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Dealmakers with Alex Segal · Aug 13, 2026

Ask The Agent: Why is the perception of agents often negative?

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Alex Segal · Dealmakers with Alex Segal

Welcome to Dealmakers with Alex Segal ✍️, a Substack on the realities of being a talent agent, packed with weekly insights to keep you ahead of the game 🚀.

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Welcome to Ask the Agent.

People often reach out to ask me questions about being an agent.

But if one person is asking, chances are others want to know the same information.

So instead of answering privately, I’m answering them here and giving our paid subscribers more of my experience, more practical advice and more of an advantage.

If you have a question you’d like answered, please drop me a message (you’ll stay anonymous)…

Let’s go. ↓

🤔: Why is the public perception of agents often negative?

This is a great question and, sadly, it’s something every agent will experience. It goes back decades and, sadly, I don’t see a world where it will ever change.

Someone else questioning your hard work and, at times, your morals is tough to accept. But it’s not personal. It’s something that’s been perpetuated for over 100 years.

So what do people who have no clue often think about agents?

Money-grabbers. Difficult to work with. Untrustworthy. Sometimes disingenuous. Always looking after our own interests rather than our clients.

After 17 years in talent management, and having met hundreds of agents from all sides of the industry, I can say that this is completely untrue.

Here’s the truth.

It can help others to paint agents as awkward, unnecessary, or motivated solely by money.

I’m going to tell you exactly why this is.

Read the original on dealmakers.substack.com

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