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How to Become a Successful Brand Ambassador

Tips that will get you more gigs 📌

By Katie krichko Published 4 years ago • 4 min read
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It was 2009 and late in the evening when I received an e-mail from a dear friend of mine. She sent the email to me and two others and in so many words said whoever responds first will get booked for the ‘gig’. The event was: NASCAR and the gig consisted of us representing a well known brand and working in the hospitality tent with a few of the drivers while they were taking photos & signing autographs. The pay was exceptional and it also meant getting to spend time with a good friend of mine. So I was definitely in for the win!! So after you decided it’s a good gig for you, what comes next?

Typically the agency working with the client will want one head shot, one current full body shot and sometimes an action shot of you working a past gig and your stats: age, weight, height, hair color, shoes size etc. Some take offense to all the questions but as a Brand Ambassador you’re the face of the brand representing major Fortune 500 companies and they want to make sure that you are exactly what the brand consists of. If the brand is an outdoorsy / rough/ rugged brand then they want the BA to look the part.

When submitting photos and stats it’s best to be as accurate and current as possible. If you have red hair in the photo but show up with blonde you may be sent home because the client needed someone specially with red hair ( maybe Wendy’s is the client for example).

98% of agencies you apply with will ask for a resume. It’s easiest to just update your resume after each: event, show, demo etc. it’s also a good idea to keep a fresh copy of your resume in your inbox of your email. At any moment you may be out at a gig or with friends and your agent may e-mail you asking you to please send a dated photo stat with an updated resume. It’s best to always be ready at any moment. The industry is extremely competitive and there is always a fresh face so you want to stay on your ‘A-Game’.

So what exactly will make you stick out from the crowd? Professional responses to agents, high energy, fast response times ( the industry is super fast pace, clients won’t wait and agents want to know you can jump when they say jump otherwise they have a list of names to call).

The industry is a HUGE industry yet it is also a very small and tight nit industry. Everybody knows everybody and the majority of BA’s do travel from state to state especially during Auto Show season.

With that being said: always be kind, always go the extra mile to help fellow BA’s and never give in to any childish behavior. You will see those that are competitive. They may even go to the extent of slandering a fellow BA’s name to get ahead but they won’t make the other BA look bad. It only makes the person spreading ill words look bad. Agencies, Clients and Managers will release the BA with an attitude before they release anyone else. Keeping a positive image of the Brand is more than just a pretty face or good hair.

Also, a little bit of sales or marketing experience helps but isn’t required. The majority of gigs are lead gen. The major companies want to see numbers. How many people did you reach? I remember working auto shows and after the second day I had no voice. I made sure I made eye contact and spoke to every person in my view ( after all that’s what we were booked for, right?).

Staying in shape, healthy and hydrated is also a must. The majority of jobs require you to stay 6-10+ hours and sometimes even in the heat. With that being said you want to be in shape and have plenty of snacks with you ( most events have food vendors and sometimes you’ll get a discount or even free food but typically the choices aren’t healthy and you don’t want to rely on the unknown to hold you though the day). Energy much be at the highest level possible throughout the entire shift, regardless of your age.

Always stay on good terms with fellow BA’s, managers, clients and agencies. The better terms you are with them the more chances you will have to get gigs sent your way and booked immediately without a second guess.

Since 2009 I’ve had the privilege of representing over 60 Fortune 500 brands. I never thought things would take off like they did but I followed all the steps listed above and never had any issues. I’m currently still in the industry but starting to work for brands via social media vs. events etc. I’ve had 3 or more instagrams so I’m slowly starting over again but it’s good to always have a following and positive feedback on social media ( agencies, agents and brands) look for someone with a good reputation.

Wishing all my fellow BA friends the very best always and I’m so thankful for all the memories we’ve shared and what the future has in store. Good luck to anyone starting out, you’ll do great- just stay positive and keep smiling!

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