Anything Goes : Talent Management Contracts - To Sign or Not to Sign? by Liz Chuday

I was offered a talent management contract and could use professional weigh-in. While I'm thrilled to have someone help take my career to greater heights, I also feel it's a bit like a marriage, and I want to make the best choice. My two concerns are the fact the termination clause is not mutual: they can terminate me at any time. Me? Only within 30-days of the one-year, renewable, non-exclusive contract. The other is a three-year ban from working with any talent agency they introduce me to -- and I sign with -- if I terminate the management relationship. I fully understand they should protect themselves from talent who they help get signed with a talent agency and then the talent decides he/she doesn't need a manager PLUS agent/s. But three years? Seems rather draconian. Is this "business as usual?" Or should I look for another suitor? Many thanks, and hope the New Year has gotten off to a blessed, beautiful and busy start. Cheers! Liz