Real-Life Communication -- Solution
You make a mental note to have a talk with Bob about contracts in
general. This is the first of many contracts he will sign, and you think he
should at least be reading them. He's got to take some responsibility
here.
Right now there isn't the time, so you give him a brief
rundown of what's in the contract. Here's what you tell him:
"OK
Bob, basically what this contract says is that by participating in the training
camp, you agree to undergo physical tests to show your height, weight, measurement
of body fat and cardiovascular fitness.
"You'll also be required
to provide two blood samples from a fingertip prick.
"By signing this
contract, you agree to have these tests done as a way for the club to determine
your level of fitness and performance, and you accept any risks associated
with these tests."
Bob says that sounds OK to him and
agrees to sign. You clear up the paperwork and he's out of your office
in less than 15 minutes. While this was a fairly straightforward contract,
the next couple may not be so easy. You resolve to make sure Bob actually
reads the next one.
As an agent, you have to take contracts seriously.
Sharp
communication skills are necessary for survival in this business. "It's
a lot of phone calls and a lot of cold calling," says sports agent Brendan
Neil. "If you don't have the wherewithal to just go up to someone you
don't know at all and say, 'Hey, this is me and this is what I can
do for you,' then you're in a lot of trouble."