Thursday
12Feb2009
Oh By the Way...
Thursday, February 12, 2009 at 8:51AM
I'm not a Walmart 11Mom anymore.
I stepped down from the campaign around the holidays and left quietly because I saw it as a personal decision and figured I would tell people one on one if asked.
However, I've realized recently that since I didn't blog about it some people think I'm still a Walmart 11Mom or if they know that I'm not, there's speculation as to why I stepped down.
So I'm taking the time to write this post to set the record straight.
Last summer, eleven moms were asked to participate in Walmart's Eleven Moms campaign, I was one of them and while I grew up in a family that wasn't exactly Walmart-friendly I was still excited to learn more about the company and the changes they're making for the better.
I am extremely impressed with Walmart's sustainability initiatives and needless to say, working with the other 11Moms was a privilege in and of itself.
The initial campaign involved vlogging money saving tips and culminated in the fall with a contest where the winners would receive a year's worth of free groceries. When the campaign was over it was not clear what the next phase would include. When I signed on, I was under the impression that the campaign would be ending in December since that was what had been discussed. So, to sum it up, it was a combination of not being sure what the expectations would be with the next phase and my commitment to other projects coming up that became the catalyst for my decision. Additionally, there were personal reasons that held some weight too...but ultimately it came down to the initial campaign winding down and being confident that the time was right for me to move on.
With that said, I am super excited to see the opportunities that have opened up for my former Walmart 11Moms comrades. Radio shows, their photo in the Walmart circular, SxSW (squee!), and a growing community. I applaud them and John Andrews, Walmart's Emerging Media guru, for their hard work.
There's a lot to be said for one of the (if not THE) largest corporations in the world embracing social media. And we're seeing more brands follow suit every day.
I'm proud to have been part of the Eleven Moms campaign.
Were there some things I wish would have liked to have seen done differently?
Sure.
But social media is uncharted territory and we're all working together to shape this industry. What a scary and exciting thought!
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I stepped down from the campaign around the holidays and left quietly because I saw it as a personal decision and figured I would tell people one on one if asked.
However, I've realized recently that since I didn't blog about it some people think I'm still a Walmart 11Mom or if they know that I'm not, there's speculation as to why I stepped down.
So I'm taking the time to write this post to set the record straight.
Last summer, eleven moms were asked to participate in Walmart's Eleven Moms campaign, I was one of them and while I grew up in a family that wasn't exactly Walmart-friendly I was still excited to learn more about the company and the changes they're making for the better.
I am extremely impressed with Walmart's sustainability initiatives and needless to say, working with the other 11Moms was a privilege in and of itself.
The initial campaign involved vlogging money saving tips and culminated in the fall with a contest where the winners would receive a year's worth of free groceries. When the campaign was over it was not clear what the next phase would include. When I signed on, I was under the impression that the campaign would be ending in December since that was what had been discussed. So, to sum it up, it was a combination of not being sure what the expectations would be with the next phase and my commitment to other projects coming up that became the catalyst for my decision. Additionally, there were personal reasons that held some weight too...but ultimately it came down to the initial campaign winding down and being confident that the time was right for me to move on.
With that said, I am super excited to see the opportunities that have opened up for my former Walmart 11Moms comrades. Radio shows, their photo in the Walmart circular, SxSW (squee!), and a growing community. I applaud them and John Andrews, Walmart's Emerging Media guru, for their hard work.
There's a lot to be said for one of the (if not THE) largest corporations in the world embracing social media. And we're seeing more brands follow suit every day.
I'm proud to have been part of the Eleven Moms campaign.
Were there some things I wish would have liked to have seen done differently?
Sure.
But social media is uncharted territory and we're all working together to shape this industry. What a scary and exciting thought!
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Reader Comments (6)
I just noticed the other day when you all were at Blissdom that you weren't pictured on the Walmart site anymore. I was curious, but did not speculate. I just figured exactly what you just explained...
Jess-
Your energy and enthusiasm are sorely missed-but I've been happy to see that you have continued to do the great things that we've all come to expect from you. Rock on!
Jenn Fowler @ Frugal Upstates last blog post..http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/FrugalUpstate/~3/537300916/childrens-school-fundraiser-philosophy.html" rel="nofollow">Children's School Fundraiser Philosophy
Great post Jess!
You will always be one of the original 11Moms!! :) But it's good to see that you are busy as ever and succeeding in your projects and endeavors!
(((hug)))
Lucretia Pruitts last blog post..http://geekmommy.net/2009/02/11/manta-mania-win-a-trip-for-4-from-izea-to-seaworld-in-orlando/" rel="nofollow">Manta Mania!! Win a Trip for 4 from Izea to SeaWorld in Orlando
In this new world of social media, many of us find ourselves following someone we admire on twitter, reading a blog that interests us, or connecting thru facebook. When I read a bloggers words, I tend to use my own voice and inflections. We create in our minds a picture of our online mentor or friend with only the words we read or pictures they post. It’s rare that many of us will ever get a chance to meet the person who inspires us, motivates us, and provides us with the invaluable content we have come to rely on.. Last weekend I had the chance to meet you Jessica Smith and I have to say your warmth and kindness shined on everyone who you came in contact with. At Blissdom09 you were one of speakers that many bloggers wanted to hear. The value of your information and the real world ideas that you shared were concrete, true and sincere. Even more than that it was the time you spent off the stage that was so wonderful. You were approachable, welcoming, and willing to speak with, and answer as many questions as you were asked. It was such a breath of fresh air, and as much as your blog and information is impressive, it was you as a person that impressed me the most. I’m so proud of you, and feel extremely blessed to have been able to share some time with you. I look forward to watching you continue to be a trailblazer in this new and exciting world of media. I’m sure you left Eleven Moms campaign, with mixed feelings, they do have a great group of moms and John Andrews will always be a superstar in my eyes. I feel in my heart it was the right time for you to move on and I see a much bigger picture emerging for you in the world of social media. You Go (Mary Katherine) and Rock On..
Beth Rosens last blog post..http://themidlifewife.com/?p=161" rel="nofollow">Another nincompoop blogger moment!
I would have had personal reasons as well.
[...] / Jessica Knows - Jessica (Note: Jessica is no longer one of the 11 moms. Her thoughts are here. I’m keeping her link though because her blog is terrrific.) http://www.geekmommy.net / [...]