Start by thinking about the products that you love and use every single day. If you know and are passionate about a product or a brand - your sell in to the PR is already halfway there.

2. Think small too.
At last years conference we had a lot of small brands that I managed to match with bloggers. These brands really wanted to tap into the conference but didn't have the budget to meet full conference sponsorship packages. Again, research the people you are approaching. Sponsorship isn't about take, take, take. You have to offer something valuable in return and more importantly you have to follow through on your end of the bargain.

3. Part two of your planning list should include brands who have previously reached out to you.
You might not have actually worked together in the past but that prior contact is a great starting point for a conversation. If they have contacted you it shows that they already see the benefits in working with bloggers. Be direct - ask them if they would consider sponsoring you to go to CyberMummy. Back this up with a good solid case as to why they should. For example, you have children in their target age range, you already use and love their products.

4. Be honest...
You need to have a firm idea of what you actually need to cover your conference trip.
a) Ticket (£80 till 31/12/10).
b)Travel, check to see how much it will be - there are great train deals to be had if you book ahead).
c) Hotel, if you need accommodation get a price first.
Offer this information freely to your potential sponsor. Break it down so that they can see that you are being honest with them and back it up with a list of things that you are offering them in return.
Be innovative and creative when putting together your side of the deal but I don't get so caught up in the gratitude of your sponsor that you agree to a tattoo or to give birth live on their website!

5. Be professional.
Be innovative and creative when putting together your side of the deal but I don't get so caught up in the gratitude of your sponsor that you agree to a tattoo or to give birth live on their website! Put together a proposal outlining what you are offering in return for sponsorship. Here are a few basic things you could offer. (See post on CyberMummy blog for more ideas.)

• A blog post about the product / brand and a giveaway.
• Share link to their site or service on Twitter and Facebook.
• Carry a badge or an ad on your blog for a specified period.
• Offer original copy for their website.

Then throw in a few extras when you have closed the deal like announcing your sponsorship in a post, on Twitter and Facebook just to prove what a great choice they made in sponsoring you!

The opportunities to attract and work with sponsors are limitless but be practical. Don't over inflate your sponsorship costs and be prepared to share your own blogs vital statistics.

If you need any further help or advice you know where I am! Good luck - and see you at CyberMummy11! 

If you would like to read some more tips about working with brands head over to the BMB Blog and read Natalie Lue's guest post 9 Tips on how to work with brands

**UPDATE**
I have a brand looking to sponsor London based bloggers with children aged 2 to 5 years. If this is you leave a comment with your Twitter id and I'll be in touch for more info.