You may know me from NewBaby.com where I am in charge of Marketing Initiatives and Community Development. I am also working on the launch of MomTV in addition to recruiting moms who video blog (vlog) to join NewBaby.com and share their content.
NewBaby.com has been around for about 4 years now and is the largest video blog destination site for parenting out there. NewBaby.com has a Mom Vlogger program where we have purchased 100+ FLIP video cameras to give to Mom Bloggers who want to add video to their blogging.
We try to make it a Win - Win for our Mom Vloggers with the added exposure from NewBaby.com... and then there is the budget dollars to buy more video cameras. We don't just give the camera's out without a commitment from our Mom blogger partner - as it is important to justify this program with content that is uploaded to our site.
For the most part - the Mom's who have received the FLIP video camera from us have become active contributors for which we are excited and grateful for. However, NewBaby.com has footed the bill for these 100 FLIP video cameras that the Mom's tweet and talk about... which is fine but FLIP has gotten lots of FREE PR from this.
Bottom line...
FLIP doesn't give back. As much exposure as they get from NewBaby.com and Mom Bloggers who get these FLIP cameras - they have not given back.
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU HEAR NO?
You cannot imagine how shocked I was when I sent in a request of how great our program was going, what awesome Mom Bloggers were doing and how they were getting FREE advertising... and they requested more info. Like how will it benefit them etc... 5 questions.
I spent an hour on a response - articulating the value to their brand, pointing out that Mom's like the WiiMom / CoolMomGuide, Julie, Stephanie from Adventures In Babywearing, Amanda from OhAmanda, and other mom's were getting FLIP video cameras for video blogging, we were supplying cameras for twitter parties and Mom's were talking about the FLIP video camera in their video's.... and then I went into page views and tweets quantifying these views and the value to them from WOM marketing etc.... I was so sure the response would be favorable, that I was in disbelief when I went back into my inbox and found....
A response back in under 60 seconds!
Can you imagine?? It was very frustrating to know that if they truly read what was written, gone to the videos and blogs of these Moms who use FLIP video cameras from NewBaby.com they would have had to take at least 10 minutes to see the value and then make a decision...
60 seconds. How's that for a quick response and "sorry" we can't help you with your program........
Okay - so one door closes... (slam) and another one opens. I did some Google searches, used my trusty www.jigsaw.com account and found some execs at Creative Labs - where the competitive product to the FLIP -the VADO pocket video camera comes from.
I sent my email - detailing what we were doing with Mom Bloggers, how much exposure FLIP was getting and how we wanted to find a partner who wanted to help Mom Bloggers add video with NewBaby.com.... someone who knew the value of Mom Bloggers!
Even though it was late - it was worth it. I received a response from an exec who was very excited about what we were doing and wanted to help support our program - by sending us 150 PINK VADO video cameras.
I don't know about you - but that buys a LOT of loyalty from NewBaby.com and hopefully from the Mom Blogger community.
OH and the Creative Lab Vado Camera is the OFFICIAL VIDEO CAMERA OF NEWBABY.COM.... Thanks Creative Labs!
Now we have the tough job of shipping these awesome cameras out to you Mommy Bloggers!
If you are ready to add video and can commit to uploading video to NewBaby as a regular contributor - please email me at stephanie@newbaby.com or on Twitter @VideoBlogDiva.
Just remember - NO is not the end... just the beginning. It fired me up and for the better - love this new camera.... and you will too!!
21 comments:
That's a bummer that Flip was so unresponsive to your hard work. It is also a bummer that Flip doesn't seem to appreciate all of the word of mouth advertising it gets from mom bloggers like me. The VADO looks like a cool camera and cute
That is so unfortunate about FLIP! Haven't they heard that you should NOT piss off a mom-blogger? Anyhoo! Their loss is VADO's gain! Looking forward to receiving mine!!
Wow. That is disappointing but good in the end! And just this morning someone was emailing me asking about the Flip I use for my videos and if I thought she should get one. I felt like I was selling it to her and now I need to let her know about this one!!
Steph
I'm amazed that a company would so quickly dismiss the word of mouth network of moms! Way to go for turning a negative into a positive though. I can't wait to get my VADO. ;)
That is disappointing about Flip but great about Creative! I'm glad you found a company who was willing to work with NewBaby!
That actually angers me quite a bit. You've done a lot for Flip here at NewBaby and many of us mom bloggers have done it as well. It's time to turn the tables and let a real company shine. After reading this, I'm actually not that upset about breaking my Flip today (it was an accident though).
Definitely Flips Loss Stephanie. I can't believe they didn't even take the time to read your response. Very bad PR on their part especially when dealing with mommy bloggers. I am excited about the VADO and just goes to show you the term when one door closes another opens. This is huge for NewBaby.com. YAY :).
i hate that, bad pr. i'm so excited and can't wait to get my camera and get the action rolling. i've got so many videos planned already.
bwalleshauser AT yahoo DOT com
I do really hate when companies act this way. I saw Flip in Costco and I actually knew what it was and considered getting one all because of NewBaby. Now I'm not going to get one
Do you guys have a twitter acct? I saw one http://twitter.com/vadovideocams does it belong to you guys? Cause I saw some newbaby tweets in it. Sorry not very up to date with this twitter thing ;P
Amazing. This is an interesting lesson learned. I'm so glad a new partnership was formed from the experience and because of your dedication and determination.
You can follow me on Twitter @videoblogdiva or @momtv. The @vadovideocams is not me - believe it is Creative since they tweet about Creative products?
So happy to help keep this program going and support Mom bloggers - WOM is powerful and we are excited about Creative Lab's Vado Pocket Video Camera - I used it for the first time yesterday and love it - easy and awesome!!
Watch out for the UPS truck Mommies - Pink Vados are going to be invading the Mom Blogger world from Alaska to Hawaii and across the US & Canada!!
Wow, I cannot believe the response from Flip. I use my personal Flip to record videos but have sent a number of moms to work with NewBaby. Vado clearly understands Moms and is a partner. Boo to Flip.
So glad your persistence paid off with a company that will work with you.
I hope they don't send pink Vados - than I'd really be jealous. :) Maybe if I give my Flip away I could get a Vado? LOL
Flip lost out big time!
from http://jendisjournal.com
that stinks about FLIP :/ I'm glad that all your hardwork paid off though!
Such a bummer to have Flip be so unresponsive - but so wonderful that this new opportunity popped up. It pays to work hard and you do!
While I'm not surprised to find out the response of FLIP and Pure Digital, I am disappointed.
On another note, I own a couple of Creative Labs Zen and Stone Mp3 players and love them! Great quality and customer service. Too Bad I got a FLIP, I would much rather be talking about VADO.
However, I am just glad to be working with NewBaby.com!!
That is unbelievable that they said no!! Way to go Creative Labs!
It stinks FLIP doesn't get it. I hope they see the difference now!
WTG on sticking up for mommy bloggers...er, vloggers! ;)
That's just crazy of Flip to say no like that!
I know I've personally convinced at least four people to buy Flip cameras since getting mine from you, and two of those were in the store while I was looking for camera accessories and a couple of people were looking for an easy to use vid came! Also convinced a client who wants to start doing video for her blog to buy one!
I am so disappointed in the Flip company now! We should start a mom blogger campaign against Flip!
I had NO idea you guys were footing the bill! I wonder how many other companies I have worked with have had to foot the bill for Flips they've given me. This sucks..
I was a bit apprehensive when a Vado rep contacted me, but I think I will be enjoying the pink Vado they sent me. I hope to be more active on NB even if it's just cute vids of Jayden!
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