Dear Alma, I want to take over an agency but I might lose out
NewsFrom our agony aunt:
Dear Alma,
I have been working at the same agency for 10 years, and find it challenging and interesting. My boss is nearing retirement age, and I am very much hoping to be considered for their replacement, purchasing and running the company. But there is a younger, very energetic person who joined the agency just a year ago and I am afraid the president is showing favoritism towards the new person. My knowledge of the industry is deep, and my connections are solid. I can’t even believe they would consider selling to this younger person, but it is looking possible.
What should I do?
Afraid of Being Looked Over
Dear Afraid,
I am also afraid for you. I have seen this type of thing happen time and time again. The devoted and hard-working person being jumped over by the new, flashy upstart.
Afraid – take the situation in hand. Do your best to continue to work at your highest level, with energy. Brainstorm new ideas, build a solid network of coworkers and industry contacts. Show that you are a leader, communicating clearly, setting goals, and being there to help others. Be aware of your weaknesses and turn them around. Celebrate your victories. Continue to expand your knowledge by taking a class or attending conferences.
Make a meeting with your boss and clearly state your wishes to step into their shoes when they decide the time is right to step away from their position.
Good luck, Afraid!
Questions for Alma? Please put them in the comments section or send to DearAlmaQuery@gmail.com
It is always difficult to work for a boss with multiple personality syndrome. You may take-over the job from one of them and then you find-out there’s still another one around.
What agent has the money to be able to buy their agency???
There’s something to be said for young flashy people. They bring energy and ideas but they are also far less likely to stick around and won’t command the levels of artist respect as the sage old manager.
First thing I’d suggest is to give yourself a shake and remember that you are valuable and valued.
Second, think about where you are putting your energy – “don’t be mad, be better”. If you spend half of the time/energy you’re spending on worrying about the future as you did demonstrating your leadership potential and ability to innovate, you would begin to feel more confident about your position.
Finally, remember that you have other options available to you – how many of your artists would go with you somewhere else once your boss has retired, for example?
I throw a word of caution on the direct conversation with your boss about it. You know them and what they are comfortable to talk about. Remember that retirement can be a very sensitive subject for some. I still think it’s a good idea to get some clarity, but choose your moment carefully.
That is what happened at Melvin Kaplan – a booking agent bought the company and is the president now.
Depending on the management you work in, you leave out key facts. Have you generated a specific amount of income for the agency? Do you personally represent artists? Would they back you up now or later? Do you represent artists that have an edge to build up on? Do you know orchestra administrators or conductors on your side? How much longer than the new person have you been there? Did you work at a management before this one? Are there colleagues in the office that would back you up? In fewer words, your current standing, work ethic and dedication to the office sounds strong. Do you think the new person is, perhaps, just being encouraged to work hard or is it a definite favoritism?
More important and pertinent questions than fretting about favoritism.
Yes you must clearly asses and then build on your strengths!
I’ll omit the name of the agency, but there was a New York agency run by a brash narcissist, specializing in publicity and big-name opera singers, and he had a fine staff of experienced, loyal, senior agents. Well, then he met a bright young man in a hustler bar who had no experience in the business, but brought him in above the heads of all his much older, experienced staff members, and he bullied them all around. So, the staff all jumped ship and started their own successful agencies, the young up-start eventually moved on, the firm died and so did Mr. Brash-Narcissist.
I certainly hope it is not CAMI. It is a systemically, historically corrupt organization.
Unlikely, CAMI closed in 2020. And no “boss” there ever retired, regardless of retirement age.
2050: artists will be their own corporation, have a lawyer for their contracts, tweak contract templates for each engagement and have separate but connected salespersons specializing in online booking strategically located globally, depending on how many markets the artist wishes to perform in. AI will create press releases and send out electronically, AI Assistant will schedule interviews.