Contracts 101: The Ultimate Guide to Brand Partnership Contracts

<p>Kristen and Gillean dive deep into one of the most essential — and often intimidating — aspects of working in media: contracts. Whether you&#39;re creating your own agreement or reviewing one sent by a brand, they break down exactly what to look for, what to include, and how to negotiate with confidence. </p><p>In this episode, we discuss:</p><ul><li><p>When and why you need a contract for brand partnerships and media work</p></li><li><p>How to create your own contract, including key terms like deliverables, fees, rounds of revisions, payment timelines, and late payment penalties</p></li><li><p>What to watch for when a brand sends you their contract — exclusivity clauses, usage rights, payment terms, and termination provisions</p></li><li><p>The art of negotiation: how to advocate for yourself without damaging the relationship</p></li><li><p>Real-life stories of contracts gone wrong (and how to avoid the same mistakes)</p></li><li><p>Pits &amp; Peaks: school lunch struggles, press-on nail mishaps, a powerhouse panel appearance, and a budget-friendly Trader Joe&#39;s skincare discovery</p></li></ul><p>Key takeaways:</p><ul><li><p>Always get a signed contract back before starting any work — verbal or email agreements leave you vulnerable</p></li><li><p>Include specifics in your own contracts: scope of work, deliverables, revision rounds, reimbursement limits, payment timelines, and late fees</p></li><li><p>When reviewing a brand&#39;s contract, pay close attention to exclusivity periods and usage rights — these can limit your future opportunities and should be reflected in your rate</p></li><li><p>You can and should negotiate contract terms; brands are often more flexible than you&#39;d expect</p></li><li><p>Your name, image, and likeness are valuable — charge accordingly for long-term or perpetual usage</p></li><li><p>Review termination clauses to ensure you have adequate notice and protection for long-term arrangements</p></li></ul><p>Ready to jump in and join our media mentorship program? Get started here: <a href="https://expertwithinfluence.com/media-mentorship"><u>https://expertwithinfluence.com/media-mentorship</u></a></p><p>Looking for an in-person event to get together with a community of ambitious, heart-forward women who just get you? Learn more about our next retreat: <a href="https://expertwithinfluence.com/2027-retreat"><u>https://expertwithinfluence.com/2027-retreat</u></a> </p><p><em>Disclaimer: Kristen and Gillean are registered dietitian