When should an influencer get a talent manager?

Getting a talent manager (or creator manager which is the term I prefer), shouldn’t be taken lightly.

When should you get a manager?

Here are some reasons:

Content vs. Business:
If you find that administrative tasks are taking up more time than content creation, it may be time to bring in a manager. If you are spending time responding to brand inquiries than creating content, it’s time to bring a manager onboard to handle those.

Stress:
If managing all aspects of your career is causing you significant stress or burnout, it may be time to seek help.

Desire for Collaboration:
Some people thrive when they can bounce ideas off another person or share the burdens of decision-making.

Contracts and Negotiations:
When you’re in a position to negotiate deals with brands or other platforms, an experienced manager can help you secure the most favorable terms. Beyond coming up with a rate that is fair for you, A manager will look at other items like usage, exclusivity, whitelisting, sparks, indemnification, timing of payments, approval timing, and number of reshoots/notes.

Strategic Planning:
A manager can help you with long-term strategic planning, which is crucial for long-term success.

Industry Contacts:
Managers usually have a good network within the industry that can be leveraged for better opportunities. They know people at the platforms. For example, my connections got two of my clients SnapStar status which is key to earning money on that platform. I’ve helped clients get verified on TikTok and Instagram.

Revenue Streams:
Once you’ve started earning money through multiple channels, such as brand sponsorships, merchandise, and YouTube AdSense, managing everything can become complicated.

Also, a key here is that if you aren’t getting brand deals inquiries coming in, getting a manager won’t magically make that happen. Managers for content creators fees are generally 20% of the creator’s income.