Hiring a good talent agent can make your professional journey better.

Some people decide they want to make it big in the entertainment industry, head to Los Angeles or New York City, and do it all on their own. Others take a more measured approach by finding a talent manager such as David Guillod. If you’re considering trying your hand at acting, check out these tips for getting a talent agent.

Invest in your potential:

A legitimate talent agent won’t expect you to pay any money up front, but he or she will expect to see you have invested in your own potential. This means you’ll need to spend money on creating professional head shots and a resume, if nothing else. If you can swing it, you should also create several copies of your reel. Showing you’re serious about the industry means you are more likely to gain interest from agents.

Show off what makes you unique:

The thing about the industry is that people who want to be in it are a dime a dozen. There are literally hundreds of ripped actors and pretty blond actresses. That isn’t to say you can’t make it if you fit into that mold, but it will be more difficult. Gaining the interest of a talent manager means showing off what makes you unique. Do you sing and dance? Are you hilarious? Even playing up unique physical characteristics, such as freckles, can cause people to become more interested in you, so don’t try to hide behind conventional beauty.

Develop other relationships:

Again, this is about showing you’re serious about being in the industry. While your agent should help you cultivate relationships, you must do the same yourself. Work on meeting and networking with casting directors, acting teachers, other actors, and other people in the industry. Showing you are getting out there to learn more and network effectively helps to prove you’re serious about the industry.

Finally, when trying your hand in the industry, go with your gut feeling. There are plenty of unscrupulous people who try to take advantage of naive actors and actresses, but keeping your wits about you and having realistic expectations will protect you.