Agents Quote by Steve Martin
“Be undeniably good. When people ask me how do you make it in show business or whatever, what I always tell them & nobody ever takes note of it 'cause it's not the answer they wanted to hear-what they want to hear is here's how you get an agent, here's how you write a script, here's how you do this-but I always say, “Be so good they can't ignore you.” If somebody's thinking, “How can I be really good?” people are going to come to you. It's much easier doing it that way than going to cocktail parties.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, 2023
Excellence attracts attention more reliably than networking or self‑promotion.
In simple terms: Being great gets you noticed.
Key Takeaway
Focus on mastering your craft.
Themes
excellence
visibility
career
craftsmanship
self‑improvement
Mood
inspirational
pragmatic
Type
advice
motivational
When to use this quote
- seeking an agent
- writing a script
- networking events
- career advancement
Key Concepts
skill mastery
personal branding
industry dynamics
Questions to Reflect On
- What skill can you improve today?
- How do you measure true mastery?
A Different Perspective
Talent alone may not overcome systemic biases or lack of opportunity.
![“Nobody ever takes note of [my advice], because it’s not the answer they wanted to hear,” Martin said. “What they want to hear is ‘Here’s how you get an agent, here’s how you write a script,’… but I always say, ‘Be so good they can’t ignore you.” quote by Cal Newport](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/dce/cal-newport-1302_wanted-hear_nobody-ever-takes-note-of-my-advice-beca_271642.jpg)
![“You do a movie [where] you like the script [and] it has something to say that you care about. And there are certain people in this industry that you kind of stick with. Guys like [“The Congressman” producer] Fred Roos. They call you, and if you’re not working, that’s what you do.” quote by George Hamilton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/3c6/george-hamilton-7929_care_you-do-a-movie-where-you-like-the-script_710688.jpg)
![“I don't see [ Trainspotting ] as an albatross, I see it more as a calling card. It's got me out to Hollywood, I've got a good agent, I've got a good manager, I'm getting a lot of work out there and doing a lot of stuff - getting a lot of film projects on the go.” quote by Irvine Welsh](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/918/irvine-welsh-843_agents_i-don-t-see-trainspotting-as-an-albatros_7750.jpg)
