Don't Be Dispensable

If you are going to be some type of advisory middleman-make sure you're a good one & have a reputable name for yourself. (If you don't work on making one & make it dependable).

In his blog Mr. Godin observes that, the once lucrative, agent position is dwindling down & outright disappearing. Why? Because most are "anonymous and interchangeable and virtually worthless". Most nowadays equate to a ten minute google search. Great agents provide "differentiated service that is worth paying for" and "hyper-specialize".

To thrive in a world of self-service, agents have to hyperspecialize, have to stand for something, have to have the guts to say no far more than they say yes. No, you can't publish this book. No I won't represent you. No, don't take that flight. No, I won't sell this house, it's overpriced, list it yourself

It also correlates with who the agent is selling to. What's the market? Godin believes when markets change, agents can lead the way, not follow along grudgingly.

*cough...that goes for designers too...cough*