So you landed the GIG — congrats, seriously! 🎉 But before you start creating content or hitting campus for the brand, there's one crucial first step: the GIG Kick-Off Call.

Think of it like a job interview, except you already have the job. This call is your first real face time with the brand team, and how you show up matters way more than you think. Brands notice everything: your background, your energy, your attentiveness. This is your chance to make them feel like they picked the right person.

Here's how to nail it.

💡Before the Call

1️⃣ Log on early

Join 2–3 minutes before the start time. Showing up late to a virtual call is just as bad as showing up late to an in-person interview — there's nowhere to hide on Zoom.

2️⃣ Test your tech

Check your camera, mic, and WiFi before the call. Nothing screams "unprepared" like spending the first five minutes of a brand call troubleshooting your audio.

3️⃣ Find your spot

Pick a quiet, well-lit space — natural light is your best friend here. Avoid sitting in front of a window (you'll just look like a silhouette), steer clear of busy common areas, and maybe give your roommate a heads up.

4️⃣ Clean up your background

A tidy background = a professional impression. If your space is chaotic, use a neutral virtual background. The brand doesn't need to see your laundry pile.

📞 During the Call

5️⃣ Camera ON — no exceptions

This is a brand call, not a podcast. Turn your camera on. Eye contact (even virtual) builds trust and shows you're engaged. If you have a conflict that requires you to be camera off, let the team know beforehand.

6️⃣ Start on mute

Join muted. Unmute only when you're speaking.

7️⃣ Use the hand raise tool

Have a question? Use the raise hand feature (it's there for a reason!) so the host can call on you at the right time. It shows you're paying attention and that you know how to read the room.

8️⃣ No multitasking — for real

Not eating. Not doing your hair. Not scrolling TikTok. Not texting. Not walking around. Brands can tell. Even if you think you're being subtle, you're not. Give the call your full attention.

❌ Can't Make The Call?

Reach out to the team ahead of time and ask for a recording of the meeting so you're all caught up. Also, you should always accept or decline the calendar invite accordingly so the team can quickly see if you'll be able to make it or not.

🧠 The Mindset Shift

Here's the thing: most people treat kick-off calls like a passive orientation. Big mistake.

This is your first impression on an actual brand's marketing team. These are real professionals who have budgets, timelines, and goals riding on this program. The students who treat kick-off calls like they matter are the ones who get tapped for bigger opportunities, better GIGs, and real referrals down the line.

Show up like you want to be there. Ask a thoughtful question. Say thank you at the end. It genuinely goes a long way.

You worked hard to get the GIG. Now show the brand they made the right call. 💪

Ready to find your next brand opportunity? Explore GIGs on H\FC →

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How To: Nail Your GIG Kick-Off Call

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James Madison University

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