In my last article, I established what a day in the life of a brand ambassador looks like. So now, let’s dive into how you become successful in the industry. Or better yet, how does one even get started? I’ve seen brand ambassador positions on job posting boards like Indeed and Glassdoor or you can check a staffing agency's social media pages or website. All you have to do is apply! Sometimes companies, like Backwoods Promotions, will use staffing platforms (like PopBookings, Trusted Herd, etc) to reach out to their current roster when jobs are available in their area. Whichever route you choose to take, all you have to do is apply! 

For me, I knew a guy. My friend had posted that her company was hiring and I swiped up. My first booking as a brand ambassador was working a liquor sampling. This is where a lot of us begin because they’re only a couple hours long and generally at a bar, liquor store, or golf course. The appeal of the industry is that you can work as little or as much as you want, in addition to or in place of your full-time job, and when and where you want to. I had picked up some extra shifts to supplement my current income but it ended up opening a world I didn’t even know existed. After a few months of liquor sampling I was invited to apply for a farm show that was in my area and I just wrapped up my third year on that same tour!

And so began my descent into this world of events and promotions that I didn’t even know existed until three years ago. I’ve worked everything from golf outings and tasting events, to UTV races, ride & drives and rodeos. People ask me all the time how I got into this job and I always tell them “it was sheer luck!” However in actuality you need to be outgoing, engaging, professional and motivated. You also have to be flexible and able to roll with the punches. Motorsport, automotive or outdoor experience is a plus but at least an interest is necessary. Everybody within the Backwoods Promotions community is an enthusiast first which is one of the aspects that sets us apart. It would be awfully hard to talk to someone about concrete all day if you didn’t enjoy concrete. But I guess that also explains why I’ve never been booked for a concrete expo. I’m just not enthusiastic about concrete!

The question I want you to ask yourself is “what am I enthusiastic about?”. Is it hunting, fishing, and the outdoors? Sports? Motorcycles? Or are you like me and enjoy anything off-road? Whatever the answer is, that's your niche! You don’t have to eat, breathe, and die by your niche but having an interest makes you a more desirable candidate because you can relate to event attendees. You instantly become knowledgeable and more credible!

So how do you get booked to work a promo job? 

Step 1: Apply! 

Make sure that your resume and cover letter reflect the position you’re applying for by adding in relevant experience, interests, and an effective call to action. Channel your inner Merriam-Webster and stop using generic (and boring) action verbs. Instead try using words like generated, boosted, and maximized when talking about lead generation or outpaced and outperformed when referring to goals. You want to be detailed, specific and compelling. You are, after all, trying to convince someone to book you! Backwoods is always looking for people that are outgoing, energetic and hard working or should I say extraverted, dynamic, and driven.

Step 2: Network! 

Social media can be used to your advantage when looking for event or promotions work. Search hashtags like #staffingagency and connect with agencies or other like-minded ambassadors.  Keep in mind that this is the first impression most people will have of you so you want to be professional, upfront, and courteous and remember networking isn’t about asking for a job! Instead, ask probing questions that will help you in your job search like “what type of training do you need for this position?”. Or try asking for recommendations on agencies or people you should be talking to. Keep notes so that you can add a personal touch to future correspondence, try not to demand too much time, always say thank you, and find a reason to follow up! Try commenting on a post or responding to a comment they make. Finding a good, reliable network can help you expand your reach and will potentially result in new opportunities.

Step 3: Don’t get discouraged if you don’t get booked. 

Sometimes there just aren’t any events in your area! The event and promotion world is ever changing so make sure that you keep your resume current, grow your network, and follow up with agencies once or twice a year in order to stay active on their roster!

Written by Stephanie J.