Tip of the Week: How to create a sponsorship pitch like a pro

Welcome to the fifth in a series of tips to help bloggers build communities, find an audience and get the most out of working with brands.

As blogging and influencer relations evolve so does the acceptance of sponsored content. I’m still a big fan of earned media and that will never change. It’s value may diminish once money exchanges hands. However, I recognize the value of sponsored content when it makes sense for a brand and relationships are clearly disclosed.

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image credit: Xavier Calle

Recent articles

• Tip of the Week: Be brand loyal
• All that's wrong with blogger relations...
• Tip of the Week: engage your audience

Announcing TO Social Media PR Events Wiki

Okay, so shoot me. Tonight’s post may be a bit off topic but on Blogger’s 10th anniversary and the eve of the season opener of Third Tuesday Toronto, it seemed only fitting that I give something back to a community that has done so much for me.

Lot’s of people in communications, marketing and PR whether they be part of the local fishbowl or not, have asked me to keep them informed about local events. This may surprise some of you who know me but I don’t go to them all. I don’t even know about some of them and as much as I’d like to have the time to keep you all in the know, I’m just not that scalable. ;-)

So, I’ve started a Toronto Social Media PR Events wiki (feel free to suggest a better name). I hope you’ll help keep it up-to-date with local events and/or events of interest to the local community.

If you’re looking for something more, Say Yeah maintains a more comprehensive event calendar.

IKEA showroom in downtowm Toronto

IKEA started distributing it’s 2009 catalogue last week. I always love flipping through mine but to be honest, despite my semi-annual visits and compact home, I don’t usually buy much.

IKEA seems to be on to something and it’s about time! This year they are trying something a little different. Recognizing the vast number of compact condos and townhomes in the downtown core, IKEA opened a temporary showroom (July 31-Aug. 3) in the fancy furniture strip along King St. E. If you’re downtown and looking for something to do tomorrow, you can have a look ’cause it’s closing at the end of the day.

Have you been to the downtown IKEA showroom? What did you think? See anything cool in the new catalogue? I’m loving the new pink chaises featured on the cover. Surprised?

What were they thinkng?

I can’t believe someone even suggested 212 Sexy Men as a name for a fragrance. Would you buy something with that name? I wouldn’t. I don’t care how nice it smells or that it’s part of Carolina Herrera’s collection. Besides, what would I do with 212 men?

Occasionally, I’m going to post pictures of wacky products I’ve found. Feel free to send in your pictures of other wacky products and I may post them here too.

Tip of the Week – REM gets social and streams new album for free

REM has always done things a bit differently than the other major bands and performers. When it comes to sharing music, they seem to have a good grasp of what their fans want.

Mr. Bargainista is an avid music fan but other than music, news, the odd video and business transactions, he doesn’t spend much time on the ’Net. I’m usually the one showing cool things to him. So when he told me that REM was going to release their next album, Accelerate for free on Facebook, I was both pleasantly surprised and intrigued.

REM will be streaming Accelerate using the social networking application, iLike. Fans will be able to listen to and share the entire album using iLike, Facebook, iTunes and several other social networking sites for free on March 24 – one whole week before Accelerate’s April 1 release date. The iLike launch will include all 11 original tracks and an exclusive behind-the-scenes video of the making of the album.

Connie Crosby pointed me to the NinetyNights video promo they started on January 1. Every night from now through March 31, REM is releasing a video in HD for one night only. Fans are able to embed the video on their blogs, link, share, and download the videos for free. Have a read of the usage policy – fans can pretty much do whatever they like with the files.

Tonight is Night 75 and I’ve embedded Mr. Richard for your viewing pleasure:



What do you think of REM’s approach? Will you be listening on March 24?

Strange shopping stories on a sunny Saturday

The store I bitched about last week is trying to redeem itself but still won’t sell me the memory card in question for $9.99 as marked. I asked a sales associate at another location in the chain what she’d charge a customer for a mis-marked display item. Without hesitation she said “I’d charge the price as marked, how could I expect to charge you another amount. Customer service is my number one priority.” Then she proceeded to give me some free fragrance samples and told me to call head office. Now that’s what I call service.

Coach took out full-page newspaper ads today letting customers know they’ve adjusted their Canadian prices to match those in the U.S. I’m not sure why they bothered doing so today of all days because they sent postcards to select customers offering them 25% off all purchases. There must have been 100 customers waiting in line outside the store. Once again, I didn't receive one. Did you? Guess I’m still not Coach-worthy. BTW, Coach is now shipping to Canada.

Indigo (Chapters, etc.) has stopped giving out the coupon books they promoted so aggressively last weekend. Although the coupons will still be honoured until Dec. 24, they aren’t being handed out anymore and I suspect they are collecting them more diligently now. Seems like they were overwhelmed by the volume of sales last week and underwhelmed by the profit margins. There’s a new in-store promo this weekend: sales associates are handing out photocopied coupons offering customers 15% off book purchases of $50 or more (25% off for irewards customers) upon request.

Have you noticed any shopping oddities lately? Please share.

photo credit: ilrraa on Flickr

Tags: Chapters, Coach, coupons, Indigo, irewards

Exposed at Abercrombie & Fitch

Okay, so the clothing is cool but if there’s one chain store I avoid it’s Abercrombie & Fitch. Maybe I’m getting old but I just find it too loud and dark. I can never see anything and don't want to buy any clothes I can’t even see in the store.

I took a quick cruise through the mall this afternoon and as we were about to pass by A&F, I told my husband how I hated shopping there because it was so dark and the music was too loud.

But this time was different. As I was passing by, something, or should I say someone, caught my eye. An incredibly cute guy was hanging out in the store entrance. At closer range, I noticed he wasn’t just any guy but a hunky model wearing a down-filled jacket and no shirt. Just jeans, the jacket and his washboard chest.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m not the type of person who takes pleasure in objectifying men. But A&F obviously does. They wanted me to picture my man in that jacket looking just like the exposed hunky model who was there for the looking whether you were entering the store or just passing by. I have to admit, he looked darn good in that jacket but it still didn’t work for me. Would it have worked for you?

Tags: Abercrombie & Fitch, hunks, models

Making the best of a bad hair day

I had a bad hair day; I mean a really bad hair day. I’ve kept quiet about it because out of embarrassment.

I had a reverse perm last December and the top layer of my hair fell out. I was so uncomfortable; I stayed with the same stylist thinking he was the best person to repair his damage.

Did he offer any special treatments or services to help while my hair was growing back? No, he didn’t charge me to colour my hair at my next visit. C’est tout!

I finally got the courage to make a change. I know, I know. You’re probably thinking “What took her so long? This is uncharacteristic of Bargainista”. “What took her so long? And, you’re right. But you know a girl and her hair... Fortunately, the colour technician was a perfectionist and got it right the first time. (Usually it takes me at least two sessions with someone new.) I also splurged and had the owner/director stylist cut my hair. Et voila! No more barrettes for me - I can wear my hair down again without looking like a 70s glam rocker.

Why did I feel the need to share this with you now? Because of the postcard I received the other day. I got a nice note thanking me for choosing their salon including a voucher for $5 off my next visit.

It's the little things like thank you notes and vouchers that will secure my business - at least once more (but I suspect much longer.) If they wanted to kick it up a notch, I suggest they ditch the generic pre-printed note in favour of a personalized handwritten one. For now, I’ll gladly accept the $5 gesture and use it on my return visit.

What excellent customer service lately? Bargainista wants to know. Leave a comment.

photo credit: jfchenier on Flickr

Tags: bad hair day, Calia, hair salons

Weekly wish - Ford Focus: the perfect pitch

You may have noticed I haven’t been posting as frequently for the past several weeks. Believe it or not, I haven't been shopping much either. But, I am making a concerted effort to pick up the pace.

Lately, my in-box has been filling up with all sorts of stuff from PR or marketing types who just send me generic news releases and invitations for products, services and events that have nothing to do with the blog and/or hold little interest for a Bargainista like myself. I’m just getting all kinds of random stuff with no introduction and no compelling reason to care.

Don’t get me wrong, I DO receive pitches from people who know what they are doing and those who are trying their best. Lots has been said about bad pitches and how to pitch bloggers so I won’t go on ad nauseum here. However, I will share an example of the best social media news release (SMNR) I’ve ever seen (thanks to Bryper for the heads-up). It’s for the 2008 Ford Focus , and a big shout out goes to Maggie Fox and Collin Douma at Social Media Group.

The release is well-organized and has everything a blogger could want:
• contacts
• key facts
• beautiful photos
• videos
• relevant links
There’s even an RSS feed so you can subscribe for updates. Best of all, I don’t have to dig to find any of it. You can pitch me anytime!

So this week my wish is a bit different. It’s not about the awesome new pair of metallic gray Franco Sarto tuxedo flats I ogled in a shop window on Thanksgiving Day or the gorgeous mustard blouse with black sash I salivated over at Femme de Carrière last night (good thing mustard isn’t my colour, and it was beyond my price range anyway).

Have you figured it out yet? This week I’m wishing for the perfect pitch for a shopping blogger such as myself. If you want to pitch me, you don’t have to send me a SMNR but at the very least read my blog and try and connect with me. Who know’s maybe I’ll even start posting more often.

Now if Ford would only find a way to charge the same price for cars north of the border. And by the way, I’ve always wanted a red car. ; )

If you were me, what would you do? Would you pass up an interesting opportunity ’cause of a lousy pitch? Would you read a series about lame pitches?

photo credit: Ford Motor Company’s photostream on flickr

Technorati tags: blog pitches, Bryper, Collin Douma, Ford Focus, Maggie Fox, PR, public relations, social media news release, SMNR

Toys “R” Us: Wii (don’t) play

I received this e-mail from Toys “R” Us this morning.
Wii Play was advertised in a Toys “R” Us flyer I received on Friday. It wasn’t available online that morning. I requested an e-mail notification but didn’t hear from them until today. I found it yesterday (busy day for gift shopping) and bought it at another store.

In addition to sending the e-mail notification sooner, they could have enhanced their customer service by offering a price guarantee.

Technorati tags: customer service, e-mail marketing, Toys “R” Us, Wii Play

H&M lauches video podcast

H&M launched a video podcast yesterday. It’s available on iTunes. New episodes will be released every two weeks.

Watch the trailer (you can click on it to see the video podcast in a new window):



Will you subscribe? What do you think about retailers podcasting? Does it make sense for H&M?

Technorati tags: fashion, H&M, marketing, retail, video podcast

Are you Coach worthy?

Yesterday, while I was at Yorkdale, I walked passed Coach. The doors were shut, the store was hopping and there was a big line of customers waiting patiently outside.

I walked over to see what was going on. One man told me it was just a normal day at Coach. Not! I’ve been by enough times to know they doors are usually open and line-ups aren’t the norm. Another woman showed me a postcard she received as a spring promo with 25% off merchandise from March 18-March 25.

“How’d you get one of those?” I asked.
“It came in the mail,” she explained.
“We’ll I thought I was on the list. Wonder why I didn’t get one?” I said.

Oh well, since I’m not in the market for a new Coach bag, I moved on. About half-hour later, I walked by again. The doors were still closed. The store was still hopping but only a couple customers were waiting outside.

The door opened. The salesperson let a customer out. I took the opportunity to ask why I hadn’t received a postcard too. I own a Coach bag. I bought it there last year.

“Well,” she explained, “our head office decides who to send promos to, we have 25,000 customers and we can't always send them to everyone.” (Duh! Why not?)

“But I’ve had a Coach bag for almost a year. I’m sure I’m on your mailing list and I’ve never received anything. What about customer loyalty?” I answered. Aren’t I “Coach-worthy” too? I thought to myself.

She told me she’d let me in and not to worry, if I wanted to go in and buy something, I’d get the discount. Unfortunately, as much as I’d love one, I needed new clothes more and sometimes a girl just has to say no, even to a great deal.

If you want a new Coach bag (or other in-store goodies) but you didn’t get a postcard, grab your old Coach bag, head on over, tell them you’re a loyal customer and you want 25% off. Show them you’re Coach-worthy too!

Technorati tags: accessories, Coach, customer service, purses, sales, shopping, Yorkdale

The Diesel Warehouse (VIP) Sale

Diesel Warehouse Sale (and VIP Night) - This is the first Diesel factory authorized warehouse sale in Canada.

I’m somewhat suspect of this marketing tactic but Style Democracy and Diesel are selling tickets to a pre-sale VIP event on Tuesday, March 20. The sale for everyone else starts Wednesday.

What will you get for your $15.99 ($19.99 at the door, if available)?
• a head start on the Diesel Warehouse Sale starting the next day
• 10% off all purchases
• a chance to win a pair of iPods
• 1 of 4 VIP passes for the upcoming PUMA sale

What else?
• denim
• jeans
• pants
• t-shirts
• sweaters
• outwear
• accessories
• Lacoste footwear

Where?
Metropolitan Centre at St. Nicholas Church (map)
3840 Finch Ave. E. (at Kennedy Rd.)

When?
VIP Night - Buy a ticket
Tuesday, Mar. 20, 2007: 5 p.m. - 9 p.m.

Everyone else...
Mar. 21-Mar. 23: 10 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Mar. 24: 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.

If you go, let us know what you think. Was it worth the price of admission? What did you get?

Technorati tags: clothing, Diesel, Diesel Warehouse Sale, fashion, jeans, Lacoste, sales, shopping, Style Democracy

American Apparel - swim sale

American Apparel is having a swim sale, just in time for people headed south for March break.

In all honesty, I'm having trouble posting this ad because of the sexualization (is that a word?) of a pre-pubescent girl.

American Apparel's reputation is built on provocative campaigns like this one.


What do YOU think?
Do you find the photo in this ad offensive?
How does it make you feel about shopping at American Apparel?
Leave a comment.

Technorati tags: American Apparel, bathing suits, exploitation, marketing, sales, shopping, swimwear

The scoop on Colbert

I love ice cream; Ben & Jerry's is the best.
The Colbert Report is a hoot.

Q: What do you get when you mix them together?

Read more...


Technorati tags: Ben & Jerry's, ice cream, Stephen Colbert's Americone Dream, Stephen Colbert, The Colbert Report

Barbie inspires M•A•C

When I was a little girl, I played with dolls. Barbies were may absolute favorite. The first recollection I have was when I was 3. My late grandfather always wanted me to cut my hair so for his birthday, I gave my first Barbie her first hair cut.

Last week I received some mail (yes, the real kind not e-mail) from M•A•C. I was so excited when I opened the envelope and saw a compact-shaped fold-out booklet with a hot pink silhouette of Barbie's head beside the M•A•C logo.

Barbie Loves M•A•C is the Barbie-inspired new spring collection available at M•A•C stores and cosmetic counters starting tomorrow. It's full of hot pinks, neutrals and bright eye shadows with names like Playful, Whistle and Springtime Skipper.

M•A•C even built a whole set of looks around Barbie themes. My fav is Malibu Barbie. (See the pic on the right.) What's yours?

For a limited time you can even buy powdered blushes and eye shadows with an etching of Barbie's head. There are special edition items like the M•A•C Barbie and M•A•C Barbie Ts too.

Do you collect Barbies? Would you wear Barbie make-up? Is Barbie still a good role model for girls in 2007 or is she a throwback to the '60s?

Leave a comment and tell us what you think.

Technorati tags: Barbie, cosmetics, dolls, M•A•C, make-up

Hughie, Drewy & coffee at Roots

When it comes to Hugh Grant playing a romantic lead, I'm a bit of a sucker. I've seen all his romantic comedies. And you have to admit, Drew is just as cute as a button. I may not see Music and Lyrics in the theatre but I will definitely rent the DVD release.

So what does all this have to do with Roots? It's a bit complicated, please bare with me while I explain it to you.

Roots on Bloor is having a Karaoke kinda Valentine's Day event this weekend promoting Music and Lyrics - the new Hugh/Drew romantic comedy opening on Valentine's Day - among other things.

I think you're supposed to show up during a 2-hour window and sing Music and Lyrics Karaoke to win a prize. I'm not sure if everyone wins a prize (in-store discounts, movie passes) but the "best singer of the day" will win something special. Sorry, I couldn't find any details on their website, read what Mike Sage had to say.

Did you know Roots sells coffee now too? Well as part of the VD promo, you can bring your special someone to the Roots Organic Coffee House for a complimentary coffee. Who knew?

It won't be able to make it today - it's my son's b-day - and I'm curious to see how this turns out. So, if you go please share your story and leave a comment.

What?
Roots Get Ready for Valentine's Day Event

Where?
Roots
100 Bloor St. W. (map)
Toronto

When?
Sat. Feb. 10 - 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Sun. Feb. 11 - 1 p.m.-3 p.m.

Why?
• Music and Lyrics
• Roots' Valentine collection (I'm a sucker for their bags, love the heart tags too) and,
• Roots Organic Coffee House

Update - watch the movie trailer:


Technorati tags: coffee, Drew Barrymore, Hugh Grant, Karaoke, Music and Lyrics, Roots, Valentine's Day

(Shoe) Deal or no Deal Canada

Just in time for the post-Super Bowl premiere of Deal or No Deal Canada, Town Shoes is at it again with another one of their curious promos:

From now through Feb. 14 get an extra 10%-20% off any sale purchase.

Note: This is an in-store offer.

Technorati tags: Deal or No Deal Canada, marketing, sales, shoes

Customer Service for Dummies

Okay, so Indigo’s Valentine’s promotion worked – sort of.

I needed a gift and wanted a new book so I went to Indigo yesterday. I chose a couple of birthday cards too so I could “win” a Valentine’s gift.

I picked up a book from the Dummies’ series. I saw a print ad on the back page of the Globe’s book section – all Dummies’ books were supposed to be 30% off through April (and another 10% off for iRewards members.) Pretty straightforward, right? Wrong!

The cashier was a bit flustered. She didn’t think I could use my iRewards card and receive the Valentine promo. (Odd since I received an e-mail notification of the promo because I was an iRewards member.) She checked and sure enough, the two promos could be used together. I also had a $5 off coupon from my iRewards renewal package.

The charge seemed too high, about $10 more than I thought. I asked to see the itemized bill (I don’t know about you but I hate how the new cash registers print out a signature slip before the itemized bill when you’re paying by credit card.) The Dummies’ book was regular price. I promptly and politely told the cashier the book was on sale.

Cashier: “But it’s not coming up on sale on the machine”.

I told her about the ad in the paper. She called another sales associate for help. A surly man came over to help out. Service-oriented he was not.

Surly guy: “Not all Dummies books are on sale!”

Me: “But there was a full-page add in today’s Globe.”

Surly guy: “If they make a mistake, we’re not responsible.”

Me: “What!, isn’t that an issue between Indigo and the Globe? Shouldn’t you be honoring it?” (C’mon, someone at head office approves all print ads before they go to press. I know how press approvals work.)

Surly guy: “Do you have a copy of the ad?”

Me: “No.” (I don’t make a habit of carrying a newspaper around when I go shopping. Do you?)

Staffer #3 was called in. (Let's call her Janie)
Surly guy: “Oh Janie, have you seen a copy of the ad?”

Janie: “No.”

Surly guy: Is that the Books’ section of the Globe in your hand?

Janie: “Yes.”

Surly guy: Is there an ad on the back cover?”

Janie: “Let’s see.”

Surly guy: “Yes, it does say ALL Dummies books are on sale. Okay, we’ll give you a refund then.”

I breathed a sigh of relief.

Unfortunately, it didn’t end there. Surly guy insisted on some funny cash register gymnastics. He was explaining how he was doing this and that and I’d actually end up getting some extra cash back because he couldn’t do something on the machine. Huh!

I pleaded with him to refund the original sale and start over so I could understand what he was doing. He refused. Several minutes later, after he turned at least as many other customers away from the cash, his cash register gymnastics failed, so he refunded the sale and started from scratch. Duh!

Boy, was my patience tested? It took me about 20 minutes to pay for a couple books and cards.

This whole situation could have been easily avoided:
• I could have shopped online helped cancer patients and skipped the movie passes – I never see movies on Monday nights anyway.

• Indigo employees (especially cashiers) should have been briefed on all promotions and customers should be given the benefit of the doubt – why weren't copies of print/online ads available by the cash registers and the staff rooms?

And for those of you wondering about the Valentine gifts for purchases, I couldn’t get a list of the prize odds but it seemed like everyone was getting a 2-for-1 Monday night Cineplex movie pass.

Technorati tags: books, customer service, marketing, Valentine's Day

What's a Free-A-Store-Us-Rex?

Ever heard of FreebeeStore.com? Tomorrow it may be as well-known as Google! That's probably a bit of an overstatement but you can bet if Scott MacDonald changes his name to Free-A-Store-Us-Rex, it will be on the tips everyone's tongues along with FreebeeStore.com

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image credit: choosemyname.com on flickr


Technorati tags: charities, choosemyname.com, Im Jai House, marketing, One Red Paper Clip, social media