The Brooklyn Badass (ft. Alec Melman)

The Brooklyn Badass (ft. Alec Melman)OPENING QUOTE:“Being adaptable and being patient, that'll answer for those feelings of frustration. If you can hold on long enough, good things happen.”-Alec MelmanGUEST BIO:Alec Melman is co-founder and CEO of Gotham Artists, one of the most successful and respected talent agencies in the country. Founded in 2009, Gotham is known for its innovative approach and unique roster of talent that stretches from keynote speakers to musicians, stand up comics and more. For 14 years, Alec has helped guide and grow Gotham every step of the way through intense and dramatic changes in the industry.Links:BioLinkedInCORE TOPICS + DETAILS:[5:33] - The Extra InchLittle things that add up to big impactTo Alec, explaining Gotham’s success as a bureau is simple: customer service. Gotham is simply “a little faster, a little nicer, and a little sharper.” Things like getting back to people quickly makes them stand out relative to the inefficiencies of some other bureaus, and that’s led Gotham to grow at the astonishing rate it has.[10:36] - The Agency-Speaker ConnectionWhen to go exclusive and how to know it’s time for a changeAlec discusses how most of Gotham’s exclusive partnerships with speakers grow out of existing relationships. He expresses how bureaus want to go exclusive with speakers they’ve worked with before, having booked 7-10 dates before even broaching the exclusive conversation. How does this apply to speakers? Be patient. Building those bureau relationships in your non-exclusive days will pay dividends down the road.[28:39] - Ongoing Connection in the Digital EraWhy Alec is a believer in virtual keynotesAlec believes that people who don’t believe in virtual keynotes and other disruptive technologies fail to understand them. They’re not the “redheaded stepchild” of in-person — they’re a unique opportunity in their own right. He uses the example of a $100,000 speaking budget. An in-person event would spend that budget on one or two massive names, one big splash. That has value, of course. But so does spreading that budget out over 12 monthly installments, bringing in smaller names who can cover a range of topics. Virtual isn’t better or worse than in-person, it’s simply a separate opportunity.[30:33] - The Bureau of LessHow doing less for speakers helps Gotham serve them betterAlec approaches every decision for his clients using the “triangle of decision-making.” Is it profitable? Is it fun? Does it match our long-term vision? If the answer to all of those questions isn’t an enthusiastic “yes,” then it’s not right. “I don’t want to take our eyes off the prize and start focusing on ancillary activities,” he says. “If the opportunity knocks, we’ll be ready for it, but I’m not going out of my way and trying to make that materialize.In this way, Gotham serves its clients by doing a few things very, very well, rather than trying to do 100 things somewhat competently. Gotham’s focus, not their breadth, has allowed them to grow and excel.RESOURCES:[1:46] About Gotham ArtistsFollow Alec Melman:LinkedInFollow Josh Linkner:FacebookLinkedInInstagram