Promoting product I don’t like? I
Matej, a popular make-up influencer, faces a dilemma after signing a sponsorship deal with a cosmetics brand. Upon testing the products, he finds one item poorly designed and of low quality—something he wouldn’t recommend or use himself. In a meeting with the brand, he learns that this disliked product is the campaign’s key item, heavily backed by the marketing budget. The brand insists it be featured in his content, assuring him it passed all required tests. They agree to meet again in a week, expecting a draft of Matej’s promotional content.
What would you do in Matej's place?
- 1. Even if it means breaking off sponsorship, I will not pass on dishonest information. Telling the truth and being honest with my followers is a principle that I will not back down on.
- 2. I politely explain that this product would not be suitable for my followers, and I suggest replacing it with a more suitable alternative. I give the reason that this will still increase the impact of their brand and preserve the potential for cooperation.
- 3. I decide to include the product in the promotion. I acknowledge that while it may not fully suit my own preferences, it could be a great fit for others. This way, I maintain my professional reputation and relationship with the partner, while giving my audience the chance to form their own opinion.
- 4. At the meeting, I will only talk about the products that I like. I am ready to continue cooperation on the condition that I can positively emphasize the products that I really liked, and I try to find the compromise that we focus on creating content specifically on them.
- 5. I am only willing to move forward with the collaboration if I can be fully honest about my experience. That means highlighting the products I truly liked and being transparent, about the one that didn’t suit me.