Stacey Stahl, my manager, passes along some of the nuggets she uncovers every day (though never a McNugget that I can remember) and today’s is an exceptionally cogent bit of writing from Seth Godin on the way the world has changed regarding agents of all kinds. Travel agents, stock brokers and real estate agents are three examples that most of us have encountered at one time or another, especially if we’ve been adults for more than a few years. The application to talent agents for those of us in the voiceover business seem pretty clear to me.
(edited to fix typo)
Very true.
I have a brother who is a travel agent – leisure bookings are no longer, obviously, but he specializes in corporate and media tour travel.
My husband is a “stock broker” – really, a “wealth manager” – he specializes in high net worth clientele. Could his clients manage their own money?
So, our talent agents have to “specialize” in something as well, I imagine. My guess is high end gigs… those that are seen on a national/international level.
Let’s look at it this way…could I wire my house myself? Probably, if I took the time to learn what I was doing. But I’d likely electrocute myself… and really, even if I did learn all about it, it would take me a LONG time, and I would undoubtedly do a few things incorrectly. That’s why I would hire a professional, and is why people looking for money managers/stockbrokers and agents should do the same.
I made a mistake above…oops! Sorry for the unanswered question in para 2. Please skip to the last para for the answer. 🙂
Caryn,
Thank you for your thoughtful comments (which I thought made perfect sense both before and after reading your follow-up) and insights.
Getting a professional to do it is, I think, exactly the point … which is also why people should hire us when they need a voiceover done. Well, you when they need a woman and me a man, but then, you all ready knew that.
Be well,
Bob