Gig Life: Promo Style

Need something flexible. either full or part-time?  Promotional marketing may be for you.  Never heard of promotional marketing?  Have no marketing background?  Have never seen anyone in this position?  Actually, you don't need any training and you've seen people in these positions all over the place.  
Ever gotten a sample of a new product at a fair, gotten to try a new liquor from branded  representatives at a bar or club, or visited a booth to enter for a prize?  The people working these events likely have no affiliation with the brand they are representing.  They are simply hired for the shift of for the length of the event.
Promotional or event marketing companies hire people to work on a short term basis to represent a product or service.  There are many different job titles out there that have slightly different job descriptions, but fall under the promo gig umbrella.  The basic position entails wearing a specific uniform, learning brand information to share with consumers, and often helping the the set up and teardown of the event.  Here are just a few brands that I have worked with and titles I have had.

Brand

10 Cane Rum
Absolut Vodka
Allegiant
Amethyst Jeans
Anheiser Busch-Bud Light
Army
Axe Body Spray
Belvedere
BP Surprise & Delight
Budweiser-Band of Buds
Canadian Mist Black Diamond
Celsius
DeKuyper Pucker Schnapps
Dr. McGillicuddy’s
Early Times 354
Frito-Lay Child Safety
FRS
Hiram Walker-Spice and Ice
iFitness Marathon Belts
IZOD Indycar Fan Village
Justin Bieber-Someday
Kohl’s American Cup US Youth Soccer
​Kreschmar Deli Meats
Labatt Blue Light
LEGO Heroica
Liquid Nail
Malice MMA
Meijer
Nature Valley
NIPSCO
Nuclear Cowboyz
Ocean Spray
PNC Bank-Grow Up Great
Red Bull
Remington
Sauza Tequila
Seagram's Lime Twisted Gin
Sierra Mist
Smirnoff
Sprint
State Farm
Stealth Tour/Air Force
Tim Hortons
Verizon
Wal-Mart-Back to School
Wells Fargo

Position 

Actress
Bar Promotions
Brand Ambassador
Business Events
Car Shows
College/Campus Marketing
Commercials
Conventions
Customer Service
Dry Sampling
Emcee
Fliering
Fragrance Model
Guerrilla Marketing
Hostess
Market Manager
Product Demonstrator
Promotional Model
Ring Girl
Sales
Singer
Sporting Events
Street Team
Surveys
Team Lead 
Touring Actress/B.A.
Tour Guide
Tradeshows
Wet Sampling
Youth Marketing Events

Promo Gig F.A.Q.s
How much should I make?
This depends on the position.  If you are working a single event, you could make between $16 and $40 per hour.  Depending on the client and location, you may also be reimbursed for parking, receive gas money or drive time, or be provided with lodging.  It all depends on the client. Make sure to read all the details before accepting a position.
On a long term position as a tour manager?  Expect to make $800-$1200 a week on average.  These positions often come with added benefits and of course, travel!

What types of brands are hiring?
Did you see my list?  All of them!!!

How do I get hired for these positions?
Seek out staffing companies and start creating profiles with each of them.  You can also look for these types of positions on job boards or even in Facebook groups.  I found my first one on Craigslist (yes, really.).  Make sure you have a great, recent, natural headshot and full-body shot to submit to clients.

What will get me fired or blacklisted?
​Not following instructions, taking unschedule breaks, smoking in uniform, discussing pay, and bad attitude can all be factors in not asking you to return.  Most importantly, always show up.  The best way to get ousted from the promo business is to miss a scheduled event and not let your contact know.  This is known as a "no call/no show."

​How often can I work?
This is totally up to you.  These positions are available year-round all over the country, so the amount you work is up to you.  Be courteous, work hard, and follow directions and local managers will be more likely to refer you for future work.  Just make sure you are organized.  Keep an accurate calendar of your work and the sky is the limit.