We know the leaves are still on the trees and we just had 88 degree weather in NYC a couple of days ago, but trust us, we’ll all be decking the halls and polishing the menorahs in just two months. The holiday season is always a busy one for promotional and experiential marketing; this year will be no different. Some retail operations generate all of their profits during this critical two month shopping period, and they know that the right marketing program can make the difference between just getting by or having a jolly Christmas time.
With so much going on during such a short time frame, it’s easy to let some of the important details slip through. In extreme situations, the sheer size of a program (try 500 Brand Ambassadors all executing on Cyber Monday in 10 different cities) can leave a client account rep feeling helpless. Have no fear–there is nothing that we can’t staff with exceptional independent contractor Talent. To help get you started, here are a few tips for your Holiday Shopping promotions:
- Plan out as early as possible–there are often several competing events occurring closeby all attempting to attract the same consumer group. Moreover, the very best staff gets booked up months in advance
- Get permission/permits for your execution locations–disaster scenario is to have a big push planned at a mall or department store, only to have security pull the plug on the entire event. You’re stuck with zero sales lift PLUS a bill for the event cost
- Use an experienced staffing company–you don’t want to find yourself rebooking a Brand Ambassador slot on Thanksgiving night
- Ask about coverage upfront–6am on Black Friday and five of your staffers haven’t shown up. Is your staffing agency contact going to handle it? Is she even awake?
Always remember that the very best staff gets booked up months in advance. The more notice we have at GC, the more likely it is that we’ll be able to provide you with top-notch Talent for your events. In particular, killer days like Black Friday and Cyber Monday introduce many other new considerations like crack-of-dawn call times and frantic customers rushing into stores to get limited availability deals.
Of course, we’re in the event business, and we understand not everything will be finalized so far in advance. We’re flexible, but the quicker the turnaround time required, the less specific you’ll have to be in your staff requirements. Looking forward to a busy (and promotional) holiday season!