Real-Life Decision Making
You're an up-and-coming agent with one or two successful clients. You'd like to add a few more athletes to your list because, as any agent knows, securing clients is the lifeblood of any successful sports representative.
You've had some really good luck with junior players, having a couple of potential stars on your list. However, it may be a few years before these guys start making any serious money. You could sure use an established athlete to get your practice off the ground.
After attending a recent players association meeting, you're approached by an established athlete -- a baseball player with a great track record.
He tells you he wants to keep this in the strictest confidence. He's dissatisfied with his current agent and is looking for new representation. He's heard good things about you and wants to know if you're interested.
"An agent is nothing without clients. And you need successful ones to survive," says Los Angeles-based agent Tim Davies.
You ask the player who's representing him now and he tells you. You wince when you hear this because his agent just happens to be a friend of yours.
The player wants to meet with you next week to discuss things. You agree to meet with him because you could sure use this client; however, you haven't decided yet whether you want to work this way. Even though the player is dissatisfied with his agent, you feel pretty sleazy moving in on your friend's client.
Even though the player approached you, you don't want to be labeled a poacher -- an agent who lures other agents' players away.
What would you do? How would you advise the player? You could take the player on as a new client. He's obviously not happy with his current agent and you could sure use the money. Or you could refuse to represent the player, and give up a great opportunity.