I’m not an expert on dating and marriage but here is what I know: dating is a two way street where it takes time to develop and build a relationship. It starts with a spark and then grows. Some people have one night stands and each partner gets something out of the deal but then it is over. Some people speed date and jump right to marriage because it is love at first site. Expectations when clear on a date make for a nice time or at least discussion on where things are going to lead. If you date and it is unclear that a drink and dinner means up to the hotel room after wards – someone is going to be disappointed and another person upset or hurt. Bloggers and companies date, have one night stands and get married – follow me on my analogy here because it does make sense.
Some companies have unclear expectations of what should come out of the “date” and the blogger isn’t sure where things are going to lead. Does a dinner with a company mean there is another date or does it mean we head to the bedroom? Unclear expectations could mean bloggers giving stuff away for free or not meeting the expectations of the company because they did not know that dinner meant a post or tweet but the company expected this. When there is a one night stand and a company begins a relationship with other bloggers there is a sense of the company or PR firm being a “player” and not investing in the community or taking time to develop a relationship. We can pretty much cut straight to the chase and say sleeping around in the blogeshpere won’t end well for the company, brand or P.R. firm – we talk so don’t be slutty.
In real life dating times time, meetings, talking, listening and learning from one another. When there is a spark we encourage that spark and add fuel to the fire to heat things up! Companies and bloggers need to do the same thing. Sometimes you have to date a few different people and be set up on dates to find the perfect match and this is okay! It is acceptable to date online, check each other out and do your research and have those Skype dates – just build a relationship and listen to one another to see if there is chemistry and a fit.
With relationships there is a level of security, trust and loyalty. Brands, bloggers, companies, and humans desire this security, trust and loyalty, we’re all more alike than we think. Feeling desperate, wanting a magic bullet or rushing to find love instantly doesn’t usually fare well for anyone, regardless of the situation.
Read about my recent “date” with Ebay and Kijij over at Green and Clean Mom. There was a spark and I’m certain a second date (blush).
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