The Retired Athlete

I often mention in my posts and on twitter great brands and stores that I swear by. If I like something, I will tell the company/brand/website. If I dislike them, I will do the same. I recently mentioned how great Road Runner Sports is because of their prices and great customer service. I tweeted at them to tell them I had mentioned them in a post and I received a reply shortly after. After a few email exchanges I am now a Road Runner Sports Blog Pick (see the new badge on my side bar!) and this could mean some great deals for you as well! Stay tuned for that.

I wrote/tweeted to Road Runner Sports just to give a virtual high five and I certainly wasn’t expecting anything in return. This is proof that sometimes being nice does pay off and that companies really do value a customer’s opinion. How else would they know if they are doing a good job or need to improve in certain areas?

Companies can be a huge boost for your blog as well. Especially when you have a specific audience that you appeal to, a company with a similar audience can utilize your communications skills. It never hurts to reach out to a brand or company that you love to see if there are any opportunities for you to help one another out. I’m sure a lot of bloggers know this, but I thought it was worth sharing especially for newer bloggers like myself who are trying to get their blog seen by more people.

On another note, a friend of mine, Natalie, works at the Lululemon Newbury Street Store in Boston asked if I would be interested in modeling to promote their run club! Anything to do with Lululemon and running is right up my alley so I immediately said yes! The whole shoot was super fun and we got to put on cute new Lululemon running outfits (pictures to come later). I even got a new running shirt as a thank you for helping Natalie out! Best. Night. Ever. I celebrated by stuffing my face with a burrito and ice cream. That’s usually what models eat, right?

New Run Swiftly shirt!

The Newbury Street store has a running club that goes on runs starting at 9am on Saturday mornings. So if you are in the Boston area and you are looking for an awesome group to go on a run with, join them! I’m thinking about joining them this Saturday for my 7 miler. I could use some company now that I am getting into the bulk of my half marathon training. Also “like” them on Facebook and keep an eye out for my super awesome modeling debut (Just look for an girl…that’s me). Maybe I’ll quit my full time job? Yeah, probably not.

Do you have any strong relationships with companies as a blogger? Any more advice for building more relationships? Does your local Lululemon have a run club?