‘There’s no business like show business’

A new business opportunity, called Talent Management, is being launched to help talented people – models and all types of performers - to find work and, also, to help hirers to find talented people.

The comprehensive TM inter-active website, www.talentmanagement.com, addresses many of the problems experienced by talented people and hirers. One of the biggest difficulties for ‘talent’ is being recognised and then promoted to get work. Traditionally, performers have either paid to be registered with model, theatrical and entertainment agencies to represent them or be promoted in return for a fee when work is found.

“Talent Management is the first network of talent agents in the world,” says co-founder Damian O’Connor. “Our system has the capacity to promote people across the globe and also enables talented people to monitor 24/7 the interest they receive and to chart the progress of their careers.

Damian explains: “Currently, most talented people depend on small traditional local agencies – I liken them to goldfish bowls – as these agents don’t interact with each other, so talent is confined. Our system will offer hirers a much bigger talent selection than any single agency could offer.”

Suzy and Damian O’Connor understood the frustrations of the industry, prompting them to seek and refine a solution. They invested almost half a million pounds to build and develop Talent Management.

They had set up a similar nationwide talent agency business previously, which specialised in representing men, women and children for modelling and promotional work. Founded in 1990, Models Direct it is the largest European agency of its kind based in the UK.

They believe that entertainers and talent are not just motivated by money but also the thrill of performing and the sheer joy of what they do. Damian and Suzy want to help as many people as possible to succeed and firmly believe that this new venture will enable us to do that.”

Damian and Suzy moved to America for 18 months while they designed and developed their concept and are now back at their European head office in Norwich to launch Talent Management agents in the UK.

Damian explained: “We need agents because their local knowledge is invaluable in placing people from the regions. The concept is based on a simple principle that talent is registered locally but available for work nationwide.”

There is no charge for talent to register, agents can register talent ‘On Stage’ free of charge by sponsoring them under the group ‘STAR’ (Sponsor Talent And Register) scheme.

Once ‘On Stage’, talent may opt to enhance their listing with a choice of additional profile up-grades and features that cost from £45 to £95 for a year.

Once the TM national agency network is established, agents will be able to match talent registered by TM agents in other areas with their own local hiring opportunities, giving Talent Management agents a big advantage.

Talent Management agents income will be made up from a variety of revenue streams, including a percentage of talents’ upgrade fees, plus commissions on bookings.

TM agents new business capital investment is minimal – £3000 + VAT and offers full, or part time, home based business opportunity.

The investment covers everything agents need to get their businesses up and running, including the set up licence fee, web site, operations manual and the first five £100 monthly hosting fees.

Damian commented: “We are not offering just another talent showcase. Our system will allow our licensed agents to manage and promote talented people effectively nationally and internationally backed by a 20 strong support time at our UK Head Office.

“TM agents are home-based which keeps costs down. They will need a car, telephone landline, fax, mobile phone, laptop computer and broadband connection. ”

Talent Management is seeking people with a genuine love of the entertainment and modelling world and a real liking for working with people. Talent Management agents will need excellent interpersonal and man-management skills and must have boundless enthusiasm – they don’t need to be able to sing, dance or play an instrument – but they do need to value those who do.


To find out more about a UK Talent Management Agent, log in to www.talentmanagement.com – click ‘be an agent’


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