By guest contributor Mariah Danielsen. Photography by Hello Naomi.

“People don’t buy what you do, they buy WHY you do it” – Simon Sinek

Essentially we’re all out there doing the same thing: we’re writing blog posts, trying to sell our services, and trying to be different than every other brand. You’re most likely not the only person who makes or does what you do. So what sets you apart? It’s your dreams and the passion behind why you started your business.

Sharing the reason why you started your business or blog with your readers will help them form a connection with you. The people that connect most with your story will be the people who have the same types of dreams and goals that you do.

Instead of telling your readers what you do, and showing them a bunch of shots of your products, share with them why your business exists. Do you exist to change the way people think about party planning? Do you exist to help small businesses grow through beautifully designed logos and websites? Make sure you are sharing your reason!

By Sara Urquhart. Photography by Maggie VH.

 In any sponsor relationship, you need to manage expectations. This is true for the very first boutique ad you set up, or the first Esty shop that gives you product in exchange for a post, or for a big name sponsor that is giving you a lot of money. The amount involved doesn’t matter—you always have to manage expectations.

Sponsors aren’t expecting you to be a Fortune 500 company. They’re looking for real people and real conversations about their brand; so, consider your social media outlets as real strengths. Do you have a newsletter where you can feature them? A strong presence on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, or Instagram?

A good relationship begins with a good conversation. Ask a lot of questions. Here are the questions I always begin with:

• Tell me about your brand?
• What are your goals for the year?
• How do you measure success?
• How involved would you like to be with the project?

Tailor your pitch around what you can do best and what your sponsor needs. Are they looking for Facebook likes? Brand recognition? Sponsored posts? Twitter followers? You have to know!

By guest contributor PJ Feinstein. Photography ByAmanda.

Commas and colons and dashes—oh my! The rules of punctuation may be confusing at times, but they are important to learn. Punctuation exists to help readers, and incorrectly using punctuation can make your blog post difficult to understand. Even a misplaced comma can change the meaning of what you have written: Let’s eat Grandma! vs. Let’s eat, Grandma!

As you write, keep in mind these basic rules of punctuation. (Don’t worry, you won’t be tested afterwards!)

A Comma

• Before a coordinating conjunction (and, but, or, nor, for, so and yet) connecting two or more independent clauses that could stand alone as separate sentences: I prefer mint chocolate chip ice cream, but my husband loves cookies and cream. 
• After an introductory clause or phrase: When the door opened, my dog was sitting there to greet me.
• Between all items in a series: Don’t forget to pack your bathing suit, a towel, and sunscreen. 
• Between coordinating adjectives (adjectives that can be joined with an and or can be rearranged): She is a trustworthy, generous, sincere friend.

A Semicolon

• Between two independent clauses not combined with a coordinating conjunction: It was my first visiting the beach; I’ll never forget the feeling of sand between my toes.