Best Side Gig – Working As A Brand Ambassador

If you like interacting with people, a Brand Ambassador gig might just be the right side hustle for you. Getting paid $15 to $35 an hour for going to fun events and passing out free stuff to people (which usually makes them happy), is not a bad way to earn some extra money.  You even get to pick your own work hours and days.

For the past three years, I’ve been working as a brand ambassador at various events across Nashville. It’s a great way to make some extra income. However, not many people seem to know about this gig, so I decided to write about this and share my experience as a Brand Ambassador (BA). I’ve brought it up to several of my co-workers and not one person knew what a Brand Ambassador is.

WHAT IS A BRAND AMBASSADOR?

A Brand Ambassador (BA) is someone who is hired to represent a brand in a positive way and by doing so they help raise brand awareness and provide consumers with a memorable face-to-face brand experience.

Brand Ambassadors are the friendly people you see wearing branded t-shirts and handing out or demoing products at events and stores.

• Many brand ambassador gigs take place on the weekends.
• If you’re friendly and outgoing and don’t mind standing on your feet for hours, this job is perfect for you.
• The average BA gig pays $20/hour, which means, you can bring in an extra $300 or so over the weekend.
• Brand Ambassadors are usually hired in groups to work at large events, music festivals, trade shows, sports games, stores and pretty much anywhere where there are lots of people.  However, sometimes a BA works alone at sampling events in grocery stores.

While some brands prefer hiring younger BAs, other brands want the more “mature” person. For example, a diaper brand would be more inclined to hire a “mom” type BA than a 19-year-old college kid.  It all depends on what the gig is and who the target consumer is. I’ve seen 60-year-old BAs work at events.

While age doesn’t stop you from being hired, visible, large tattoos, multiple piercings, and a messy appearance can.

I’ve represented brands such as Amazon Music, Home Depot, Sam’s Club, Aldi, Jersey Mike’s, FujiFilm, Cascadian Farms, BeachBody and many others.

Another perk that comes with being a BA is you get free access to fun events. I recently worked for Amazon Music at Nashville’s Country Music Festival where I got free access to a very expensive event. I saw several famous country artists and was able to explore the venue during my break and after my shift. Most brands even cover your parking expenses, which is a big deal, considering how expensive parking gets during large events (up to $45 here in Nashville).

WHAT DO BRAND AMBASSADORS DO?

A Brand Ambassador’s main task is to create a fun and memorable experience for consumers by:

• Giving away free samples and swag
• Having people test new products
• Setting up and breaking down events
• Interacting with consumers
• Increasing brand awareness by wearing branded t-shirts, hats, backpacks, etc.

HOW MUCH CAN I MAKE AS A BRAND AMBASSADOR?

The bare minimum is $15/hr; the average rate is $20/hr. In Nashville, I have seen rates as high as $35/hr. In Los Angeles and New York rates can go as high as $50/hr.

WHERE DO I FIND BRAND AMBASSADOR GIGS?

To make money as a BA you’ll need:

• A computer with internet
• A friendly and outgoing personality
• A resume catered for Brand Ambassador gigs
• One or two nice photos (they don’t have to be professional photos)

The ‘No Experience’ Conundrum

Some people are new to the industry and wonder what to put on their resume. Here’s what you do.

Those lacking in event related experience should emphasize their experience working closely with people in another industry. For example, if you’ve  worked in a restaurant and engaged with customers,  emphasize this on your resume. Highlight your people skills experience, and you’ll be landing gigs in no time. Great Brand Ambassadors are endlessly energetic, do their jobs with passion, and love interacting with people.

WHERE DO I FIND GIGS?

Ambassador gigs are readily available, especially if you live in or near a major city. There are hundreds of staffing agencies out there.

1) AGENCIES — Many agencies offer a “join their BA team” option on their website. You can do so by creating a profile, and the agencies will email and/or text you directly with any job opportunities in your area. Signing up usually consists of inputting your basic personal information, any experience you have, and some pictures of yourself. Don’t be intimidated if on their websites you see photos of a bunch of young, pretty girls. Trust me, I’m a 47-year-old mom, and I get plenty of work.

2) CRAIGSLIST — I know, some people would never turn to Craigslist for jobs, but, Craigslist is a gold mine for finding local Brand Ambassador gigs. Navigate to your local city, search under the “Gigs” section, and then click on “Events” to find promotional gigs near you.  Most gigs only ask for a resume and some photos, but if you ever feel uncomfortable, move on to the next one. From my personal experience, if a staffing company is legit, they will provide lots of details about the gig, such as time, date, brand, pay rate, etc.

Here are some of the agencies I’ve signed up with:

ATN Event Staffing

Ascent Talent

PS Stearns

WOM Staff

Fusion Event Staffing

BrandGreet

Ace High Marketing

So far, my experience working as a BA has been very positive. I enjoy the fact that each and every event is different (different products, crowd, setting, etc.). It doesn’t get old.  I’ve also met lots of nice people (fellow BAs and consumers) at these events,  and the work atmosphere is professional yet fun.

Let me know if any of you have worked Brand Ambassador gigs. Love to hear about your experience.