I’m One of Wal-Mart’s Eleven Moms
August 10, 2008 by Jessica Smith
Filed under Uncategorized
UPDATE: I AM NO LONGER AN ELEVEN MOM, I STEPPED DOWN AT THE END OF 2008. MY REASONS ARE POSTED HERE.
Wanted to give you, loyal readers, some inside scoop on the Wal-Mart video community campaign that I, along with 11 other moms, was chosen to participate in. I received a call just over a month ago inviting me to participate. The general idea is that the selected moms would help Wal-Mart launch a community video contest about moms’ money saving ideas with the winner receiving a year’s worth of groceries from Wal-Mart.
First reaction? I was floored.
Second reaction? I feared my very liberal and progressive family would disown me.
Third reaction? Total excitement (and the notion that I would simply just ask my family for forgiveness later).
After agreeing to this amazing opportunity, I got off the phone and my mind swirled with questions.
“Will we get paid?”
“What kind of videos would I create?”
“As one of the eleven moms could I win those groceries?”
“Who are the other eleven moms?
“Why’d they pick me?”
“Will I lose friends over this?”
Once I got my bearings and stopped running around the house screaming and dancing, my two year old joining in because he’s always one to celebrate even if he’s not sure of the reason, I took a deep breath. I needed to find some answers and erm, some ideas for video content would be good to have as well.
So, the answers:
“Will we get paid?”
No we will not be paid. I know this upsets a lot of people and I can understand their reasoning behind why. At the same time, I see this as a major opportunity for exposure. Plus, I’ve wanted to start vlogging for a while now and this was the catalyst I needed to start. Besides the exposure, being one of the eleven moms is not without other perks. We’re getting flown out to Bentonville, AR to see Wal-Mart’s home office (I know. It’s not Hawaii, but for business geeks like me, I’d love to see what’s behind the doors of one of the largest corporations in the world). This will be a high-profile campaign and I truly believe that being involved will ultimately lead to other opportunities. However, if it does not, I’m all about the journey even if the destination is unknown.
“What kind of videos will I create?”
Wal-Mart has given the eleven moms Flip video cameras AND complete creative license with our videos. The general theme is providing Wal-Mart’s video community with money-saving ideas and to inspire other community members to create videos of their own. Most of my ideas pop into my head just as I’m about to drift off to sleep at night so I’ve started keeping a notebook and pen next to my bed.
“As one of the eleven moms could I win the groceries?”
Unfortunately the answer to this one is “no”. So…I’m counting on one of you to make that winning video! (And invite me over for dinner once a week.)
“Who are the other eleven moms?”
I’m so glad you asked! Actually, there’s 12 of us…how’s that for value? I’m seriously stoked about the women I get to work with on this campaign. Not only are they smart cookies but they make me laugh (so hard sometimes I almost, I repeat, almost, pee my pants). Here they are:
http://www.geekmommy.net - GeekMommy’s WebLife - Lucretia
http://www.thedomesticdiva.org - The Domestic Diva - Heather
http://www.momadvice.com - MomAdvice - Amy
http://www.classymommy.com - Classy Mommy - Colleen
http://www.beingfrugal.net - Being Frugal - Lynnae
http://www.dealseekingmom.com - Deal Seeking Mom - Tara
http://frugalupstate.blogspot.com - Frugal Upstate - Jenn
http://www.kingdomfirstmom.com - Keeping the Kingdom First - Alyssa
http://www.couponcravings.com - Coupon Cravings - Erin
http://www.thecentsiblesawyer.blogspot.com - The “Cents”ible Sawyer - Denise
http://www.fromdatestodiapers.com - From Dates to Diapers - Christine
http://www.jessicaknows.com - Jessica Knows - Me!
“Why’d they pick me?”
Still trying to figure this one out.
“Will I lose friends over this?”
I hope not. My family, despite their personal opinions of Wal-Mart, are really excited for me. As I learn more about Wal-Mart and some of the positive initiatives they are rolling out, I share this with my family and friends because there is a lot I didn’t know about until my involvement. I am going into this project with an open mind and an open heart and it is my genuine hope that my friends and family will do the same.
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With all of that said, I’m happy to answer any questions my readers may have and I plan to share this journey I’ve decided to take on with Wal-Mart’s Eleven Moms with my readers as everything unfolds.
