Why I (Probably) Won’t Be Applying for LIKEtoKNOW.it Again

There have been several times when I have tried to fit in where I don’t belong.  In middle school, I watched “Can’t Buy Me Love” and was convinced that I needed to ditch my friends and hang with the cool kids.  It didn’t work (the mullet may have contributed to that). 

I tried again in high school my freshman year with the cool girls.  Still not a fit.  

In college, there was a sorority that I really wanted to be in.  I didn’t get a bid, and I was so crushed that I didn’t try again after my freshman year.

There have been a few other times in law school and afterward  where I have had similiar experiences of rejection and exclusion.

I am not telling these stories to make anyone feel bad for me.  Through all of the experiences that I mentioned above, the rejection has led me to repeatedly realize that I was wasting my time with people and experiences that aren’t worth my it.  Each time, I have gone back to myself and I have realized who quality friends are, many of which I have kept well over 25 years.   

Which brings me to my latest experience – applying to LIKEtoKNOW.it. The first time that I applied was at the end of 2017.  I had just over 1000 followers, and I knew that it was a long shot.

I applied again in late January of this year, and I was rejected nicely and immediately.

I then applied again about a week later, this time through a referral from a lovely blogger who has almost 100K followers.  This sweet person has not only tried to refer people to me in my career, but she took time to review my Instagram and give me some super helpful tips to help me get in.  I got rapidly rejected again!

I was a bit sad and frustrated, but I realized something.  I don’t really fit the model.  Most of the brands that I promote are smaller and aren’t on the platform.  Those brands that are larger that I do promote aren’t going to work with me because I don’t have a big enough following, engagement, etc.

I just listened to the Fohr podcast with guests Julia Engel and Thomas Berlit and, although I can’t relate to her (she’s at least 15 years younger than me, and I’ve never looked anything like her).  It was a long podcast. but I am glad that I tuned in, because she talked about how she stayed true to herself and true to her brand, no matter what temptations came along.

I thought about it, and pushing myself to have editorial content to get myself onto LIKEtoKNOW.it isn’t worth it.   Part of the heart of my blog is supporting smaller businesses.  These businesses appreciate that I show their product repeatedly.  I have had several small business owners tell me that it’s discouraging to work with bloggers because they send them something and either they post in stories, which a lot of people don’t see, or they wear it and don’t tag them.  I know people get sent a lot of stuff, but, seriously, I don’t get it when a designer has a conversation with a blogger and sends them something and they don’t give a proper shout out.  Even if it’s only worth $10, it means a lot to whomever sent it to you.

It isn’t my plan to quit my day job, which I like and am very fortunate to have.  I do have a business plan to earn supplemental income that I hope to put into action by the end of the year, but LIKEtoKNOW.it isn’t part of that success.I think that, after almost 44 years, I am finally over trying to fit in where I don’t belong. I am so grateful to have so many people who love me for who I am- a flawed person just trying to do her best.

If you’ve made it this far, thanks for reading. And good luck to you all in finding where you fit in and what makes you happy!

Xxoo, PF