Starting a Talent hunt Business

Breaking into the music, film or modeling industry is a daunting challenge for newcomers. Not only do they have to get their unique talents discovered in the first place but then maintain a steady stream of work that keeps them in the public eye. Talent agents fill the crucial role of go-between in matching the clients they represent with the opportunities available at studios, clubs and special events. Although the licensing, financing and marketing requirements in starting a talent promotion company are the same as any other business, the job calls for an extroverted personality, a strong negotiator, excellent communication skills and boundless patience.

Step 1

Identify what type of talent your promotion business will handle. The niche you plan to fill should be something with which you're already intimately familiar, writes Tom Elliott, author of "So You Want to Be a Talent Agent?: Everything You Need to Know to Start Your Own Local Talent Booking Agency." If, for example, you're a retired dancer or former instructor, you can tell the difference between an accomplished performer and a beginner with two left feet. Your credentials as an expert in your field carry significant weight with the entities with whom you'll network and negotiate to get assignments for your clients.

Step 2

Create a detailed business plan that addresses your access to startup funds, office and equipment needs, utilities, insurance, staffing, transportation, postage and marketing. The U.S. Office of Small Administration website is a comprehensive resource that walks you through each of the steps to becoming an official corporate entity. At this time, you'll also need to decide on a company name, check its availability through your county registrar or state filing agency, register your company and pay the fees to acquire the appropriate business licenses for opening shop.

Step 3

Make a list of prospective markets and the appropriate contacts for bookings at each. If, for instance, your talent pool is composed of actors, your list will include film and television production studios, regional theaters, advertising agencies and corporations that produce in-house training, sales and motivational videos. According to the authors of "Hollywood Dealmaking: Negotiating Talent Agreements for Film, TV and New Media," it's also advisable to familiarize yourself with industry lingo, study contracts language and formatting, and set up a filing system that enables you to quickly access the contact information, resumes and company profiles you need.

Step 4

Establish your talent promotion company's presence through a professional website, mailers, fliers and word-of-mouth. Write articles and blogs to reinforce your expertise, and give interviews to the local media. Conduct auditions to attract talent to your new agency as well as request that prospective clients send resumes, photographs and demo reels for your consideration. Subscribe to industry trade magazines to stay abreast of upcoming talent needs.

Written by Christina Hamlett