Managing brand partnerships, negotiations, and invoicing can quickly become overwhelming as your business as a creator grows. Most creators start off handling these tasks themselves but there usually comes a point where outsourcing to a professional such as a talent manager is needed. How do you know when it’s time to make that switch? We’ve put together a few reasons why it might be time to look into hiring a talent manager or agency.
1. You’re Regularly Receiving Paid Partnership Requests
If brands are consistently reaching out to you for paid collaborations, you’ve likely built enough demand for your content. A talent manager can help you filter through these opportunities. They can also ensure that you’re working with brands that align with your values, maximizing your earning potential, and staying on top of your calendar so you’re not overbooking yourself.
2. You Don’t Have Time to Pitch Yourself (or Don’t Feel Confident Doing So)
You’ve probably gotten a partnership request by now, but pitching yourself is a different ball game. Pitching is usually time-consuming and, for some, intimidating. If you find yourself avoiding outreach or struggling to position yourself effectively, a talent manager can take over this process. Their industry connections and negotiation skills can lead to more lucrative and aligned opportunities than you might secure on your own.
3. You’re Making Six Figures from Brand Partnerships on Your Own
If you’re consistently earning significant income from brand deals, a manager can help scale your business even further. Managers can also strategize on how to stay on track with your revenue goals. They often have insider knowledge of industry rates and make sure you’re not undervaluing yourself. Additionally, they can bring in bigger deals and long-term partnerships that you might not have access to otherwise.
4. You Want to Focus More on Creating and Less on Business Logistics
As your brand grows, so do the behind-the-scenes responsibilities. Negotiating rates, reviewing contracts, sending invoices, and tracking payments are just a few! If you’d rather focus on content creation and growing your community, you can let a talent manager handle the tedious tasks of brand partnerships for you.
5. You’re Comfortable with Letting Someone Else Handle Brand Negotiations
Handing over control of negotiations can be nerve-wracking, but it’s often necessary for growth. A good talent manager acts as your advocate and ensures you’re not only getting paid fairly but also securing deals that align with your brand. This doesn’t mean you need to be entirely hands-off. You can always have conversations prior to joining a talent management agency or hiring a dedicated manager and share what an ideal relationship with your manager looks like.
6. You’re Looking for Long-Term Brand Partnerships and Bigger Opportunities
Talent managers often have strong relationships with brands and agencies. What does this mean for you? Often it can lead to larger, long-term contracts rather than one-off collaborations. If you’re at a stage where you want more stability and high-value deals, a manager can help position you for these opportunities.
Bringing on a manager is a big decision, but if these points resonate with you, it may be time to take the next step and find the agency for you. The right manager can not only help scale your business but also allow you to focus on what you do best—creating amazing, impactful content.
