January 2012

Michelle Guivas- Chicago, IL

SMI is pleased to recognize Michelle Guivas as our January Talent of the Month. Michelle has proven herself to be a very versatile and valuable member of our team. Michelle has worked steadily as a model talent beer and liquor spokesmodel on our Absolut, Olmeca, Kahlua, Malibu, Corona and Sam Adams campaigns. She has also worked as a Casted Talent Brand Ambassador on street-team events and in-store retail samplings and demonstrations. Michelle is reliable, outgoing and always has a smile on her face. We took this opportunity to get to know Michelle a little better and find out some of her thoughts on the event industry and working with Signature Marketing:

1. What advice would you give other brand ambassadors on how to run a successful promotion?

The best advice for working a successful promotion is to enjoy what you do. Remember you are a brand and the face to the product. Consumers rely on you to provide feedback and information on the product. Always be open minded as consumers will have their own opinions and remarks, most importantly remember to have fun and smile.

2. What is the best thing about working for Signature Marketing?

Where to start with this question … Signature Marketing is always a pleasure to work for. The employees go out of their way to make sure you feel comfortable completing their events. It’s not often that you see the face of the company work side by side with staff, which is always a plus. If you’re ever in need of information, Signature is always there to answer any questions even after hours. Payments for Signature are always on time and correct, no need to wait a month to get reimbursed. To be honest, Signature Marketing has and will continue to be my favorite Marketing Company.

3. What was the most fun promotion you’ve ever worked?

I had the privilege of working the release event for the  playstation game “Just Dance”. Not only did I launch the program, I got to dance with consumers all day, everyday. I taught consumers dance moves which was a fun workout as you dance nonstop to beat your competitor. I had a blast making up dance moves and seeing adults act like children. Not only was it a great launch, it was a fun and enjoyable event.

November 2011

Tyler Mose – Chicago, IL

SMI is pleased to recognize Tyler Mose as our November Talent of the Month. Tyler has worked on our Shecky’s Girls Night Out Program, our Cointreau program, and our ComEd Community Outreach programs at Brookfield and Lincoln Park Zoos.  Tyler is always eager to jump in on any program and execute with professionalism, attention to detail, and a great attitude! Tyler was integral in obtaining a new client, Cointreau, by impressing them with his presentation skills at a “Girls Night Out” event.  Thank you so much for all of your hard work Tyler! We took this opportunity to get to know Tyler a little better and find out some of his thoughts on the event industry and working with Signature Marketing:

1. How did you enter the event marketing industry?

I entered the marketing industry about 5 years ago with what was then the professional lacrosse team of Chicago (Chicago Machine). Our means of marketing the team were hitting the streets with gear/ promotional give aways and spreading the word on the team. This was a grass roots marketing campaign at its finest! It was a great way to explore the city as a newbie to Chicago and understand consumers at face value and how quickly you must engage them!

2. What advice would you give other brand ambassadors on how to run a successful promotion?

-Don’t over sell! You need to engage each potential buyer as a human being. They’re ready for a sales pitch as soon as they see you. Trust me! I’ve seen the would be buyer shy away very quickly as soon as they see someone with free product.

Be yourself, act like you don’t need the business, engage them and let them decide for themselves. If there is a special going on be sure to mention this! Consumers are much more apt to buy when there is some type of deal.

Also, always remember to give away the free swag or items that you have. Consumers are much more apt to purchase after you have given them something for free. They feel a certain obligation or need to buy! Think of it from your personal perspective of when someone does something nice for you. You are much more likely to do something for them in the future. The same goes with the free giveaways! These are in essence seeds that you are planting in the consumers minds just by giving away something that you have a plethora of!

3. What is the best thing about working for Signature Marketing?

The best thing about Signature is that it is a very well run company. By well run, I mean that assignments are delivered in a timely manner, payment is distributed on time – ALWAYS – and the events are fun! I’ve been more than lucky and happy to have run across Signature Marketing and been even more lucky that they have continued to let me represent and work for them at various functions! Management is very easy going and easy to work with scheduling wise. If you are loyal to Signature Marketing, they definitely hold up their end of the bargain and continue to provide you work!

October 2011

Anais Navarro – Chicago, IL

SMI is pleased to recognize Anais Navarro as our October Talent of the Month. Anais represents Jameson Irish Whiskey and Olmeca Altos for Signature Marketing. She is constantly complimented on her professionalism, product knowledge, and enthusiasm. Anais has impressed us with her sales ability, quick and thorough reporting, and fantastic event photos. We took this opportunity to get to know Anais a little better and find out some of her thoughts on the event industry and working with Signature Marketing:

1. How did you enter the event marketing industry?

I entered the event marketing industry through Signature Marketing. I actually found a post on Craigslist and replied but didn’t really expect an answer since I had no prior experience. I only had history as a sales associate at a footwear store and a lot of experience with customer service so thought I’d take a chance and a year later here I am

2. What advice would you give other brand ambassadors on how to run a successful promotion?

The only advice I can pass is to always stay positive and with a smile. Stay busy and proactive. Engage the crowd/customers as much as possible,  be fun yet professional and be ready to answer any questions on the product that might be asked. So do the research prior to the event!

3. What is the best thing about working for Signature Marketing?

I love working with Signature Marketing. The flexibility this company provides to my schedule works perfect for me.

4. What can a client provide for a promotion that helps you get customers excited about and interacting with the brand?

Customers seem to really enjoy the giveaways, so having them at every tasting should be a must. Adding raffles would also work, in my opinion, to win maybe a bottle of the product and to collect customer information to further promote later events and or specials.

September 2011

Kristina Ethier – Chicago, IL

SMI is pleased to recognize Kristina Ethier as our September Talent of the Month. Kristina got herself noticed this year by working our kick-off Frolicat event and selling over 300 units! Kristina also represents Absolut and Jameson Irish Whiskey for Signature Marketing. We took this opportunity to get to know Kristina a little better and find out some of her thoughts on the event industry and working with Signature Marketing:

1. What advice would you give other brand ambassadors on how to run a successful promotion?

Advice I would give other brand ambassadors on how to run a successful promotion is to know what you’re promoting.  Signature provides a vast amount of informative materials beforehand, and if you use that information, you will be more confident when you are asked questions by the consumers.  Additionally, being knowledgeable about the product will help you increase sales and the success of your promotion.

2. What is the best thing about working for Signature Marketing?

The best thing about working for Signature Marketing is the variety in the work you get to do.  You get to meet all kinds of different people and work in interesting environments.

3. What was the most exciting promotion that you’ve worked?

The most fun promotion I ever worked was the Wine, Beer and Cigar Festival in Libertyville, IL.  It was a beautiful end of Summer day at an outdoor event.  I worked a booth for Bard’s Beer which is a craft gluten-free beer.  It was very enjoyable because on one side of me I had reps from 312 and the other side I had people from Beer Connoisseur Magazine; so when I wasn’t engaging with consumers I was able to talk to them and learn more about them.  Plus, for the people that were gluten sensitive, it was so great showing them that they can drink beer again!  Also, some people tried it just because they could and really liked it, or were impressed by the fact that it was gluten free.  Finally, I received meal tickets so I was able to try some of the local fare, and had an excellent “garbage” salad for dinner and also had the opportunity to try a few tasty organic things.  Overall, I didn’t feel like I was working, because it was such an inviting environment.  I was there for five and a half hours and the time just flew by!

August 2011

Marianna Gariti – Chicago, IL

SMI is pleased to recognize Marianna Gariti as our August Talent of the Month.Marianna has made a big splash this summer by providing us with outstanding work in August across many brands, formats and venues. Her willingness to work and gain experience in the industry is matched by her follow-through and attention-to-detail on execution and reporting. Her events include: Absolut, Corona, Amstel Light, Twisted Tea and Playboy Energy Drink. We took this opportunity to get to know Marianna a little better and find out some of her thoughts on the event industry and working with Signature Marketing:

1. Why did you enter the event marketing industry?
I entered the event marketing industry because I love working with people. I found it was a fun way to interact with others and learn about different products that just hit the market.

2. What advice would you give other brand ambassadors on how to run a successful promotion?
The best tip I can offer is to know your product and always have a smile on your face. If you look like you are having fun I found that people naturally gravitate towards you and want to know what you are all about! If you know the product inside and out most of the time it sells it self!

3. What can a client provide for a promotion that helps you get customers excited about and interacting with the brand?
Definitely product info with key highlights and…. GIVEAWAYS! Everyone loves free stuff! =)

4.  What is the best thing about working for Signature Marketing?
I had so much fun working with Signature this past summer, all the girls are great and they made it all that much better!

5.  What was the most fun promotion you’ve ever worked?
The most fun promotion to date was working the Corona/Light  summer patio events at various Buffalo Wild Wings. The onsite client is great, and it was priceless watching the excitement on the faces of customers when they won the tiki bar.

July 2011

Pamela Silavutiset – Chicago, IL

SMI is pleased to recognize Pamela Silavutiset as our July Talent of the Month. Pamela has successfully executed both on and off-premise tastings for Absolut, Malibu, and Olmeca. Pamela has proven that she has what it takes to be a successful brand ambassador! She makes herself available for bookings, runs high-energy events with proven sales, and is reliable, friendly, and very diligent in her reporting. We took this opportunity to get to know Pamela a little better and find out some of her thoughts on the event industry and working with Signature Marketing:

1. How did you enter the event marketing industry?
I initially entered the event marketing industry as a bartender. We always had events at our bar to promote different brands and the staff always looked like they were having a great time interacting with the consumers and us. I helped come up with different ways to help with product sampling and prize give-a-ways, so I started looking into it as a way to make a little extra income and now I absolutely love it!

2. What advice would you give other brand ambassadors on how to run a successful promotion?
My advice to other BA’s on how to run a successful promotion would be to go in with great enthusiasm, brand knowledge and a smile. If you don’t have fun, the consumers will not want to engage with you.

3. What is the best thing about working for Signature Marketing?
I love working for Signature because of the great staff. I have worked several events and have met some great people that are just as committed to promoting the brand and having a great time as I am!

June 2011

Katharin Mraz – Chicago, IL

SMI is pleased to announce Katharin Mraz as our June Top Talent. Katharin has worked with SMI for the past 2 years and currently contributes to three of our sampling brand teams: Sam Adams, Malibu, and Absolut. Katharin also worked as an inaugural brand ambassador for our new local client, Community Compass. Katharin earned the recognition of our management team through her strong work ethic, outgoing on-site personality, and sales performance. She clears her schedule for SMI bookings, has referred valuable talent, and represents SMI in a professional manner. Thank you for all of your hard work, Katharin!