Everyday Advice From An Everyday Fashionista

This past week, Quotes, the UCF PR club, generously invited the members of Her Campus at UCF to attend their meeting featuring a special guest speaker. And boy, were we in for a treat! As an avid fashion blog follower myself, I was beyond ecstatic to hear from an incredibly accomplished woman. Jeanette Scott of J’s Everyday Fashion is the mastermind behind this charming and resourceful blog. Her goal is to help women find their own personal style on affordable terms.
 
Throughout her talk, J discussed successful social media tactics and how to effectively pitch ideas to a blogger. When she was through, J was swarmed with questions from the eager audience. Anything from “What is an average day like in your shoes?” to “How do you successfully cross-promote with other businesses?” were asked. J’s motivating advice gave the inspiring bloggers in the audience hope to chase their dreams in the blogosphere.

Here are the essential pointers I took away from J’s inspiring presentation:

5 Keys to Facebook Success

1.)    Content Strategy
J knew her biggest audience would come from Facebook, because the majority of society is extremely comfortable using this social networking site. She began uploading pictures of herself in stylish, yet budget-acceptable clothing, and within two years she has reached close to 20,000 fans.

2.)    Community Management
To go along with the above thought, J uses Facebook to gain feedback on her fashion experiments. She also mentioned that it is extremely important to encourage and engage with followers through responding to their posts.

3.)    Marketing, But Not Spamming
Along with posting pictures on her own page, J also uploaded photos of herself dressed in department clothing (such as H&M) on their own Facebook page! She emphasized that it is important to put yourself in the shoes of the company, and ask yourself if you would like to have that photo on your page.

4.)    Partnering With Companies to Cross-Promote
J stressed that it is extremely important to cross-promote with companies because you are exposing yourself to an unknown audience. It does not always have to be for monetary gain either. Gaining more exposure can be just as effective.

5.)    Asking For Support From Your Existing Networks
In the beginning, J gained support from her existing networks and their existing networks. It does no harm to ask your friends for a helping hand.
 
J also discussed the appropriate way to pitch ideas. Below are her suggestions to an effective pitch:

J’s Favorite Pitches to Receive

1.)    Include a Call to Action
It is extremely helpful to state the purpose and goal of your pitch. Be descriptive, but also polite. Do not demand anything.

2.)    Have a Unique Idea/Slant
To stand out in a world of competition, you must present a unique idea that the person you are aiming to pitch your idea to has never heard of. You want to pitch something that will catch their eye as they’re scanning through their e-mails.

3.)    Know Me and My Audience
Make sure you do your research on the person/company you are attempting to pitch your idea to. No one wants to look like a fool! Also, make sure your pitch is appropriate for their targeted audience.
 
J is extraordinarily lucky to be living not only her dream, but also every fashionista’s dream. She is currently in the final four in Lauren Conrad’s Blogger Contest. Keep an eye out for this self-proclaimed “Rachel Ray” of fashion, for she is bringing the fashion world back to reality.