Thursday, April 28, 2011

Honda Civic Study Break

With every Random Day Job a new lesson can be learned.  Today, with the Honda Civic Study Break, I learned not to be afraid to step-up.  Originally, I was booked as a Brand Ambassador, but a few days before the job I was offered a higher position, Product Specialist.  At first, I was a bit intimidated because I was now responsible to learn several details and facts about the 2012 Honda Civic line up.  My job was to answer questions university students might have about the cars and I needed to know my stuff!

I spent a good two days studying to make sure I did not let down Productions Plus, the promotional company that hired me.  Turns out, it went great!  The Product Specialist position was lots of fun and I memorized more than enough information about the 2012 Honda Civics. 

So next time a company feels confident enough to ask you to work a higher position, go for it!  It might take a little bit more work, but completing the challenge will feel really good.

Here's a picture of me with the 2012 Honda Civic Coupe....


Want more pictures from the Honda Civic Study Break?  Check out Random Day Job on Facebook!  Or you can always follow me on Twitter!

***Looking for a Fantastic List of Promotional Companies?  Click here!***

Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Soft Cup Promotion

Beware: LADIES ONLY POST!!!  Hehe :)  Can't say I didn't warn you!

Today's Random Day Job was for Soft Cup.  Let's just say it's an alternative to a tampon.  Click on the Soft Cup link for more information :)  Anyway, the event was guerilla style on the University of Arizona's Campus.  The goal was to hit ladies in high traffic areas and hand out over 1200 samples! 

With six ladies on the Soft Cup team, we did our best to break up in groups and make sure the campus was covered.  And I must say, we did a pretty good job!  Toward the end, everyone knew exactly what we were giving away.  Here's a picture of the team:


I booked this promotion through In Field Promotional Staffing, LLC.  To learn more about working with promotional companies, click here!

**Want more Random Day Job?  Follow me on Facebook and Twitter!**

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Blogger Inspiration


photosteve101

People all over the world make a living through unconventional avenues.  And, let's be honest, most of them do it WAY better than me!  I'm fascinated by entrepreneur's and people who think outside the corporate box to make a living.  These people are my inspiration and I hope to become more and more like them as I learn, grow and develop.  Today, I want to share some bloggers/ blog posts that have inspired me on my Random Day Job journey and hopefully, they will inspire you too!

the middle finger project - You Don't Need a job - You Need Guts
The Green Room Blog - On Survival Jobs and Surviving
Budgets Are Sexy - I Got Fired
Cordelia Calls It Quits - Never Feel Guilty for Following Your Dreams
Advanced Riskology - Stand on a Corner and Sing

Do you know any bloggers going against the corporate grain?  PLEASE comment below with links.  I'm always looking for new inspiration!!

***Want more Random Day Job?  Follow me on Facebook and Twitter***

Monday, April 25, 2011

Promotional Job Photo Tips

Pictures are ALWAYS a good idea when working a promotion.  Many companies will ask for pictures mainly to ensure you worked the job, but also to show pictures to clients or post on facebook, the company website, etc.  But, not all pictures are good ones.  There are a few tips to remember when taking a photo during a promotion.

Picture Do's:
  • Consumer Interaction - Make sure the picture shows a brand ambassador interacting with the potential customer.  Smiles, sampling and handing out swag are all great photo opportunities.
  • Consumers in Target Demographic - Make sure the consumer in the picture is the target audience.  The company wants to know you are focusing time and effort on the right people.
  • Product Facing Camera - Remember the product!  Always have the product, sample or any item related to the promotion facing camera.  The picture has no value without the product in clear view.
Last Friday, I FINALLY worked a promotion for Dos Equis!  I mentioned Heineken as an upcoming repeat client in a previous post, but I missed 3 weeks of jobs due to catching a nasty desert virus called Valley Fever.  Anyway, now that I'm feeling better, I'm back on the Heineken roster and below is an example of a good promotional picture...


First of all, I'm smiling and interacting with a happy consumer by handing him a Dos Equis.  The customer is within the target audience (people between the ages of 21-35) and the Dos Equis label is clearly facing the camera.  Extra points for the table flag and an arm full of promotional swag such as the beads and drums.  The client should be happy with this picture!

Picture Do Not's:

  • Posing with a Competitive Brand - NEVER let a competing brand make it into a photo.  You are hired to promote one brand and one brand only! So make sure all brand labels are visible!
  • Taking Photos with No Flash - Dark pictures make it hard to see and often are not usable.
  • Taking Pictures with Non Target Audience - There is no point in promoting a product to someone who cannot, will not or should not be using it.  Also, make sure the consumer is enjoying the product!
  • Taking Pictures of People Making Rude or Obscene Gestures - Use discretion.  No middle fingers, bunny ears, etc.
Here is another picture from Friday's job.  Can you identify any problems?

Problem Number One?  I have two draft beers in my hand.  There is NO WAY to know the beer is Dos Equis.  It could be anything.  Also, the table flag is turned backwards and the guys don't really look very excited to be getting a free beer!  This is not a great photo.  If I didn't know better, I would assume I was the waitress, not a Dos Equis Brand Ambassador!!

Do you take pictures on your promotions?  What seems to work and not work for you?

***Want More Random Day Job?  Follow me on Facebook and Twitter*** 

Thursday, April 21, 2011

6 Casting Websites Every Actor Should Know

In today's world, it's every actor's responsibility to take control of their career.  Definitely find yourself a quality talent agent, but don't just sit back and hope work finds you!  There are several resources including websites and social media that can kick start or continue building your career.  I've mentioned a few acting websites in the past here and here.

Checking the websites daily is a great start, but you should also consider following the casting websites through social media as well.  I'm sort of on a social media kick this week and want to make sure actors are not missing any opportunities!

Here are the 6 Casting Websites every actor should know (and follow through social networks)!!

1. Actors Access - Follow on Facebook and Twitter
2. Backstage - Follow on Facebook and Twitter 
3. Now Casting - Follow on Facebook and Twitter
4. 800 Casting - Follow on Facebook
5. Reality Wanted - Follow on Facebook and Twitter
6. Mandy - Follow on Facebook and Twitter

Let me know if I am missing any LEGIT casting websites, but this will give actors a great start!

***Follow Random Day Job on Facebook and Twitter***

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

Dress Code Shoot - New Tees

One of my repeat clients  is a funky music inspired clothing store here in Tucson called Dress Code.  Yesterday, was the shoot for some sweet new tees, here are a few...

$67.95



$27.95


$58.00



$58.00





20 Promotional Companies to Follow with Social Media

10ch's photostream
If you are a Promotional Model or Brand Ambassador (or looking to become one), here is a list of the 20 Best Promotional Companies you should be following on BOTH Facebook and Twitter.  It's a great way to stay connected and learn about upcoming jobs in your area!  Click on the links to follow...

1. Attack! Marketing & Promotions - Facebook and Twitter
2. Formula Street, Inc. - Facebook and Twitter
3. Redline Staffing - Facebook and Twitter
4. EventPro Strategies - Facebook and Twitter
5. Cat 'n Mouse Promotions - Facebook and Twitter
6. In Field Promo - Facebook and Twitter
7. 360 Events & Promotions - Facebook and Twitter
8. Triple Point - Facebook and Twitter 
9. Productions Plus - Facebook and Twitter
10. Method Models - Facebook and Twitter
11. CMT Agency - Facebook and Twitter
12. Forte Promotions Group - Facebook and Twitter
13. Fusion Event Staffing - Facebook and Twitter
14. Encore Nationwide - Facebook and Twitter
15. On the Rocks Models - Facebook and Twitter
16. Quickstrike Field Marketing - Facebook and Twitter
17. Adelante Live - Facebook and Twitter
18. Sphynx Marketing & Promotions - Facebook and Twitter
19. 8 Days a Week Staffing & Promotions - Facebook and Twitter
20. GT Events - Facebook and Twitter

***To find our more about working for promotional companies, click here***

***Follow Random Day Job on Twitter or Facebook***