Record Signings - Dead and Living

A younger person brought a document for me to sign as his guarantor. 

He desires to be a global model and has contacted a local modeling agency to help facilitate his appearances on platforms and his eventual global visibility. 

He obviously possessed the height, physique and cuteness needed to dominate such a space. 

As I asked him questions about this BIG dream of his, he spoke so passionately and I could feel his determination. 

As I made attempt to sign the document, I read the conditions stated in the document by the agency and found certain terms disturbing.

1. The year on the document was 2 years ago.

2. The agency will take 80% of the proceeds from any event. 

3. For every trip within or outside the country, the agency offered to take care of the trip but as a loan. The signee is expected to pay the money back with some interest after the show from the proceeds. 

Imagine getting 20% of proceeds and then paying back loan with interest from the same 20%, what then is left? 

When I pointed my concerns to this young champ, I noticed that he was trying to defend the agency and justify the red flags in the document. 

His desperation to become a star was so thick that he didn't mind what was in the document. 

My awareness that 'At the highest level of desperation, common sense is zero' helped me in the communication of my concerns. 

I declined to sign, asked him to send some questions to the agency and insist on correction of year to the current year, increase in proceed portion and review of total trip policy.

Guess what? They eventually did review all and gave better terms. 

He was thankful of my intervention. 

It's not unusual as a young person who is talented with little advantage to jump at every promise made by a potential promoter, however, one must learn to take a moment to pause and breathe deeply.

When it comes to signing a contract, you should read again and again, ask questions when unclear, unsure and confused (no assumptions) and speak to a mentor. 

Being discerning and prayerful will help a great deal. 

You may want to ask - What if the contract isn't reviewed favourably and it looks like I am about to lose a deal?

God does not give a man just one opportunity throughout his lifetime. 

If you keep working on yourself and showing up, a bigger and better one will show up for sure. 

You may also need to change your perspective about rejection. Sometimes, it is God's way of redirection.

If there's a lesson to learn from the recent revelation of label signings (dead or alive), this is it.

I want you to win 😊.

Oluwapelumi Awe