Having also been an agent and agency owner, plus used agents and personal managers since the '50s, I can tell you that this is a loaded question.

Agents are a lot like wives, a good one is fabulous and a bad one will destroy you.

Unfortunately, there really isn't a truly professional licensing and qualifying process to become an agent. It's harder to open a car wash. Therefore, the range of people and their skills in agency is true "diversity".

My rule is: If I would not hire this person full-time, hiring them part-time is even worse.

Be careful! There certainly are good agents. They are usually busy!

Bob Sanders
Magic By Sander

I do and the agent keeps me busy during the slow times. I hate to sit around and wait for the phone to ring. The gigs I get are good and bad, but it keeps me sharp and flexible.

Good agents are like Platinum. Very valuable, very rare and tough to get to.

If you know where to look, and how to find them, it is a lot easier. BUT you do need the right equipment when looking.

First step, a killer act which will make them money. After all, they have people to feed at home and many of them like food with their meals occasionally. Nothing wrong with that, just that it is something to keep in mind.

What can YOU do for them to make their job easier and more profitable?

Guys, finding an agent is just another sales job. It is a sales job that will net you a lot more than just one show, but it is sales.

Your product is you. How is it that YOU can benefit these people and solve a problem they may have? Answer these questions, and your search is over.

Not knowing anyone's act save for my own, I can not answer these questions for you at all. YOU have to be able to answer them. I, personally, would not search for an agent till I could answer such questions.

After all, you only get one chance to make a first impression.

Just got an email today about a job where I used to live and work from an agent.

Good agents are gold.

We like to create and perform, the agent is an expert on signing and sealing the deal. Although we also book our own act (we do not have a manager), I have had agents pursue, woo and bend over backwards to get a client to buy their product, our act.

As also mentioned, the contacts an agent has are definitely a benefit. One of our Toronto, Canada agents (we're based out of Ontario) books talent for the American White House children's Easter celebration and has done so for a number of years. We haven't done that gig because we can't legally work in the States, but she does get us some very nice shows around here.

Good agents also have a reputation that they use and protect. This can also open doors for you.

Good agents have rooms or venues that they book. The venues know and trust them. The only way in is through them. This has gotten us casino and resort shows.

A good agent is a very good thing to have working for you. On the other hand, a bad agent is someone to avoid at all costs, because it will eventually cost you something unpleasant.

Finding an agent is a mutual effort. Your reputation and experience will be scrutinized as carefully by them as theirs should be by you. Know the agent or agency before you approach them. Know whether or not you both work in the same market. If your product is good and of use to them, the agent should recognize this, take you on and promote and sell you.

All the best,

Rob

At one of the Ritz Carltons in Vegas, I met with the director of special events. He wanted to book me, but he asked if it was okay to go through XXX agent since that is how he books his entertainment.
To me, this is great. A) I get a gig, and B) THE AGENT must use me since the client wants me....

So some venues will only use agents to deal with.

Also, yesterday mid-evening, I received a phone call from this agent that only books entertainment for movie premiers and red carpet events. Of course, I was excited I finally got her attention! This is how I did it....
1. I discovered who she was since her company was always mentioned in an event magazine.

2. I sent her a personalized email (no response).

3. I accidentally bumped into her at an event. (Wow, how did that happen??? wink)

4. I sent her a postcard.

5. She phones me in the response of the postcard, and we had a 26 minute conversation.... Many may wonder, how does one keep an agent on the phone for 26 minutes....? Secret: I made her laugh as I told her my life story twisted around my magic career.... and I fed her ego, stating all the great things I had read and seen about her company.

6. I ended the conversation by saying that I am really easy to work with, as long as you are easy to work with.
She replied, "That is a deal. My staff will send you over a few dates!"