I’m Giving Away a Gift Card Because THIS PR Person Gets It
Filed Under: Blogging Rocks!, My Daughter
Over the past couple years a lot of bloggers have bashed public relations professionals. They don’t get it. They send us form letters blatantly demonstrating that they do not read our blogs and often don’t even take the time to discover our names. They ask for something for nothing and the mommy bloggers for free.
But I’ve been seeing a shift lately. Bloggers are hot commodities and companies who want to reach our audiences are figuring out how to do it.
Case in point: Build-A-Bear Workshop. I got an email from their Social Media Strategist (love that title) which I will reprint in part below:
Greetings on behalf of Build-A-Bear Workshop®! You’ve mentioned that you’re a big Disney Channel fan, and we’d like to send you a Beary Limited® edition High School Musical Bear to keep for FREE – before it arrives in stores! Plus, we’ll send you a $25 gift card to give away to one of your blog readers in any way you choose.
Yes! First, she addressed me by name. Second, she did some research because we are indeed Disney Channel fans. Third, she did not say “I love your blog” or “I enjoy reading your blog.” (Um, PR peeps? We KNOW you don’t read our blogs regularly so just stop trying to pretend you do.) Fourth, she’s not asking for a review. She’s giving me a gift card to give away and that adds value to my blog and helps me get more readers and traffic.
The Social Media Strategist from Build-A-Bear gets it. And my daughter loves the bear.
So now for the best part… YOU can win a $25 gift card to Build-A-Bear Workshop. And all you have to do is leave a comment on this post.
UPDATE: This contest is closed. The winner has been chosen and will be announced shortly.
PHAT = Parenting, Homeschooling And Technology. That about sums up my life at the moment. 
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workout mommy | Aug 7, 2008 | Reply
Hooray for that PR rep! I love Build a Bear, please enter me. Does the cute kid come with it too? (kidding!)
workout mommys latest blog post… Kara Thom finds time for fitness in the chaos of motherhood
Angela | Aug 7, 2008 | Reply
Yeah for PR!!! Please enter me!
Angelas latest blog post… Robin Sampson Free Online Conference Tomorrow!
Renee @ It Happens to Be | Aug 7, 2008 | Reply
That is fantastic - It’s nice to see that people (companies) are starting to put some value in the most reliable marketing tool around - MOMS!
misty | Aug 7, 2008 | Reply
This makes complete sense to me! I’ve seen an increase, too, in these emails. Very interesting…
mistys latest blog post… Rainy Day in May wants… you?
Jennifer Shinn | Aug 7, 2008 | Reply
I love this idea! I’m a Mom and in PR. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
Jennifer Shinns latest blog post… Giving Simpleology’s new blog training course a try
Debbie | Aug 7, 2008 | Reply
I love Build-A-Bear. It’s nice to see companies starting to respect Mommy Bloggers.
Jacqueline Parks | Aug 7, 2008 | Reply
I am glad you had a good experience with the build-a-bear P.R. people! Count me in on the contest.
Jacqueline Parkss latest blog post… Another Skull Bead
carli | Aug 7, 2008 | Reply
Don’t enter me. But how cool! And it totally got me thinking that my nieces would love some High School Musical gear for the bazillion bears they have.
I can’t tell you how many times in my job one of my co-workers or I receive something not remotely related to what we do. . . although I shouldn’t complain, because I wind up with free DVDs like Andy Griffith Show: Season 7 and Golden Girls: Season 4.
carlis latest blog post… Return of the Present Professor Jedi
Monica | Aug 7, 2008 | Reply
I had one of PR emails the other day trying to get me to promote their product and I’ve NEVER talked about that subject before. Dummies. Right into the cyber trash.
Kris | Aug 7, 2008 | Reply
Yay, Build-a-Bear!
Kriss latest blog post… An Update
Dana | Aug 7, 2008 | Reply
That is WAY cool! We heart the Disney Channel. Dawson runs around the house singing the Mickey Mouse Clubhouse song…”Come inside, it’s fun inside.” It cracks me up.
Build-a-Bear is so much fun. Count me in. And kudos to the awesome PR person!
Sonyia | Aug 7, 2008 | Reply
Yeah for that PR Rep! I would like to learn more about how to get these PR people to find my blog. And would love the gift card too!
Sonyias latest blog post… Leadership Summitt
jenna | Aug 7, 2008 | Reply
Enter me!!! Any of my three boys would love a B-A-B… I’d just have to figure out which one to give it to, if we won!! Thanks, Shannon!
bunny | Aug 7, 2008 | Reply
Now that’s a great PR rep story! Who wouldn’t like free stuff, right? My niece would love this! I’m in!!
Thanks!
Angie @ Many Little Blessings | Aug 7, 2008 | Reply
What great research by the PR person! I got a very nice email the other day, but it was about a book for baby boomers dealing with aging parents and what to do with their estate, etc. I appreciated that the email was nice, but had to respond back that not only was I not of their targeted age market, most of my *grandparents* are still alive. (Maybe my parents would enjoy the book, but it surprised me to be asked to review it.)
We would love to win the gift card — my kids were just talking about BAB the other day, and asking when we might be able to go again.
Angie @ Many Little Blessingss latest blog post… 13 Baby and Maternity Portraits (TT #22)
Dawn Gibson | Aug 8, 2008 | Reply
Awesome! You’re right, the PR person really DOES get it! Your daughter looks adorable with the bear. I took all 3 of my young nieces to Build-A- Bear for their Christmas presents this past year.They had a blast!
Mommy Meryl | Aug 8, 2008 | Reply
Ok - I won’t lie - I’m envious of that Build-a-Bear contacted you and I didn’t get one!
Especially since my daughter has been begging to get the Hannah Montana Bear that is beautifully advertised in the Hannah Montana People Edition! So, the best I can do is hope to win the gift card! 
Thanks for the great opportunity!! Yay Phat Mommy!!
Steph. | Aug 8, 2008 | Reply
Oh, heck yeah I’d love that gift card! I’ve been noticing the same thing with the PR message shift in my inbox. Glad to see they’re finally getting that we mom bloggers are the audience they need to reach!
Steph.s latest blog post… Welcome to the jungle, come on and dig on in!
Shannan | Aug 8, 2008 | Reply
That is great. My 3 yr old loves build a bear!
Shannans latest blog post… Say Cheese!
Becky | Aug 9, 2008 | Reply
I have always wanted to go to this store!
Beckys latest blog post… social working
Shena | Aug 10, 2008 | Reply
Cool- we love the Disney channel too. We followed a link on the mommy doodles site to find you. (=
Elizabeth | Aug 10, 2008 | Reply
It’s great your girl reaped the benefits of your blogging!! She is so cute holding that bear!
Jo | Aug 11, 2008 | Reply
I like it when PR people actually “get” it and treat us like actual people. I’ve had a few of those and I’m more apt to say “yes” to a PR person that isn’t trying to bs me.
We love Build A Bear here so definitely please enter me as well.
Jos latest blog post… Finally Facing The Facts
Trixie | Aug 11, 2008 | Reply
Hey, I’m glad C loves her bear! And yay for capitalism and marketing. It’s nice to hear that BAB understands. Count me in the contest.
P.S. Nice new headshot.
kia (good enough mama) | Aug 11, 2008 | Reply
Wow! That’s amazing! A smart, smart marketing/pr lady.
Spooky | Aug 12, 2008 | Reply
Awesome giveaway,and what a cute picture with the bear
She looks so happy!
Spookys latest blog post… 13 Reasons I am glad we Homeschool!
Kris | Aug 12, 2008 | Reply
What a wonderful PR person and a great gift! Love your blog and I am reading it. Would love to win.
Kriss latest blog post… Birds & Dolls
Jenelle | Aug 12, 2008 | Reply
Build-a-Bear is way fun!
Jenelles latest blog post… The Great Vegetable Boycott
zeghsy | Aug 13, 2008 | Reply
wow. intelligence in the pr world. i could totally get in trouble at work for saying that. i’ll probably go there this weekend (b-a-b) because of the email i received from them about the messenger bag. but this would make it that much more fun.
zeghsy | Aug 13, 2008 | Reply
p.s. if we’re not watching bbca, we’re watching the many disney channels. HAHAHA…
zeghsys latest blog post… blog the recession
Katy | Aug 13, 2008 | Reply
OH! We have never been to build a bear..but I have always wanted to take my kids!!! I would love to win!!!!!
Ms Baby Girl | Aug 15, 2008 | Reply
I agree a little honesty goes quite a long way. You know she probably had a campaign on her desk, did a search and you got lucky! Congrats on the cool bear, no matter how it came about!
Ms Baby Girls latest blog post… BABY COLOR SCHEMES - BABY NURSERY COLORS
Alli ~Mrs. Fussypants | Aug 16, 2008 | Reply
rawk on.
Alli ~Mrs. Fussypantss latest blog post… Fight the Frump- Clothing Atrocities
texasholly @ June Cleaver Nirvana | Aug 16, 2008 | Reply
I love when they get it.
Joyce | Aug 17, 2008 | Reply
That’s awesome! I only get e-mails about winning the UK Lottery!
Joyces latest blog post… I’ve Created a Monster
Kristin | Aug 20, 2008 | Reply
First, I want to tell you I enjoy your site- I am an internet junkie and have been since 1999! I am glad to read your post because although I am not new to the online world, I am new at having my own websites and now launching several blogs that are launching next week-so I enjoy reading how you are working with advertisers, sponsors, and pr people-keep up the great work. Also, for some great ideas for home-schooling, and parenting check out one of my site http://www.ziggityzoom.com for preschoolers and early elementary kids and parents.
Free Gifts | Nov 8, 2008 | Reply
Well done with the pr rep, wish
it would happen to me!