Dealing with Blogger Rejection
February 21, 2012
Topics: Blog, Blogging Tips
Photo credit: nanny snowflake on Flickr
As a professional blogger, we are often in a protective little cocoon. Emails pour in, Facebook Fans go up and down, retweets fluctuate, but, for the most part, it’s all under our control. In fact, things are probably going really well right about now. Brands know you, other bloggers respect you, you are content with this beautiful blog you have created. Cyberspace is your oyster.
And then it happens.
BloggyTweep1: OMG!!! I got invited to fabulous trip/event/opp by ABC Co #ExclusiveTag!!
BloggyTweep2: @Tweep1 zOMG really? Me too!! YAYYY #ExclusiveTag!!
And you rush to check your email. Hmm, nothing. Must be in Spam! Hmm, nothing there either. Refresh, refresh, search trash…hmm, still not there. Three hours later (and checking about 4 other computers), it finally hits you:
You did not get it.
Almost immediately all that contentment you felt just minutes before is gone. You are unsure of what you want your blog to be, who you are and, suddenly, the only thing on your mind is “Why not me?“
I know because I have done it too. Who am I kidding? I did it today at least twice! We ALL have done it.
Often, because so many of us work at home, we don’t realize that the internet is one giant office. Just like in any profession there will be different opportunities for different people.
Simple tips to get away from the Why Not Me‘s and back to the I Am Awesome mindset.
- Think about all you have achieved. Blogging isn’t easy, you know! Just the fact that you are still at it despite how competitive it is out there makes you a winner.
- Remember, just because this opp wasn’t offered to you this time, there is always next time. Brands are connecting with bloggers on a daily basis, you never know what may show up in your inbox tomorrow.
- If you decide you need some changes, set realistic goals that you have control over. Ex: Achieve 10,000 more pageviews in six months, improve Alexa score, etc… and celebrate each goal when you reach it.
- Keep on writing. At the very core of blogging we are all writers by nature. So, even if you feel discouraged, don’t stop writing. Keep doing what you do best….and most importantly:
- Don’t compare yourself to others. You will drive yourself absolutely crazy comparing and contrasting what one blogger is doing better/different than you are. Instead of comparing, just strive to be the best you that you can be. When you are at your best, so is your blog and that’s what others will see. Your blog is your own creation and only you can be the best you out there.
Yolanda is the owner/writer of Sassy Mama in L.A. Her blog is dedicated to lifestyle features, Los Angeles events, entertainment, product reviews and giveaways. She is a mom to a precocious, overly energetic daughter, three fur babies, and a wife to an almost chef who loves to feed her. She’s a little crazy, a lot of fun, and full of sass. You can also find her at Facebook and Twitter.
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Sadie
Great points, Yolanda. It’s so easy to get wrapped up in everything. Especially when you’re part of an awesome group of bloggers and you see them going places, while you feel stuck. I am fortunate that I’ve experienced many things because of my blogs. Others have experienced more, while some have experienced less. I think we all have to realize we are on our own journeys and you’re so right.. comparing ourselves is just gonna make us crazy.
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Amber
You KNOW I feel like this all the time. It is hard to see how much you have accomplished when you see the others around you doing what seems like a lot more. Ack.
Amber recently posted..J3LL Watches {Review & Giveaway} -
The Maven
Fantastic post!
It’s so hard to not compare ourselves. I see a lot of crazy opportunities that I would have loved to have been a part of, but so many times it really wasn’t a good fit for my blog. We can’t all do every party, every opp, every post.
I’m with you on setting realistic goals, when you acheive them, you shine, and that’s when brands notice.
The Maven recently posted..Looking for your tickets to MamaCon? Look no further!! {giveaway} -
Ellen Christian
Fantastic post. I totally admit to feeling this way sometimes but it’s really hard not. Great advice to focus on what you have done and work on being your best. Thanks!
Ellen Christian recently posted..Do you know the plants that are dangerous to pets? -
Darcy
So true! We are human so we are ingrained to compare and feel twinges of jealousy and envy. But, there’s room for us all. We might get an opp someone else wanted!
Darcy recently posted..Feeding My Body the Essentials With Nordic Naturals -
Chelsea @ Someday I'll Learn
I do this, too! It’s hard not to. I just refocus on my own goals and consider this question: “If there was no one to compare to, would I be proud of what I’ve achieved?” Setting my own standards and raising the bar for myself, when necessary, helps keep me in track.
Chelsea @ Someday I’ll Learn recently posted..An Easy German Meal -
Itzel Yagual
This is one of the best posts I’ve seen in a while that pertains to bloggers in a supportive way! TYVM Itzel
Itzel Yagual recently posted..Times Are Tough But Are You & Your Artistry Tough Enough? What To Boot And What To Stick With… -
Caryn B
I love this post Yolanda. Yes, I’ve definitely been there but your tips are spot on and I always try to focus on being the best I can be and enjoying what I’m doing….when the day comes I’ve stopped enjoying it, it’s time to do something about that.
Caryn B recently posted..The Hub Debuts Transformers Rescue Bots -
Janet K
My biggest disappointment comes when I think I’ve received an awesome opportunity and I announce it somewhere and another blogger says “that’s a horrible deal” or something like that. Suddenly, I feel about an inch tall and want to cower back into my hole. Thanks for the advice on keeping my head up and remembering that writing is why I started this!!
Janet K recently posted..Special Feature: February Freebies Giveaway Hop – MommyMD Guides (US only) -
Celebrate Woman
So very much identifiable. But we are strong and need to get focused on our path and needs, yet without losing our connection with all other great and the best bloggers out there.
Wonderful post, Yolanda. Thank you.
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Tiffany C.
You hit on some great points. I figure I’m not going to get every opp so I try and not take it personally when I don’t get a certain opp. I always think, there’s next time.
Tiffany C. recently posted..Midweek Mixer -
Jeanette
This came in perfect timing. Last week i was second guessing myself as to why i blog and putting myself down. I came to the realization that i do it because i love to write and its a way to express my thoughts. If i get an offer great and if i dont oh well.
Jeanette recently posted..Our so called “VACATION” -
Li
Great post! And so true!
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hooha
You can’t hog all the deals like you think you can. You and your cronies always try to hog all the deals and the one time you don’t get what you want, you whine to get more attention. Waahhh I didn’t get rewarded for my poor high school writing skills and poor grammar. Boo hoo!
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Yolanda
I didn’t know I had cronies, awesome. I think I’ll do a Blair Waldorf and call them minions… xoxo!
Also, I will let my other editors at my paid gigs know you think my writing is subpar. I am sure they will care.
Yolanda recently posted..Get Your Google On 2/22-
Pattie
LOL… loved the response..
Pattie recently posted..Rally for Real Pizza with Freschetta #Freschetta
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Natalie
Love this! To hard to be excited for others when there are clear competitions being advertised. I don’t like it at all! With that said, this is just perfect to help someone turn their day around !
Xoxo
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Karina Fernandez
As a new blogger (5 months) I’ve felt the same way. I’ve wondered why continue blogging. But I’ve come to realize I enjoy what I do, it doesn’t matter (really) whether I have 10,000 or 10 visits , at the end of the day what matters is that I haven’t given up. It’s becoming an addiction and by the way is great therapy.
Great post!consaborakafe.com/
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Connie Gruning
Awesome post!! Thank you! I really needed that!
Connie
Connie Gruning recently posted..Here’s what I’m entering this week……. -
Lisa
This is a very nice post. Actually I really need this.
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Kathleen
Great post! What you said about it being a big office and we all get different opportunities is so true, I never thought about it that way. Besides, if we were ALL brand ambassadors for the same brand…
1) It wouldn’t be authentic as we can’t all really love that brand and use it all the time.
2) It would get boring. People would be sick of reading the same posts over and over again.
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Kevin Linkie
Wow fantastic post. It aint easy being picked over but I don’t get too too down really. I look at it on the side of the company, they only have so many they can choose just like we have only so much time to do reviews/giveaways. When I get turned down I always just cold pitch some more companies and try to turn it into a positive.
Fantastic post. Love your writing style
Kevin
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Ilenia
Oh My God, you so right! Thanks for this post, it was just what I needed
xoxo
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Unknown Mami
It’s hard not to feel the sting. I let myself sit with it for a moment and then I move on. Great post with great coping advice.
Unknown Mami recently posted..A Smashing Success
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