Agents and Business Managers of Artists, Performers, and Athletes
What is a Agents and Business Managers of Artists, Performers, and Athletes?
Agents and business managers of artists, performers, and athletes are professionals who specialize in guiding and managing the careers of individuals in the entertainment and sports industries. These individuals play a crucial role in negotiating contracts, securing job opportunities, and managing the professional trajectories of their clients. Agents typically focus on finding jobs for their clients, negotiating deals with studios, record labels, producers, and sports teams, while business managers handle financial aspects such as budgeting, investments, taxes, and overall financial planning. They work to ensure that their clients are not only showcased effectively but also compensated fairly for their talent and efforts. In addition to these primary functions, they often provide advice on marketing and personal branding, helping their clients build and maintain a strong public image. The profession requires strong interpersonal skills, industry knowledge, and the ability to network effectively within the competitive fields of entertainment and sports.
Tasks
- Collect fees, commissions, or other payments, according to contract terms.
- Send samples of clients' work and other promotional material to potential employers to obtain auditions, sponsorships, or endorsement deals.
- Keep informed of industry trends and deals.
- Conduct auditions or interviews to evaluate potential clients.
- Negotiate with managers, promoters, union officials, and other persons regarding clients' contractual rights and obligations.
Technology Skills
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Web page creation and editing software
- Salesforce Marketing Cloud
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Video conferencing software
- Videoconferencing software
- Zoom
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Electronic mail software
- Email software
- Microsoft Outlook
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Accounting software
- Financial accounting software
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Graphics or photo imaging software
- Adobe Photoshop
Tools Used
- Scanners
- Videoconferencing systems
- Teleconference equipment
- Digital camcorders or video cameras
- Special purpose telephones
Knowledge
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Customer and Personal Service
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
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Sales and Marketing
Knowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling products or services. This includes marketing strategy and tactics, product demonstration, sales techniques, and sales control systems.
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English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
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Administration and Management
Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
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Fine Arts
Knowledge of the theory and techniques required to compose, produce, and perform works of music, dance, visual arts, drama, and sculpture.
Skills
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Active Listening
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
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Negotiation
Bringing others together and trying to reconcile differences.
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Persuasion
Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.
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Reading Comprehension
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
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Speaking
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Abilities
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Oral Expression
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
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Oral Comprehension
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
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Written Comprehension
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
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Problem Sensitivity
The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
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Speech Clarity
The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
Education
How much education does a new hire need to perform a job in this occupation?
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Bachelor's degree
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High school diploma or equivalent
or: GED, High School Equivalency Certificate
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Master's degree
Work Activities
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Getting Information
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
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Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships
Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
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Thinking Creatively
Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
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Communicating with People Outside the Organization
Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
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Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
Detailed Work Activities
- Collect payments for goods or services.
- Distribute promotional literature or samples to customers.
- Perform marketing activities.
- Update professional knowledge.
- Arrange collective bargaining agreements.
Work Interests
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Enterprising
Work involves managing, negotiating, marketing, or selling, typically in a business setting, or leading or advising people in political and legal situations. Enterprising occupations are often associated with business initiatives, sales, marketing/advertising, finance, management/administration, professional advising, public speaking, politics, or law.
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Social
Work involves helping, teaching, advising, assisting, or providing service to others. Social occupations are often associated with social, health care, personal service, teaching/education, or religious activities.
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Conventional
Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.

Job Outlook
Projected salary and job growth
This career will grow rapidly in the next few years.
Assessment
Related assessments and tests
No assessment available.