Approaching local business for Collaboration

[HomeBrewHobby]

OK, so a bit of history, I literally just started a Beer HomeBrewing channel, I've got about 9 videos over 3 weeks and another 6 scheduled till the end if the month.

I happened to know that a new HomeBrew store has opened in my area within the last few weeks so I took a chance and emailed the owner directly (he had emailed our HomeBrew Club announcing their opening ) and asked him 'whether he had ever considered a collaboration with a YouTuber' for the subject line).

I introduced myself and described my channel, give him some stats that I indicated were low because I was just starting out but that I had been laying some groundwork by making better videos, better lighting and better sound.

I also sent him link to my various social media accounts that I have been using to cross promote the channel.

In then proceeded to suggest that perhaps we could help each other out, I suggested that I could perhaps do some reviews of some pretty specific high-end equipment that they sell, some on store visits, interviews with the owners and staff and becuase its a Quebec business, I could do them all in French.

They accepted to meet and I have a rendezvous next Tuesday.

That was the easy part I think now.

I'm wondering what my strategy should be from here. My goal was to get some free swag and perhaps get some special access to allow for better footage. I don't necessarily want to go in there and say give me that for free, though I tried to soften them up in the original email by saying I'd love to get my hands on a specific product, do some unboxing videos, maybe some testing.

Any advice on bow to close this deal?

 

[HomeBrewHobby]

I'm curious how this doesn't have a single reply after 3 days?

 

[Highfalutin' Low Carb]

I personally think that if I had spent the time and money to build and stock a specialty brick and mortar store in an area, that I’d be much more concerned with making connections with LOCAL media and LOCAL outlets. Regardless of the quality of your content, you have less than 50 subscribers. It does the business owners no good to offer you free swag and/or merch. I’d honestly just be glad that they’re willing to let you come film. With so few subscribers, they are already doing you more of a favor than you are doing them, considering those 42 subs are likely not local nor are they potential customers.

Go in humble and thankful and see where you get. It’s not impossible, but I can tell you with absolute surety that this new business owner’s goals are to get in local media like newspapers, magazines and morning news shows because he has rent to pay and needs to sell stuff rather than help a brand new YouTuber with their new adventure that has no stats to back themselves up.

I know that’s probably not the answer you wanted to hear, but I’d guess that’s why no one else commented. But I truly believe that it NEVER hurts to ask, so best of luck!!

 

[Timber_Craftsman]

Yep well said - I’m open to offers for any film makers in the UK

 

[hatlesschimp]

I just walk in and tell them who I am and what I want to do and if it cost them nothing then they are open to it.

 

[PictureFIT]

You simply have to be straightforward with your offer in return for you providing them social media exposure. But to be frank, if your YouTube channel is anything to go by, you're not gonna have a lot of pull (and worse yet, you have no experience or testimonial with other businesses showing your value). I suggest you're better off building a relationship with them more than anything. Also showing them that you can actually provide value to their business would be good

 

[TastesSeoulGood]

I've only been on YT for two weeks, but have filmed in a few businesses. I expect (or want) anything in return. However, once I have completed the video, I send them the link. They have been happy to post it on their social media, which in return gains views for me. It's a win-win!

 

[Yachts For Sale]

I don't necessarily want to go in there and say give me that for free,

At this point in your channel's growth you definitely DON'T want to ask them for anything free. My advice would be to be very grateful for access to their company with a view of filming equipment, processes, etc. They are giving you far more than you could possibly give to them at this point.
If you produce some good quality videos this may prove to be a very useful relationship for you...worth cultivating.

 

[videoeditgr]

In general presenting your self as youtuber no matter the channel and subscribers you define that you shoot and edit videos on subject or on destination or something else. No matter for now if you are a homebrew enthousiast or pro. Don't forget that already letting you entering a business place and film to your will is something bigger from whatever free stuff you might get. They consider you the video specialist. Oh!? Wait a moment... Did you just said free stuff that you would love to have? No such thing until the day the brand (any) will learn your established name and decide to send you some.
A little joking but more seriously when people or firms give you something also want something in exchange. About plus ten times valued. At least. Else why should they give it away?

 

[Jack Decker]

As it is July 11 now, how did the meeting go? What happened?