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The Cambassador: Lindsey Banks, Flirt4Free and Brand Representation
Posted On 04 Sep 2018
Whether you realize it or not, we’ve all seen brand ambassadors doing their thing. Their work includes everything from sampling demonstrations and distributing marketing materials to wearing gear out at events. They can post reviews and comments online, engage social media in clever ways (e.g. Snapchat takeovers) and even utilize their own personal platforms to help augment outreach.
From pleasant people handing out snack samples to Gigi Hadid for Tommy Hilfiger, brand ambassadors’ jobs involve one key goal: to help put whatever entity or good they’re representing in a positive light. And though celebrity brand ambassadors like Hadid may command far higher rates than that of the local snack sample person, all brand ambassador work falls within this scope. This includes brand ambassador work in cam.
The Cambassador Relationship: Lindsey Banks and Flirt4Free
Lindsey Banks has been a working in webcam since 2012 and has been exclusive with Flirt4Free since 2013. Today, she is one of the network’s most important brand ambassadors.
According to Banks, being a brand ambassador for a major cam network involves “representing the company, representing yourself and representing the company and yourself together.”
This is accomplished by “using a lot of social media, attending events, connecting with people and connecting with other models and especially by being interested in and welcoming of other models and new models and performers,” she explained.
“For [Flirt4Free], the idea of having a brand ambassador came about naturally,” Jamie Rodriguez, Flirt4Free’s Director of Product, told YNOT. “We had models who were doing an incredible job representing us a tradeshows with their unscripted and honest feedback on camming with us, and we saw the power of their presence in the community.”
“Calling this kind of relationship based on our mutual respect and affection for each other an ambassadorship felt like a good fit and one we wanted to continue to grow and expand upon,” Rodriguez added.
The @Banksie231 Effect: Consumers and Peers
When seeking out a brand ambassador, Flirt4 Free looks for a combination of gregariousness, experience and positivity.
“Lindsey became a brand ambassador for us by being Lindsey,” Rodriguez said. “The first tradeshow she attended with us, we had so many people come up and mention how nice she was, how friendly and how knowledgeable, and we couldn’t have agreed more.”
Knowing the work environment well and having experience with success is important in becoming a cambassador — but being able to demonstrate and share knowledge in an upbeat and friendly way takes things to the next level.
“Positivity is a huge part of being an ambassador,” Rodriguez explained. “Camming is hard but so rewarding, and I feel like a model who can address the challenges and keep the big picture and wins in mind has the ability to be influential to others.”
Banks’ efforts extend to consumers as well as to her model peers. Rodriguez explained that, for instance, at their annual Flirt Summits, Banks is always the first to approach new models who may be nervous or shy and welcome them to the group. If an event or game is happening, Banks will be the first person on stage to break the ice. Part party motivator, part best friend, Banks’ sincere enthusiasm helps everyone feels inspired and included.
“That kind of welcoming, positive energy is very reflective of what we want our community to be about,” Rodriguez said. “We love seeing models support each other on Twitter and become friends from Summit or other tradeshows. Models like Lindsey do a great job of building those bridges and bringing the community together.”
What do models get out of brand ambassadorship?
In today’s marketplace, there is a lot of focus on individual brand development. Models are encouraged to incorporate as many platforms and services as they feel able to handle under the umbrella of their own marque. The notion of being a brand ambassador is, in some respects, counter to this approach and raises the questions — Why would someone want to be linked to a company in this manner? What do models get out of being a brand ambassador?
“Beyond getting to go to fun places with fun people, one of the benefits of working closely with a brand is getting the support that a company our size can provide,” Rodriguez explained.
“We have general goals of growth like any other company, but we also know we’ll grow the most by helping the people who make up our network accomplish their own goals. In an ambassador role, there are more opportunities for promotion and assistance with those goals, whatever they might be, and our brand has the power to help drive those forward in an impactful way,” she added.
According to Banks, being in an ambassador relationship gives one’s career a unique measure of legitimacy.
“Being consistent with one company or just with the few you work with can give more credibility to your name,” Banks explained.
“Carefully selecting the companies you are working for reflects back to how you are as a business, it reflects on who you are as a businessperson,” Banks continued. “For me, it makes more sense because your brand and image are not scattered everywhere. It makes your brand stronger and keeps your brand stronger in the long run, too.”
