21 tasks, each one witnessed by the sources that watched the job — and behind every one, a prompt you can use tonight.
You’ll split time between business tasks and client-facing work. Morning might be email, calendar updates, and checking contracts in Microsoft Outlook and Salesforce.
Afternoon often means calls or Zoom meetings with producers, negotiating offers, coordinating rehearsals, and preparing clients for public appearances. Evenings can include attending shows, scouting opportunities, or handling media inquiries.
Expect Microsoft Outlook for scheduling and email; Salesforce for client records and deal tracking; and Excel for accounting, commissions, and payment tracking.
You’ll also use Word and PowerPoint for contracts and pitches, Zoom for remote meetings, Facebook and other social platforms to manage presence, and Photoshop occasionally for promo images.
You prepare periodic accounting statements and track fees and commissions in Excel or a financial accounting system. That includes invoices, receipts, and splitting agreed commissions.
You also collect payments per contract terms, pay trainers or coaches when needed, and keep clear records so clients can see earnings and deductions.
Learn basic contract law, negotiation, and accounting. Practical skills: Excel for spreadsheets, Word for contracts, and Salesforce or another CRM for clients.
Get experience coordinating events, public relations, or social media (Facebook, Instagram). Intern with a manager or agency to learn how deals and bookings actually happen.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports about 12,620 people employed as talent managers. The median annual wage is $82,890. The lowest tenth earns about $48,010; the top tenth earns about $284,570.
Those are BLS numbers; actual pay varies by client roster, commission rates, and whether you work freelance or at an agency.
A talent agent typically focuses on finding and booking specific jobs and may be licensed to negotiate contracts in some places. A manager advises long-term career decisions, builds relationships, and develops marketing strategies.
Managers handle broader career planning, social media, PR, and hire trainers or coaches. Agents work more on day-to-day bookings and contract submissions.
Relationship management is the single most important skill: building trust with clients, producers, and venues. You improve it by doing the work—show up on time, communicate clearly in Outlook or Zoom, follow through on promises.
Track contacts and deals in Salesforce, keep transparent accounting in Excel, and learn to read industry trends so you can bring timely opportunities to clients.