The Agony and Ecstasy, Part 1

Responsiveness, was the number 1 answer from everyone. They expect an answer back within 24 hours, whether you want the gig or not. When the agent calls to see if you are available, they are just looking for a yes or no answer, not the story of your “Aunt Selma who had a hip replacement, who might need a ride on that very same day, to pick up her groceries.” They also don’t care if you have quotes out to clients yourself for the same date. Agents are on a mission to bring high quality talent to their party hosts, and they just need to know if you can do it, or not.

The next three answers were mentioned nearly as frequently: punctuality, reliability and good communication skills.

Many of the agents expressed a desire for friendliness and sociability, and the ability to establish a good relationship with different age groups of party guests. Being “fun” was reiterated by several people, and then I probed “how do you know if an entertainer is fun?” They responded: references are helpful, or social media for photos of the entertainer “working” and the audience responding in a positive way. (Save those smiling party photos, people!) Reviews and testimonials also help if the agent has never had a chance to see the performer “in action.”

Flexibility in different scenarios, and being willing to work on the best outcome for the client was mentioned as a “nice to have” by the agents, but a definite “need” by the event planners. “Don’t be high maintenance,” was quoted by one party planner. Knowing what supplies, furniture and attire to bring to an event needs to be clarified for each and every event.

“Impeccable work ethic is key,” said one agent, since the entertainer would not have that gig, if not for the agent giving it to them. That means that the entertainer must appear as part of the agency or planning team, and protect the sanctity of that relationship. Perhaps even look for ways to enhance it…making the agent look good in the client’s eyes.

An absolute “no no:” passing out your own cards on the job, or sharing your own promotional messages/material with their client. Everyone said this was #1 way to get a bad reputation in the entertainment industry and insure you don’t get called again. Honesty was mentioned by several people, one of whom said, “We never lie to our clients, and we don’t want anyone to lie to us.” Giving out your own information or contacting the client directly was considered a grave act of disloyalty and dishonesty.

Agents want entertainers to understand what they do, and anticipate their needs, by being prepared for the most commonly asked questions. Like what? Here are a few examples:

• How many guests can you handle in an hour?
• Do you bring your own furniture?
• How early do you arrive?
• What type of menu can guests choose from?
• What age group is your service appropriate for?
• How do you describe your services?

In summary, the agent/event planner is just like your Ideal Client, they want to be heard, they want to be understood, and they want to protect and enhance the relationship with their “guests” (the client who hired them).

What are you doing to help make this happen for the agents that hire you?

P.S. Cost was way down on the list for what people are looking for in an entertainer, so don’t consider dropping your price to get more work from agents. You will find that a quality service, delivered by a quality artist/entertainer will make for an enduring classic.

Just like “The Agony and The Ecstasy.”