I had originally wrote this post for We Are The Kids after seeing that many of the blog's followers were interested in getting involved in street teams. I've been street teaming for about 6 years for a few different record labels and music companies and I thought I'd share a few important things I've learned over the years.
1. Check your e-mail frequently. Many street team leaders rely on e-mail to keep in touch with their teamers and this is usually how missions/assignments are assigned. If not by e-mail, labels may also have a website for teamers to log into and view updates posted there. (I know fancorps is a popular website for record label street teams.) If the street team has a twitter, facebook, etc., make sure to stay connected through those sites also.
2. Keep in touch with your street team leader. It's important to build a relationship with your leader for a multitude of reasons. If you're willing to work hard and invest your time than that will definitely work in your favor. If you can prove that you are responsible and reliable, your leader will definitely choose you over another teamer they rarely hear from if they need someone to cover a show for one of their band's upcoming tours. Sometimes your leader may even reach out you about special assignments if you stand out to them. One of my old street team leaders hooked me up with a job at CMJ and wrote a few college recommendations for me because I always made sure she knew she could count on me!
3. Be prepared. This is super important! If you are street teaming at a show, make sure you have all of the materials your leader mailed to you with you. Make sure the venue allows you to poster the place and ask if they have any special instructions. (For example, some venues won't allow you to poster using tape and only allow sticky tack, some venues don't care. Some venues won't allow stickers to be passed out before the show, some venues don't allow stickers at all, etc.) Another important thing to remember is to always carry your camera! Your leader is going to want you to upload photos along with your report. Also, if your leader gave you the contact information of anyone you may need to contact while covering the show, make sure you saved those numbers! I always print out a copy of the e-mail my leader sent me just in case security doesn't believe I'm their to work or I need to get in contact with a tour manager, etc.
4. Be on time. If you are covering a show or helping out at a festival it's very important to be punctual. Usually, teamers are expected to show up to the venue an hour before doors to poster or/and meet the band's tour manager for further instruction. Your leader should e-mail you everything you need to know when they assign you a mission. (If they don't, shoot them a quick e-mail a week or so before the show asking them what's up. They'll most likely be impressed to see that you're taking initiative.) I usually show up to a venue an hour and a half before doors, poster the venue and then go grab dinner with some friends before the show starts. Also, make sure to submit your reports and online assignments on time!
5. Be professional. I know it's tempting to go up to your favorite band when they're loading in and ask for a picture or wait around for them inside the venue before the doors open. The truth is, bands are really busy before a show and the reason you were allowed into the venue early is to get your job done. I've been told by many a tour manager that teamers who linger around the venue waiting for bands generally don't make a good impression. I know I had street team leaders that will ask tour managers about street teamers at shows. I'm not saying you shouldn't introduce yourself to your favorite band or their crew, I'm just saying that there's plenty of time for that during and after the show. Also, if your leader gives you a tour manager's phone number, only call them if you need to get in touch with them and make sure those numbers stay away from friends that love to prank call people.
6. Have fun and take advantage of the opportunity. You should be street teaming because you want to gain experience in the industry and love music! Street teaming can lead to a slew of other opportunities if you let it. Introduce yourself to tour managers and merch people. Ask them about their jobs and how they got started. Make friends with security guards and venue staff. The music industry is all about networking and being connected. Remember, it never hurts to have friends. Good Luck!
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