Blogging is all about the connections. Never burn your bridges by being unprofessional! 

Ready to start working with brands? Check out this video about preserving your integrity  from David Segura , CEO of Giant Media.

The @SitsGirls have 7 easy tips for working with brands: http://bit.ly/yBUQ3R

Bloggers are quick to talk about brands who “get it’. Here’s a great post from @shellthings about a brand she loved working with: http://bit.ly/xLZcWT

Curious how other bloggers handle pitches that don’t fit their blog? @cecilyk‘s post on @momcrunch has your answer.

@MelACulbertson gives us some great info about what you should look for in a well-crafted pitch.

Here are a few ideas on how to pitch potential sponsors  via @TinaSeitzinger

A fantastic article from @momblogmag: “What bloggers can offer brands for conference sponsorships”

@carolschiller has some amazing advice from a PR perspective: http://bit.ly/yshdLQ.

And remember, if  you are reviewing or working with brands, you need to disclose your partnership.

Don’t forget to mark your calendars for our next party, on  March 15.  Stay tuned for more info!

On the heels of fabulous luncheons in Chicago and the Philadelphia area, Girls’ Lunch Out is proud to host our next event in Red Bank, NJ on March 24th, 2012!  

The Details

Centrally located, the event is being held at Gaetano’s Italian Restaurant, just seconds off Broad Street and a few blocks from the train station making transportation from NYC a breeze!

We will be enjoying a three course lunch while networking with other professional women, business owners and social media entrepreneurs.

After the luncheon, take advantage of the trendy boutiques and coffee shops lining Broad Street while you continue mingling with some of your newest friends.

Save The Date

Date & Time: Saturday, March 24th, 2012 from 1-3pm

Location:  Gaetano’s Italian Restaurant – 10 Wallace Street in Red Bank, NJ

We have a VERY exciting day planned! 

More information to follow!  Tickets will go on sale soon!  

We were recently contacted by Build A Sign to try out their service.

Since we were elbow deep in planning our Chicago event, it was perfect timing.

There is so much that goes into planning a networking event for 60 women; finalizing the menu, finding a speaker, working with sponsors, stuffing swag bags, organizing door prizes, and then of course outlining the flow of events.

One thing we were a little short on was signage. Every event should have a sign or two to promote the brand and we were in need of a few GLO signs.

We worked with Build A Sign to create custom signs for our event and we couldn’t be happier;

Tina and Erica, Co-Founders

Chicago Team

We also had magnetic custom bumper stickers made.

Since I’m not a huge fan of the sticky bumper stickers, these are perfect to use.

They don’t damage your car and it’s a great way to advertise your business.

Build A Sign’s bumper magnets are made from durable magnets that will look great and last for years.

They also have many different sign options from yard signs, banners to sandwich boards.

They are great for building your brand, tabling at an event, or just for fun!

Interested in having custom signs made or your own bumper stickers? 

Check out these great styles at www.buildasign.com or make your own!

Disclosure: We were sent custom signs and magnetic bumper stickers to review. We were not compensated for writing this post. All opinions expressed are our own and not influenced in any way.

This sort of approach probably won’t help you build brand relationships.

Join Girl’s Lunch Out this Thursday, February 16th at 1pm ET for a Twitter party about creating successful relationships with brands.

We’ll be sharing tips for promoting your blog with professionalism and flair, writing an effective pitch, review/giveaway do’s and don’ts, and much more!

Plus we have four special guests, who are also our Chicago Sponsors!

Andrea Meyer is the PR Manager for Verizon Wireless in the Illinois/Wisconsin region.

Nicolena Little is a Social Media Strategist with Identity.

Jennifer Kedinger is the Social Media Marketing Manager at the Hyatt Regency Chicago.

Sara Altier is the Chicago Event Evangelist for Eventbrite.

Twitter Party Details:

• Date: Thursday, February 16th
• Time: 1 – 2pm ET
• Hashtag: #GLOParty
• Host: @GirlsLunchOut, @vzwandrea  @HyattChicago @nikki_little & @BriteChicago
• Tweetgrid link: http://bit.ly/xC2Ms7

It’s a great way to break up your day, find new friends and hopefully walk away with a new idea or two!

Join us and spread the word:

Join @Girlslunchout 2/16 1pm ET! ‘Working W/Brands’ Twitter Party w/panelists @nikki_little @vzwandrea @HyattChicago @BriteChicago #GLOParty

OR

Join @Girlslunchout 2/16 @ 1pm ET! ‘Working W/Brands’ Twitter Party! Lots of tips & ideas from our panelists! http://bit.ly/xNrzCx #GLOParty

If you have a specific question, please let us know. Leave a comment or send an email to girlslunchout@gmail.com.

See you at the party!

OneHope was founded in 2007, by eight individuals who are passionate about making a difference.

Not only does OneHope wine create amazing reds and whites, they also give back.  In fact, they give 50% back.

From fighting breast cancer to AIDS, raising awareness for autism and supporting our troops, OneHope has raised over $600,000 for charities to date.

The lucky ladies attending our February 18th Chicago event will get to experience OneHope wine first hand.  OneHope will be doing a tasting during our event!

For more information about OneHope , visit http://OneHopeWine.com or follow OneHope on twitter @ONEHOPEWINE.

Cheers!