My Summer As A Promotional Model

Last summer I spent my weekends as a promotional model for several promotional modeling companies. I had a great time, met alot of great people, and earned a decent income booking events. However there are some cons to this job. You are typically on your feet all day, you are normally going to be outside in the weather, and you might not necessarily like the promotional modeling coordinator. But then how many of us hit it off with every co-worker?

Though the life of a promotional model isn't necessarily as glamerous as it may sound, and though it is a physically taxing profession, requiring you to exude confidence there's alot of play for the profession. Mention you're a promotional model and heads turn. Mention you make $360 in a weekend talking to people and everyone's interest is peaked. And in this economy who doesn't want to make additional income having fun, meeting lots of people and looking good?

So what's really up with this anyway?

It's quite simple really. The hourly wage begins at about $10 an hour depending upon the type of venue or sponsor and can pay as much as $30 per hour. Typically you will be required to submit a headshot and bodyshot to the promotional modeling company along with your resume and related work experience. Just because your 38 years old or even 40 doesn't mean there isn't a niche for you. And just because you are a male doesnt' mean you can't break into the action. By all means men are just as hot a commodity as women in this industry.

Many companies don't necessarily care about your age but your beauty, your body, your smile, and the resume which shows you have potential to be marketable. This means that if you are like me thirty-something, and you are attractive, are personable, have worked on some type of project or promoted any type of product or event, you just might be able to land consistent work in the field and make a good living doing it. Just keep in mind that most companies hire you as an independent which means you are responsible for your taxes, social security, Etc. etc. So having said that it helps to keep good records and all of your travel receipts.

Yes you can! You can travel anywhere in the United States if you have the means and the freedom to do so. If you want to book an event in Florida this weekend and then next weekend an event in California there is definately job opportunities available to do just that. Most companies have multiple states and many sponsors who need a promotional model at their events. If you decide to book multiple events in different states you will need to be at the upper pay spectrum looking for events that pay around $30 an hour. These jobs will require you to have a hard body, nice smile, gorgeous hair, and be drop-dead beautiful. The reason? The client is paying for perfection. But thankfully for most of us, slight imperfections are wavered and still marketable even if we aren't paid $30 an hour.

Well then what if you do want to travel. Travel pay isn't included in this type of work, so it's best if you do decide to travel that you keep in mind that this type of industry will only become hobby work you. In a typical weekend you can make $360 on average -$480 on the upper end.

Well, is it legit, and who are the sponsors (clients)? Of course it's legit. And it doesn't permit any type of unethical behavior. Remember you will be representing businesses like Nike, Gatorade, Mountian Dew, The United States Army, Snickers, Hallmark, and American Express just to name a few.

So what's the catch? There is no catch. You just have to look nice, have good working ethics, be a team player, have confidence and stick to any rules the promotional modeling company gives you. Any decent job has those requirements.

So where do you begin?

Tips for success:

• Always keep your resume updated
• Book events in several side-by-side states
• Do network with other promotional models at events and coordinate travel arrangements with professional promotional models who travel the circuit. This will save you money on hotel expenses and gas if you want to work the circuit.
• Do show your enthusiasm to the promotional modeling company that has booked you to be on time, willing to work at the drop of a dime, wiling to travel to a nearby state, and willing to stay in touch and keep your profile updated with the company.
• No visible tatoos unless the client specifically is marketing for tatted models.
• No visible body piercings. Absolutely no nose rings. Don't even try it (you will be sent home without being paid.)
• Do stick to the dress code. Ladies don't wear open-cleavage tops to the events even though the sponsor provides your polo free for you to wear. You will want to show up at all of your events in the same type of clothing:
• White or black tennis shoes with socks
• Khaki or black shorts or in some cases khaki or black pants
• White Polo type cotton shirt (not too tight please)
• Stay light on the perfume or cologne (you don't want to gag the consumer.)
• No cursing/swearing/talking about your baby mama/papa drama for the consumer to overhear.
• And no negative talk about the sponsors product or other events you will circut. You will want to give the consumer the idea that this sponsor is the only one you work for ALL OF THE TIME!

There you have it. And now you want to know my sources, right? "Who will give me this exciting job and how can I make money this Friday, Saturday and Sunday, you eagerly ask?"

I would love to share that with you. And I will in an upcoming blog. If you like this blog and would like to know what companies I recommend leave a comment for me.

Ciao my friends,

Elleissa