Five Questions to Ask a Potential Manager Before You Sign

Hiring a manager is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make as a creator. Yet there is surprisingly little guidance out there on how to do it well.

So we sat down with creators and gathered the tips and questions that actually help you vet a potential manager before signing.

Question 1. What does your management style look like day-to-day?

We’ve seen managers who initiate weekly Zoom calls and text their clients daily about strategy, motivation, and content ideas. We’ve also seen managers who offer monthly zoom calls with their clients and communication only about formal deal updates. 

It's up to you what cadence of communication you prefer, but it’s important to make sure you're aligned with your manager from day one.

You can ask:

• How often they check in

• Whether they give creative notes and chat strategy

• How they prep you for brand convos

• Whether they make introductions to brand executives

• What they consider “my job” vs. “your job”

Question 2. What’s your process for presenting and negotiating brand deals?

This might just be the most important question. Work styles can vary wildly from one manager to another.

We’ve even seen a manager at a very reputable agency take over a client’s inbox entirely, to the point where the creator wasn’t allowed to log in to see negotiations and deal flow. If that sounds ideal and you would rather hand off your inbox entirely, great! Just be sure to clarify upfront how much visibility you want into your brand deals.

It’s also important to ask how much outbound deal sourcing a manager actually does. Some managers rely almost entirely on inbound deals (meaning brands reach out first). Other managers are more proactive and spend time pitching you to brands. Managers who consistently do outbound lead generation are far more likely to secure the most (and best) deals for you.

Ask potential managers about:

• How brands find you

• Whether they pitch brands

• How they price you

• How they negotiate

• How they protect you on usage, exclusivity, licensing

  
  

Just remember: Strong managers can explain their deal process clearly and confidently, and they will be happy to chat with you about it.

3. What’s included in the contract and what is not?

Make sure to read your contract closely. These details may seem small, but they can have a major impact on your revenue, rights, and day-to-day experience.

Always carefully review the final version before signing, even if you've already read it. We’ve seen a manager quietly change the required termination notice from 30 to 60 days - and only slip it into the so-called “final” contract.

Clarify:

• Percentage taken on brand deals

• Minimums or retainers

• Term length

• Termination clause

• Exclusivity

• Whether they take a cut of deals you sourced

• Platform-specific expectations

• Communication standards

• What happens if you take a break

Remember that a good manager should be able to explain their contract in plain language.

Question 4. How many creators do you manage, and what does your capacity look like?

This question helps you understand how much attention you’ll actually get and what kind of operator they are. Some managers run high-volume rosters; others keep things tight and boutique. Neither approach is inherently better, but one will likely suit your needs more than the other.

Most importantly: a manager is not their agency. It’s easy to see a top-tier agency and assume all managers within it work the same way. In reality, managers vary widely in communication style, workload, professionalism, and overall vibe. Make sure you understand your specific manager’s capacity, habits, and style — not just the reputation of the agency on their business card.

Question 5. Why do you want to work with me specifically?

The all-important vibe check. :)

Look for answers that are:

• Specific

• Personal

• Values-based

• Rooted in your voice and potential

If their answer feels authentic, the partnership will too.

In conclusion...

At the end of the day, hiring a manager is about choosing someone who sees your potential, respects your boundaries, and knows how to advocate for you.

These five questions aren’t meant to intimidate anyone. They’re simply here to help you understand who you’re trusting. The right manager will welcome your curiosity and make you feel supported, not confused.

When you walk away from the conversation feeling clear, aligned, and excited? That’s when you know you’ve found the right fit.