Congratulations! You've finally gotten a meeting with an agent. Agency meetings are an important first step to advance your career. You want to be confident and prepared. Here are some tips to keep in mind when you sit down with any possible representation.

You're Helping Them Out Too

While it's true that having representation is the best way to get into prominent auditions, remember that agents only make money if their talent book jobs. They need you as much as you need them. Keep in mind that it is an equal partnership and both sides want to make sure it is a good match.

Note Your Strengths

Make a list of what you would bring to the partnership. Do you have any great relationships with Casting Directors or entertainment professionals? Is there a unique skill or talent that could be beneficial? Know your type, what you get called in for and book, and what your resources are like websites, postcards, etc. These qualities will show that you would be a responsible client and someone who will pull their weight.

Ask Questions

Research the agency and all the agents within it as much as you can before the meeting. Then, write down any additional questions that you have. Make sure you know what types of projects they work on, how many clients they have, how they want to be contacted, what they see as your career trajectory. It's your responsibility to leave the meeting as informed about them as they are about you.

Be Yourself

While your talent and industry relationships are extremely important to agents, who you are day-to-day is also a deciding factor. Be amicable and be ready to talk about what else is unique about you outside of the industry. You want to get along with your representation on all levels. 

Take Notes

Everything that happens in the meeting is important. It's a learning experience above all. Take notes on what was talked about, who you met besides the agent who called you in, and anything in the room that caught your attention. All these things can become reasons to follow up or talking points in the future. 

Follow Up

Meetings do no always lead to representation but whether it does or doesn't, you still need to follow up with a thank you. And then periodically follow up with any career updates: are you taking a new class, have you met another casting director, etc. Having representation doesn't mean that you should stop working on an individual level towards your career.