I met Adria MacKenzie, the Media Relations Manager for GM Canada, while at a party with the fine folks from Mabel’s Labels, during Blissdom Canada 2010. That blogging conference had some pretty incredible sponsors and attendees!! Adria, Tara from Tara’s View of the World (my virtual assistant & BFF) and I hit it off immediately. 🙂

So Adria… thank you for your contribution!

First of all, I would like to thank Shannon for co-hosting Bliss at Home ’11 and asking me to be a part of it. I too, learned so much from BlissDom Canada and I’m glad I have the opportunity to share my experiences with all of you.

These are my tips and insights from my personal experience representing GM Canada in the social space:

In the conference sessions I’ve attended, “How can I work with brands?” or “Get brands to recognize me!” seem to be popular topics. I think the best answer I can give is to reach out and connect. Send us a tweet, comment on our Facebook page, if you know our email, send a note.

It can be very challenging for brands to keep track of and connect with everyone who enters the social space. I really appreciate it when someone reaches out to me with a great idea and I make every effort to respond.

A good approach when you engage a brand is to have a plan ready: clearly identify what you are looking for and what you can offer in return – and be realistic. We would love to give everyone a car, but unfortunately we can’t always do so. But, don’t sell yourself short either.

And keep in mind that brands can be looking for a variety of things – it’s not always just dollars and cents. At GM, we always appreciate opportunities that provide concrete business results, but beyond that, we also value building new relationships with influencers and social media practitioners and getting involved in activities that may help change perceptions about our company.

Also, be authentic and know your audience. You’ve built up a community that respects your opinion. Be true to them. A program or review needs to fit with their needs and interests and your philosophy and any engagement with brands should maintain that focus and integrity that you have established.

At GM Canada we’re always looking for new ways to connect with people and working with you is one of the important ways we are reaching out. Please know that I would be happy to discuss your thoughts on how we as a company can improve and I’m always open to discuss any opportunities for us to work together.

If you have an idea or just want to say hi, feel free to send me a tweet @AdriaMacKenzie or email adria(dot)mackenzie{at}gm(dot)com.

*This giveaway is now closed.* Adria has been so generous to donate FIVE LADIES GM Chevy Cruze Sportswear Jackets (4 XL & 1 L) by Outer Boundary with SMARTech for me to giveaway! (They are black and look similar to this Teamwear jacket)