—

Cassie Boorn:

what gets you excited?

20-Something:

free stuff

Cassie Boorn:

what would make u want to buy a product?

20-Something:

thats what gets me excited

20-Something:

umm..coupons, or gifts with purchase lol

Cassie Boorn:

like if we did contesting and people could win a trip

Cassie Boorn:

would that be cool?

20-Something:

yes!

Cassie Boorn:

but would you take part in it?

Cassie Boorn:

or would you be like “i won’t win”

20-Something:

mm..i would probably say i wont win lol

Cassie Boorn:

that is my point!

Cassie Boorn:

what would get you interested?

Cassie Boorn:

what would make u do it

Cassie Boorn:

what if you got free stuff sent to you but you had to tell your friends about it

Cassie Boorn:

would you do it?

20-Something:

yes lol

20-Something:

if u get free stuff, i do stuff

Cassie Boorn:

no i mean

Cassie Boorn:

say we send free stuff to 50 people

Cassie Boorn:

but they have to do post on their wall about a contest or tell their friends

Cassie Boorn:

host a party?

Cassie Boorn:

would you do it?

20-Something:

yes

Cassie Boorn:

or would you just say you did it?

20-Something:

well i would assume u would have to prove u did it

20-Something:

but if i got free stuff, i would tell my friends, or host a party

20-Something:

it would actually be fun to host a party actually..

Cassie Boorn:

so you tell your friends im hosting a party for a brand and they would come?

Cassie Boorn:

this is interesting

20-Something:

well id tell my friends im hosting a party..and there will be free booze..and then they will come

—-

This conversation took place via Instant Messaging. Some words and names were changed. The point is-motivating a 20-Something to take action or get involved is tough. It is nearly impossible. The summary of this conversation…What are 20-year old girls motivated by? Free Stuff and Booze

The point of this conversation is this: You can send college students free stuff. You can pass out free products on campus. You can ask them to throw parties. BUT You have to find a way to motivate them to take action.

Bloggers have no problem writing reviews and tweeting about products. However, Gen Y is a whole new field.

I would love any thoughts/idea/inspiration in the comments.

Personal branding is much like starting your own business. That business is you. The way that you present yourself to the world is all a part of personal branding. This is one of the best sites I have found explaining personal branding. There is an amazing slideshow breaking it down in an easy to follow format. Career paths are changing. The way our parents worked no longer seem to be working. 

When branding yourself using social media I suggest starting with the four most basic social media tools. I have included some links to help get you started!

-Blogging: Blogging gives you a platform to show the world what you have to offer. It is a place for you to start conversations on your favorite topics and interests. Whether it be parenting, business, social media, or just a rambling of event in your life.

-Twitter: Twitter is a great way to become a part of the community of bloggers. There are people from all areas of expertise on Twitter. Many are leaders in their industry looking to start a conversation. Do you know how few people use twitter a career building tool? Take advantage! 

-Linked-In: I think of Linked-In as an online resume. A place to showcase all of the work experience and education you have received. Linked-In is a great way to search for people in your industry! 

-Facebook: Facebook is still confusing to many social media experts. It is very much like a high school reunion. Finding a way to stay professional while showing the world your personality is hard. It can be done!

The next step should be obvious, find a job! There are many resources to help find jobs online:

-Post your resume at Urban Interns

-Sign up at Guru

-Check out out this job listing site

My last suggestion is to find people in your industry. Pay attention to how they are branding themselves. Follow their footsteps!

Some of my favorite corporate bloggers:

Public Relations:
Stephanie Smirnov
PR Sarah Evans 

Marketing:
Seth Godin 

Advertising:
Adver Girl 

What does it mean to sponsor a blogger?

When a company sponsors a blogger they cover the costs the blogger would have paid to attend an event or conference. This may include flight, hotel, and conference fees. 

So, what can sponsoring a blogger do for your company?

• It shows bloggers you care and you support their message
• It allows your name to be spread throughout the community using social media
• If you are new to social media it is a great way to introduce yourself to a specific audience
• It helps introduce more people to your company on Twitter, Facebook, and Blogs
• It takes your message our of paid advertisements and puts it into a friendly voice 
• It brings your company into the community of bloggers

Every time a conference rolls around we the hustle and bustle of finding sponsor starts shooting through blogger land. People talk of companies they will contact and PR people they will work to find someone to help them get to conferences. I think sponsoring can be a great way to promote your company…sometimes.

When you are sponsoring a blogger you are putting your brand in their hands. Anything that is said and/or done at that conference has your brand written all over it. When you hire a new employee you do background checks and call references. Many times contracts are signed and rules are set. Things have to be outlined very well because that new employee is representing your brand. Still, how many companies blindly spend money letting a blogger represent them without really knowing who this blogger is and what they are about? 

I would assume most companies would know this but I feel the need to lay out some ground rules. When sponsoring a blogger:

1. Read their blog: Not just the first post on the page but dig deep down in there. Look for the juicy posts or the hidden posts. Look at what they have written and how they respond to their readers.
2. Interview them: If this person is going to be at a conference with booze and friends and loud music you really should know who you are sending out there to represent you. If you are a small company the only interaction bloggers may have with you are the people you have sponsored to a conference.
3. Set guidelines: Make it clear to the bloggers you are sponsoring what you would like from them. The way in which they should approach people. The way in which they should represent your company.

There are some amazing bloggers out there and some really good writers. Many people who are looking for sponsorship not only need it but deserve it. So pay attention to who you are sending out their with your brand in their hands.

Look for part two: what sponsorship can do for your business…