How I Learned To Stop Saying Yes To Every Partnership

Did you know that 73% of influencers have worked with a brand they later regretted partnering with? Yeah, I was definitely part of that statistic for way too long! When I first started my blogging journey, I was like a kid in a candy store – saying yes to every brand collaboration that came my way. Big mistake. Huge.

The brand vetting process isn’t just some fancy term we throw around to sound professional. It’s literally the difference between building a trusted brand and becoming another sellout influencer that people scroll past. Trust me, I’ve been on both sides of this coin!

The Wake-Up Call That Changed Everything

Picture this: It’s 2019, and I’m so excited about this “amazing” skincare collaboration. The brand promised the moon – big commission, free products, exclusive discount codes for my followers. I didn’t do my homework though, and boy did I pay for it.

Three weeks later, my inbox was flooded with angry messages from readers whose skin broke out from the products I recommended. The brand? They ghosted me completely when customers started complaining. That’s when I realized I needed a solid brand vetting process, and fast.

The worst part wasn’t even the backlash – it was knowing I’d let down people who trusted me. That feeling sucked, and I promised myself it would never happen again.

My Step-by-Step Brand Vetting Checklist

After that disaster, I developed what I call my “BS detector system.” Here’s exactly what I do before saying yes to any brand partnership:

• Research the company thoroughly – I spend at least 30 minutes digging into their background, reading reviews, and checking their Better Business Bureau rating
• Check their social media presence – Are they engaging authentically with customers or just pushing sales?
• Read the fine print – Every single word in that contract matters
• Test their customer service – I actually reach out with a question to see how they respond
• Look up their other influencer partnerships – What are other creators saying about working with them?

This process takes time, but it’s saved me from so many headaches. Sometimes I feel like a detective, but honestly? It’s kinda fun now.

Red Flags That Make Me Run

Over the years, I’ve learned to spot the warning signs faster than you can say “brand partnership.” Here are the red flags that make me hit delete immediately:

• They want me to post without trying the product first
• The contract has weird exclusivity clauses that seem too broad
• They refuse to provide samples or detailed product information
• Their Trustpilot reviews are mostly negative or obviously fake
• They pressure me to decide quickly without giving me time to review

Last month, a supplement company reached out offering crazy money for a single post. But when I asked for ingredient lists and third-party testing results, they got all cagey. Nope, not happening!

The Questions That Save My Reputation

Before I commit to anything, I always ask these specific questions. They might seem obvious, but you’d be surprised how many brands stumble on the basics:

• “Can you provide customer testimonials and reviews?”
• “What’s your return policy, and how do you handle complaints?”
• “Are there any ongoing legal issues or controversies I should know about?”
• “Can I speak with other influencers who’ve worked with you?”
• “What exactly are you expecting from this partnership?”

Good brands love these questions because they know they have nothing to hide. Sketchy ones? They usually disappear faster than my motivation on Monday mornings.

When Due Diligence Pays Off

Just last year, my vetting process helped me discover an amazing sustainable clothing brand that’s now one of my favorite long-term partners. They answered every question, provided detailed information about their manufacturing process, and even connected me with other bloggers who’d worked with them.

The collaboration has been incredible, and my readers genuinely love their products. That’s what happens when you do your homework – everyone wins!

Trust Your Gut (It’s Usually Right)

Sometimes the numbers look good, the brand seems legit, but something just feels off. Maybe it’s the way they communicate, or perhaps their values don’t align with yours. Whatever it is, listen to that inner voice.

I once turned down a partnership with a major beauty brand because their messaging felt too aggressive and pushy. Six months later, they were involved in a huge controversy about misleading claims. My gut totally saved me from that mess.

Building Long-Term Success Through Smart Partnerships

The brand vetting process might seem like extra work, but it’s actually an investment in your future. Every brand you partner with becomes part of your story and reputation. Choose wisely, and you’ll build something that lasts.

Remember, it’s better to have fewer, high-quality partnerships than a bunch of collaborations that make you cringe later. Your audience will thank you, and so will your bank account in the long run.

Want to dive deeper into building authentic brand partnerships and growing your influence the right way? Check out more of my hard-earned lessons and practical tips here at Valery Teddybear – I’ve got plenty more stories about what works (and what definitely doesn’t)!