Do you want a "relationship" with your agent?

[kevpuk]

For me, the Client seems to has indicated that they want to keep me on. At this early stage, it is purely conversational around would I like to and so on. Once we have a basic understanding, then we both know how we are likely to proceed - then, the Agent will become involved for the nuts and bolts of the actual extension.

I actually think this is a good approach - Client and I have a strong relationship, and there can be no mis-communication via Agent. We both know what is expected, what is agreed in terms or rate/term and hence no 'Oh, the Client has to trim their budget, so there can't be a rate increase/has to cut your rate by £x' conversations with the Agent.

Or is that just me?

[SimonMac]

What, like the agent?

Seriously though, I see that the agent finds me the gig and does the introduction. Once that's done I take the line that I'm running a business which does work for the client, not the agent and I don't want the agent putting their big nose into my business unless they can add some value or the client doesn't want to deal with me.

Trying to deal with my clients through agents has been the source of many cockups and misunderstandings. Cut out the middle man I say.

Check the small print of your contract, you'll find its with the agent not the client

[Wanderer]

Why are you discussing your contract with a third party?

What, like the agent?

Seriously though, I see that the agent finds me the gig and does the introduction. Once that's done I take the line that I'm running a business which does work for the client, not the agent and I don't want the agent putting their big nose into my business unless they can add some value or the client doesn't want to deal with me.

Trying to deal with my clients through agents has been the source of many cockups and misunderstandings. Cut out the middle man I say.

[SimonMac]

My Client has begun talking about extension now, with end date originally due for early October. They are keen to keep me, and we are looking at options now. Thus far, no agent contact from either Client or me, and I can't see why they need to be involved either.
Ultimately, providing Client and MyCo thrash it out, I guess we will then tell Agent

Why are you discussing your contract with a third party?

[mudskipper]

My Client has begun talking about extension now, with end date originally due for early October. They are keen to keep me, and we are looking at options now. Thus far, no agent contact from either Client or me, and I can't see why they need to be involved either.
Ultimately, providing Client and MyCo thrash it out, I guess we will then tell Agent

They need to be involved if you want to discuss a rate increase.

[kevpuk]

I've only once met one of mine when he bought me lunch. Bastard spent the whole time telling me about his new Ferrari.

When I've had extensions it's been between me and the client, and then we let the agent know. I find the idea of having someone else speak for me downright insulting.

My Client has begun talking about extension now, with end date originally due for early October. They are keen to keep me, and we are looking at options now. Thus far, no agent contact from either Client or me, and I can't see why they need to be involved either.
Ultimately, providing Client and MyCo thrash it out, I guess we will then tell Agent

[VectraMan]

I've only once met one of mine when he bought me lunch. Bastard spent the whole time telling me about his new Ferrari.

When I've had extensions it's been between me and the client, and then we let the agent know. I find the idea of having someone else speak for me downright insulting.

[mudskipper]

Bumped into mine in reception last week. He had to remind me who he was. I think an occasional catch up, say once every 3 months or so, would be nice.

I get a bit peed off at extension time - client tells me they want to renew, then I hear zilch and have to chase him for paperwork.

[Epiphone]

A relationship with an agent should be for the services they confirmed they provide, no kissing and preferably payment in cash in a hotel provided envelope.

[SeekingIT]

Damn Right!!

If they ring me, I want it to be one of three things:

- extension
- lunch / dinner
- rate increase

If it's none of those, then leave me alone.

+1

[BrilloPad]

I never sign an extension without being bought lunch. I can put up with the retard talk for free grub.

[Mephisto]

WTFS^^

Can't stand the extra touches to the 'relationship'. Would a hooker stand for such nonsense?

[TheFaQQer]

If they ring me, I want it to be one of three things:

- extension
- lunch / dinner
- rate increase

If it's none of those, then leave me alone.

[Antman]

I don't think that they need to waste time "adding value" to people they've placed, they should really be concentrating on what earns them money.

If they can remember you next time a gig comes up then from my point of view the relationship is definitely worth it.

[SimonMac]

Gig was signed and since then everything has been fine, no contact from the agent and completely happy with that, payments have always been on time so no reason to contact them. ClientCo speaks about an extension and I wait for the call from the Agent, but shouldn't this be the way? Do you really need to speak to your agent while on assignment, do you need the touchy feely approach to make sure they are earning their cut?