Navigating Talent Agencies: The 'Always Be Closing' Myth

A recent experience trying to license a popular indie band's music for a period piece challenged my understanding of agency negotiations. I initially approached their agent with a detailed mood board, narrative synopsis, and a clear budget range, thinking transparency and creative alignment would be key. What worked was the initial rapid response due to the clarity of the ask; the agent immediately understood the scope and potential fit. What didn't work, however, was trying to 'close' the deal quickly by pushing for an immediate decision or emphasizing the urgency of our production schedule. This approach, which often works in other sales contexts, seemed to backfire, creating an impression of desperation rather than efficiency. They became less responsive, and the process stretched out significantly. I've learned that with talent agencies, especially for music licensing, it's often more effective to present your case thoroughly and then patiently allow their internal process to unfold, following up with polite, spaced-out inquiries rather than aggressive 'closing' tactics. It felt less like a direct negotiation and more like navigating a complex internal bureaucracy. Does anyone else find that a less assertive, more patient approach yields better results with talent reps, even when deadlines are tight?