Brand Ambassador. Is it a saturated market?

By Frank Ciccone

There are many types of roles as an ambassador: there are paid roles, collaborations, charity roles, long-term and short-term roles.

I have had a few roles as an ambassador, ranging from Fiat Australia to restaurants, cafes, and clothing brands, from Heiniger to Excellent Edges, as well as a charity role for Polished Man (which helps prevent violence against women and children).

I’ve also reached out to brands myself and put forward the question about a collaboration of some form. Some have knocked me back and some have left my message on open and no reply. That’s life, but you keep on going until you find the right fit.

I’m very fortunate that I am currently an ambassador to a wonderful new clippers range known as Heiniger Professional.

I am also an ambassador for Pete Walstab and the incredible Excellent Edges team.

Amazing products by the way!

This is another point to mention: promote and sponsor what you believe in and what’s the right fit for you. Don’t just sponsor anything, support brands that you admire and love. I love both of these brands and use them continuously.

My advice for ambassadors:

1. Whatever the nature of the role you take on, please do the right thing by the company who is collaborating with you. I have seen so many influencers and ambassadors take the product and not deliver what was agreed upon in return.

2. Sit down with the company/brand and come up with a realistic plan that you can achieve on your end. Be honest with the target you believe you can achieve: the company will respect you more if you are up front and honest.

This next piece of advice is for the companies looking for ambassadors:

1. It’s not always about the high-profile collaboration: you’d be surprised what your return will be when dealing with a smaller or local influencer. It’s not always about the likes on their social pages or the verification tick. It’s about their integrity and the community they represent.

2. If you are approaching a high-profile ambassador, ask them for a Media Kit, a list of brands they’ve worked with and also make sure they complete a written agreement to be clear on what is required by both you and them.

There is room for any barber out there wanting to become a brand ambassador, and it’s much simpler than you think for a brand to find an ambassador.

Don’t feel intimidated by the high-profile barber. Don’t think you are not worthy.

Because you are. We all are!

Cheers, Frank.

@_frankciccone_