The influencer industry has grown rapidly over the past few years – and so has the role of the talent manager.

These days, a great talent manager isn’t just a middle person sending your media kit to brands, they’re almost like a business partner – someone who’s just as invested in your growth as you are, and someone who’s in your corner through all the highs and lows.

More Than Just Emails and Contracts

For most content creators, the relationship with a talent manager has become deeply personal. This is the person who’s pitching your business to the world – representing your voice and your brand on your behalf. That’s why it’s essential to work with someone who truly aligns with your values, understands your content and style, and knows how to position your brand in a way that feels authentic and genuine.

Why It’s Important To Self Manage For As Long As You Can

Before you bring a manager on board, there’s a lot of value in managing yourself for as long as you can. When you’re the one handling your own admin and negotiations, it gives you an insight into what goes into every stage of a brand deal and partnership. This is the best way to learn the ins and outs of the industry, gaining important experience in areas such as:

• How to negotiate deals
• Understanding industry standards
• How brands and agencies operate behind the scenes

These skills give you a strong foundation to build on for when you eventually do bring on management.

How to Know If It’s Time for a Talent Manager

The short answer: when the “business side” starts getting in the way of the creative side.

If you’re finding that brand emails, rate negotiations, contracts, brief summaries and general admin are eating into the time you could be spending creating content or engaging with your community, it might be time to get some help.

A great talent manager will take those tasks off your plate so you can focus on what you do best – creating beautiful content that resonates with your audience. They’ll also help you uncover opportunities you may have never thought of, and ensure your partnerships are both aligned and financially rewarding.

TDLR;

Management should be a true partnership – built on trust, alignment, open communication and shared goals. Whether you’re self-managing or ready to take the next step, knowing the role a talent manager can play in your business is key to making the right move at the right time.