Promo Models Be Like...

I saw this picture on one of the FB job boards last night and had to repost it. I remember the flexibility of working as a promotional model. I definitely remember waking up, not looking so amazing, and then having to go full model mode with hair and make up. Working trade shows and events definitely takes some effort. Team Pink Avenue

Work for Agencies That Respect You!

My friends have been posting amazing things to blog about this week! Thank you! A friend posted this article yesterday and I have seen it before and have the same thoughts about it. I feel like this article is based on common sense but I see how others will disagree. There are different types of people and some of us are nice, empathetic to others and want to treat people with respect. Sometimes money gets involved, egos get big, and priorities change. Even though the audience of this blog is catered to promotional models working events and trade shows it still applies. I have worked with well over 50 promotional modeling agencies in the past and I learned a lot of them are awful. They don't pay on time, they don't communicate unless they need something, they ignore your emails/texts and they disrespect you because they feel like you are beneath them. I can say from experience that I made more as a model than anyone made working a 40 hour week in a marketing/promotional agency. This article basically says that people leave because they feel that they aren't treated properly. Why would you work for someone that over works you, doesn't appreciate your work and doesn't respect you. The worst type of leader is the type that dictates orders and doesn't participate. I want to learn from my boss not be bossed around. Know that you should be treated with respect in your work place and you should enjoy going to work most days. http://www.businessinsider.com/why-people-quit-their-jobs-2015-7 Team Pink Avenue    

Time for a Pink Avenue Rant

It's time for a rant. This has happened a couple of times recently and it has happened in the same city. I worked as a promotional model for many years and am still heavily involved in the industry. I see the social media posts, I have friends that still work and I am aware of how much promotional models should get paid. Working trade shows and events for many years gave me a clear understanding of the pay range. Working as a promotional model for many years gives promotional models that work for Pink Avenue Models an advantage because I will always be on their side and try to do what is best for them. We pay fast, we pay within range and we are very careful about what events we agree to work on and what uniforms are appropriate. We send out detailed castings to see who is available for certain jobs, the pay rate is listed on there. Models tell me that they are available and then ask for more money. I'm confused, you told me you were available and then asked for more money when the client wanted to book you? This is when I have to agree that some people in this industry are divas and take the title model way to far, Mariah Carey attitude. To sum things up... a client has a budget, we stick to that budget and offer local talent work, they agree to work for a set rate. That is where it ends. If you ask for more money you are eliminated from that position. We book hundreds of events a year and have for almost 9 years, we know what we are doing. Team Pink Avenue

Don't Cancel Last Minute

I don't know how many times I have written about no call no shows or backing out last minute but it happened again. I don't think promotional models know how big of an issue this is and how it puts everyone in a bad place. Here is an example of what happened late last night. IMTS is one of the biggest trade shows in the World and definitely one of the biggest conventions that comes to Chicago. One of our clients booked a model months ago and I made sure to follow up with her numerous times to make sure she had the dates set and planned on working. I reached out to her over the weekend with final details and she responds saying she is no longer available. This was 11 hours before IMTS was starting. IMTS is one of the busiest trade shows, pretty much every local model works and many travel in for this event. Most models have been booked for months so imagine how hard it is to find a replacement at 10pm on a Sunday. I reached out to our local staff and posted on the brand ambassador pages on social media and as you can imagine I barely received any response. At this point I am extremely annoyed, the client is furious and the situation isn't getting any better. As I am spending hours working on this the model isn't thinking about the situation at all. The worst thing that happens to her is that I delete her from the database and she never works with us again. We did find a replacement after hours of back and forth emails with models and the client. Promotional models don't understand that this costs the agency thousands of dollars, ruins our reputation and makes our clients go elsewhere. Promotional modeling is a profession and can be a career. This can only happen with reliable, professional, outgoing and intelligent models that care about their reputation and appreciate the opportunity given to them. The moral of this blog is... if you book work, plan on working. Team Pink Avenue

The Top 10 Excuses We Have Heard From Promotional Models

This article made me laugh. Working in the promotional modeling world has taught me a lot about people and has definitely made it hard for me to believe any excuse we receive. When we book promotional models for trade shows, events or promotions we hope that they follow through and show up for work. In this industry if a model wakes up and doesn't want to work or books something better they usually give us a lame excuse. The modeling agency cant really do anything about it. We have to find a replacement which usually upsets the client and we always ban them from further work. There are so many staffing agencies now that models have no problem screwing one over because they know they can get hired from another company. This is a list of excuses to give instead of just bailing and I feel like we have heard all of them. I hope you find this list as funny/annoying as we did! http://www.cosmopolitan.com/sex-love/news/a43646/alternatives-to-standing-someone-up/ Team Pink Avenue

How To Get A Model Body

I didn't know what to blog about today and then I saw this article, it's perfect! Today I ate mac and cheese because it's cold in Chicago and we will be fully covered for the next couple of months, and we love food in the Midwest. While reading this I thought that I should go to the gym then I realized that I won't be walking in the biggest fashion show of the year. I can't imagine being a model and walking in front of people that are staring at your body in harsh light, that sounds awful! Well if you want a body like a Victoria's Secret model you can work out for 5 hours a day like them. Here is an article about a great training camp, the girls seem to think it's fun. https://www.yahoo.com/style/victorias-secret-trainer-dishes-on-how-to-get-an-angel-100010318163.html Team Pink Avenue

Break These Habits ASAP!

Every woman wants to look young forever, especially if you are a model trying to have a long career. There isn't an age limit in promotional models, women of all ages are working trade shows and promotions. Every client has specific qualities that they are looking for when they book models for their events. Some want young, some want older with college degrees and sales experience, some want blondes and some want brunettes. We never know what the client is going to request but we do know that the perfect trade show model is beautiful, outgoing, professional and reliable. Here are some habits that you should break if you want to look young forever. Enjoy! http://www.huffingtonpost.com/mary-alice-stephenson/eight-things-you-should-d_1_b_5655377.html Team Pink Avenue

Flashback Friday!

This is one of my favorite pictures of all time! The team at Pink Avenue Models received a phone call from a new client that need a promotional model for their event in Times Square. It was a big day for the company and I think having a model there made it a little better. This picture is great and makes me miss New York just a little bit. Team Pink Avenue

My Biggest Pet Peeve In The Promotional Modeling Industry

I worked promotions for a long time and still do when I get a chance. Events are fun and you never know who you will meet or what you will experience. One of my biggest pet peeves is a weak team. There is nothing worse than getting paid the same amount as the other promotional models but doing 100% of the work. Have you ever worked a promotion with another model that thinks she was hired just to be pretty? It's the worst! Promotional models are hired because they are attractive but clients also want them to be intelligent, outgoing, friendly, able to have a conversation with everyone and trained on the product so they can educate potential consumers. Please don't be the weak link, it ruins the event for the client and the other promotional models that you are working with. Team Pink Avenue

Promotional Models, Please Keep It Professional

I have worked in this industry for many years, I have been the promotional model and I have been the person at the modeling agency staffing events. I've seen a little bit of everything and there are some things I just don't understand. A couple things that you should think about if you want to work in the promotional modeling industry or if you already do work in this industry here are a few things you should change.

1. Your email address should be semi professional and not from high school. Try to keep it simple, your name works best. There is nothing more shocking than some of the email addresses that I have seen. My goodness!
2. Unfortunately the internet is not private and a lot of work is now booked online. Keep your facebook profile picture classy. The pictures we see are appalling sometimes. I wonder.. how would this person ever get booked! Again, your facebook should be under your name, we don't want to see an inappropriate name.
3. Speaking of names, tell us your real name! This is work, there will be legal contracts involved. The most annoying thing for us is dealing with "model names" and this happens often. I hate sending a contract to a model and getting a response that says "sorry, that isn't my legal name, can you change it?"
4. Fill out your paperwork correctly! Don't beg me for your check that we sent to the wrong address because you filled out your W9 wrong. We use echo sign, it's the easiest way to fill out paperwork. Please pay attention.
5. Please be professional onsite. Show up on time, interact with attendees, know your brand facts, have manners, and work as hard as you can. You were hired for a reason.

These are just a few things to keep in mind when working in this industry. If these things bother me they probably will bother other people that are booking you for events. Team Pink Avenue

#1 Thing NOT To Do In This Industry

After 10 years of working in this industry I will never understand one thing, why people back out last minute, no call no show, or cancel half way through an event. I would think that promotional models would take things serious and that they would want money, this is your job. Let me explain AGAIN what happens when a promotional models wakes up and doesn't feel like going to work.

1. The client is upset and the plan for their event set up has to be restructured. They booked you, and planned on having you there to assist. You didn't show up so now the roles and responsibilities that were yours have to be given to someone else.
2. You failed to show up and the clients plan has changed. Automatically the modeling agency that staffed you loses that client, loses money, and earns a bad reputation because of your laziness. Although the agency had a contract with the model and the model agreed to be there, it still comes down on us. Why would a company hire an agency again when they had a bad experience.
3. So you ruined the event, the modeling agency lost a client and money, and now you are banned from the agency. The thing about this is the model doesn't care because there are so many agencies to work with. However, this industry is small and once you're known as the girl that doesn't show up you will not be booked by anyone.

There are different types of promotional models. We appreciate the beautiful, smart, reliable models that have tons of personality and appreciate their job. Please don't be the diva who shows up when she wants to and is the weak link. You know the type, the "model" that thinks she is going to be famous and is just a pretty face. We have more than enough of those, and the clients dislike them just as much as us. With all of this said I do want to thank our reliable talent, we appreciate you more than you will ever know! You guys are the ones we look forward to working with! Team Pink Avenue

Become A Pink Avenue Model

I answer the phones all day long here at Pink Avenue Models and I get asked a lot of questions. I would say that the most common question is, how can I become a model. As you can imagine I have the same answer for everyone. I tell them that we are a promotional modeling agency that staffs events all over the country and that we don't manage models. I also tell them that we take all of our model submissions online and that we ask for 4 pictures and a resume. The reaction I get can be anything from thankful to surprised. We want to have the best team possible, its best for us and our clients. We review every submission, read through every resume and look at every picture. Some modeling agencies add everyone to their database, we don't and we never will. Our clients are very selective and they have a reason to be. When you are submitting your pictures online send professional and recent pictures, blurry underwear picture don't make it very far with us. Keep it clean! We are always looking for the best talent around the country, we look forward to working with all of you. Team Pink Avenue      

Want To Be Famous? It Won't Be Easy.

I admit it, I still have a yahoo account and I love it! Today I saw an entertaining article and of course I'm going to share it. Have you ever been at a trade show, event, promotion, or even a street team and one of the promotional models tells you that she is a model/actress? You probably laugh a little bit inside because she is doing the same thing you are and you would never say that because you probably have a marketing degree and understand that this is a temporary job. Anyways, there are those girls out there that tell everyone they are a model and try to brag about it, we call them divas. Here is a cute little video that basically says it is impossible to get famous and that the percentage of full time models in the world is tiny! Enjoy! http://screen.yahoo.com/buzzfeed/chances-being-famous-003716166.html Team Pink Avenue

Fun Facts About Models

When I hear the word model I think gorgeous, glamorous, rich, tall, and famous. After working in this industry I have learned that I am completely wrong. Yes, there are supermodels that fit my description but there aren't many. Pink Avenue Models is a promotional modeling agency that staffs events, trade shows, street teams, promotions and other types of events nationwide. Our database consists of models that have done print, video, commercials and other types of work but we also have promotional models that have candid pictures and marketing degrees. We have a wide variety of talent and most will agree that being a model isn't what everyone expects. We found an article pointing out some things that people may not know about models. Enjoy! http://www.marieclaire.co.uk/blogs/543427/the-10-things-you-didn-t-know-about-being-a-model.html#DELAslOZvVa0mbUA.01 Team Pink Avenue

VS Fashion Show - 2013

The hottest night of TV is coming soon thanks to the hot Victoria's Secret models. Get ready for this fashion show to air on December 10, 2013. This is one of my favorite things to watch every year and most people turn it into a huge event. Growing up every girl dreams of being a model, wearing heels and feeling gorgeous in front of everyone. Here is a sneak peek at some of the outfits we can expect to see this year on the runway. Enjoy! http://www.cosmopolitan.com/celebrity/fashion/vs-2013#slide-1 Team Pink Avenue  

No Call No Show = Worst Thing To Do

Our blogs are usually about events that we have coming up or about tips to make our promotional models more prepared. We usually talk about trade shows, events, street teams, promotions and anything else going on in the industry but today we are going to vent about promotional models. We understand that this industry is flexible and that you make your own schedules, everyone is an independent contractor. We appreciate all of the promotional models that are reliable, responsible, and live up to their responsibilities. We HATE the models that fill out their paperwork, confirm that they are all set to work, and then the day of they just don't show up. Not only do they not show up but they don't even respond when we reach out to them, maybe being ignored is better than a fake excuse. The reason we bring this up is because the weather is getting warmer and people would rather do fun things then work, and that is fine, just don't agree to work then. There is nothing worse for the modeling agency and client then a no call no show. Clients rely on us to provide staff for their events and all of our clients select who they would like to book so it isn't easy to just find any replacement. A model that doesn't show up ruins that relationship with our client. Not showing up to work is a very selfish thing to do and not only does it cost the agency money but it ruins our relationships and can make us lose clients as well. It is THE worst thing a models can do. Please think about this the next time you just don't feel like working. Tell the agency something came up so they can find a replacement and replace you with someone that actually wants to work. Just so you know you will be banned from the agency and if you do this to a lot of modeling agencies you wont be able to find work. Sorry for the vent but it's annoying for us!

Team Pink Avenue

Pink Avenue Model's Pet Peeve

I have been working in this industry for about 10 years and would like to think that I have experienced most situations. The team at Pink Avenue Models has heard every excuse of why a model couldn't show up for work, we have had amazing events and some that did not go as planned. We staff events, trade shows, street teams, corporate parties and everything in between. We love our job and enjoy it but there is one thing that really bothers us and it's out of our control. Yes, we book promotional models all over the country but we can't be at every event. How the model performs on site is one of our biggest worries. We want to make sure they show up on time, dressed and ready to work. We don't want them to complain, embarrass us or the client. This is why we are so picky about who we hire and add to our database. We want gorgeous, professional, reliable, outgoing talent that take their job seriously. There is nothing worse then confirming with a model 2 days prior to their event and hearing, "oh sorry, I woke up sick and won't be able to work" or "family emergency" or any other excuse, we have heard them all. With all of this said please keep it in mind when you are booked with our modeling agency or any other company. Once you back out, don't show, or perform badly the agency will probably ban you. It would be stupid for us to let you make us look bad more then once.

Team Pink Avenue

Answers To Your FAQ

The team at Pink Avenue Models receives tons of phone calls a week. Some of these phone calls we enjoy, like ones from new clients or old clients. We don't mind calls from models calling with questions about events they are booked for. Any phone call about work that has been booked or will be booked is great. With this said, of course we receive calls that aren't so great. Here are a few answers to your most FAQ.

1. We do not book babies, children, or teenagers. Everyone we work with has to be 18+.
2. I can not help you get into the modeling industry, I will never be able to help you "be discovered".
3. We do not charge fees to work with us and we will never take a percentage of your check.
4. Yes, you must submit your information on our website, that is how we get our model submissions.
5. We do not have open calls. Our days are busy and unpredictable, we can't have people just coming in randomly through out the day.
6. I can not book you and your friend together, the client always selects who they want to book not me.
7. The reason you haven't heard from us is either we haven't had an event in your area or we don't think you would be a great addition to our staff. We want promotional models that have experience and a passion for this industry, not warm bodies that could care less about working.
8. We are a promotional modeling agency that staffs events nationwide. Yes we get some requests for print or video work but it's not our main focus.
9. The worst phone call that we get is... "tell me about your company". We have a website that explains everything that we do.
10. Please don't call and ask if we have received your model submission. We receive hundreds a week and taking the time to find yours is time consuming. If you don't have a computer please don't mail your pictures, we can't use anything that isn't digital. (Yes, we receive calls from people that say this)

Sorry for the vent but these phone calls happen every day and it just takes time away from more important things that we have going on.

Team Pink Avenue

Thinking Of Becoming A Model? Submission Tips!

The team at Pink Avenue Models gets hundreds of model submissions a week, and obviously we can't add everyone. When filling out the online submission form there are a few things that we are looking for, make sure you read through this small list and follow the steps. We love adding new faces to our team and are always looking for the best promotional models out there. If you have what it takes please submit online so we can notify you of upcoming events in your area.

1. We only work with models that are 18 and older, and a lot of our clients require the models to be over 21.
2. Please submit 4 pictures, head shot, body shot, favorite picture, and a candid picture. We understand that everyone doesn't have professional pictures and that is fine. Please do not submit pictures of you with friends, boyfriends/girlfriends, with sunglasses, or naked, we can not use these pictures. We want to see you smiling and close up. Pictures are the reason that you get booked in this industry so send us pictures that show the real you.
3. Please submit a resume. We want to know what kind of work that you have done in the past. We understand that promotional models have to start somewhere and some of you may not have experience. If you have worked in this industry, show us. We like to be able to promote you to our clients and tell them why you would be a great fit for their event.
4. Make sure that you provide all of your information. We need to know what city you are located in, your measurements, age and everything else we are asking for. This information is used for us and to send to clients, please don't ignore any of the fields.
5. After everything is complete and we review your submission we will add you to our database if we find you to be a good fit. We will then start contacting you about future events in your area and will start submitting you to clients if you are available.

If you are interested in becoming a Pink Avenue Model please submit all of your information on our website. http://www.pinkavenuemodels.com/becomeamodel.php We look forward to working with you!

Team Pink Avenue

 

Models Help Us Out! Follow These 8 Steps

The team at Pink Avenue Models tries to be as efficient as possible. We try to be quick and get everything to the client and promotional models as fast as possible, it makes life easier for everyone. We need the same from our promotional models! Here are a couple things we want all of you to keep in mind.

1. Send us updated resumes and pictures. Clients want to know what you look like now, and they like to know your experience. The more we have to show them, the better your chance of getting booked is.
2. Please get your model contracts back to us as soon as you can. It's a commitment between you and the agency and we hate asking for it numerous times.
3. Make sure your address is up to date. If you move, let us know so we don't mail your check to the wrong address. This happens way to often.
4. Please show up to your event hair and make up ready and happy! The client doesn't want to wait for you to get ready or hear about your bf drama.
5. Don't ask us if we can pay you earlier, if we can pay you more, or why parking isn't included. Every client has a budget and that is what we work with. We pay within 3 weeks which is fast for this industry.
6. Arrive in the correct attire, not what you feel like wearing that day.
7. Don't talk to the client about your check, or contract or anything else. They won't know these details.
8. If you take pictures of yourself at an event feel free to send them over. We like to see them too!

These are the top 8 things that I can think of. We love this industry and want to keep it fun but professional at the same time. Happy Promoting!

Team Pink Avenue