Happy Election Day!  It is my hope that all of you, my dear readers, are heading out to the polls today and exercising a right that some in this world still are without.  You have it, so do it!

OK, I will step off of my soapbox now.

Ahem.

Today is going to be fun but will require some of you to step out of your comfort zone again.  Why?  You're going to have to ask for what you want.  I've learned that in the online world a lot of people's success comes down to one factor.  They asked for it.

Now, let's be clear.  I am not implying that you say, "Gimme. Gimme. Gimmee." and expect instant gratification.  Au contraire, mon frere.  However, you do need to lay down the groundwork so when the time is ripe for asking, something delicious will be there, ready to be plucked off the tree of opportunity.

Be strategic in who you align yourself with and don't wait until YOU need something to engage.  If you're a mommy blogger, it's probably a good thing to know publicists that rep brands that target families.  Same goes for eco-friendly, religious, health-related, beauty, recreation, etc.  The beauty of this though is that these publicists are seeking you out too.

I'll let you in on a little secret.  Want to get pitched the best and most coveted products by the publicists?  Next time you see a publicist looking for a certain profile or demographic, even if you don't fit it, recommend one of your friends or contacts.  It's all about networking, people.  Look beyond your own nose and who can wipe it clean and start thinking in terms of being a connector.

Yes, a connector.

Some people might think this is a waste of time because, afterall, what's in it for you?  The publicist gets the person to pitch and that person gets hooked up with some free swag to promote.  You?  Nada.  Or so it might seem.  Trust me, trust me, trust me on this one.  Everyone remembers who has hooked them up and who do you think will be the first one they think of when it's time to return the favor?  The publicist will want to stay on your good side, hoping you'll help them again in the future and your friends will love you for it.  Besides, shouldn't we be doing nice things for our friends anyway with no strings attached?

So today's goal is to connect with more PR people and maybe even score some free swag!

Today's homework assignment is in two parts.  I recommend trying to complete the first part as soon as you can and the second part throughout the rest of the day.

YOUR HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENT

Part One:

Find out where the PR peeps hang out.  I found this recent Mashable article by Sarah Evans perfect for doing this. It's also a great resource for those that would like to start doing their own PR.  If you're on Twitter, take Sarah Evans' advice and use Twellow to connect with some PR folks.  And get to following those who have profiles that jump out at you. (By the way, if you are not on Twitter yet today's a good day to start.  Sign up and then send a twitter update that says "@jessicaknows I'm on Twitter now b/c of #15days" and I'll get you introduced to Twitterland)

Part Two:

Using Twitter, start some conversations about the brands you are excited about (refer back to Day One if you {gasp} can't remember.  Introduce yourself to the new PR tweeple as they follow you back.  Introduce yourself, introduce your friends that might benefit from the relationship.  Be a connector.  And finally don't forget to include "#15days" in your tweets. I'm going to let my PR contacts know that we're all trying to connect and network with them today and by including #15days in your tweets, it will be easier for them to find you.  My hope is that these conversations and introductions today will lead to some great product reviews and giveways for your participants.  A sort of reward for doing your homework.

**On a side note, if you are participating in #15days because you have a product or service you'd like to promote, please feel free to reach out (in a non-aggressive way) to participants if you'd like to work with them to promote your product.

And, as always, please share your progress and success in the comments.  And today I'd love to hear about your progress and success on Twitter too!

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