Don't Hire a Brand Deal Manager

Why It Matters

Creators who rely on commission-based managers risk losing deals and audience trust, making transparent, aligned payment arrangements critical for protecting income and brand integrity.

Summary

A former ad-agency founder warns creators against hiring brand deal managers who work on commission, recounting how agencies routinely contact creators’ managers to pitch campaigns. Managers often respond slowly, then push other roster clients as alternatives—prioritizing their 20–25% cut over the original creator’s opportunity. This dynamic can cost creators deals without their knowledge and steer them into lower-quality or ill-fitting partnerships. The speaker urges creators to rethink compensation structures to avoid conflicts of interest and reputational risk.