For an artist I can understand that you need to perform everywhere and maybe an agent will see you, but for a producer what's the best way to apprach an agent? Do they even listen to instrumentals by unsigned producers? I've tried networking/sending music and got some encouraging feedback from industry people but obviously to pursue as a career I need to start getting paid placements.
I've tried many sites that claim to get your music to A&Rs. One even said they wanted it for a 50 cent album if I would just pay them some more money! Never heard back from them since.
Why are you looking for an agent? Is it because you want to reach artist, so they can hear your beats? At this point in your career, what can an agent do for you that you can do for yourself?
I ask these questions because because most producer look for A&R, agents, managers, and label to bring possible collaborations. The downside is that those are the same jobs that are slowly fading out of existence in today music business. New, up an coming, artists are taking control of their careers every day; and now, producers are too.
On the other hand, if you have too many things happening for you, in your music career, that you can't handle it all yourself then you may want to look at hiring a manager or agent. Remember though, these guy's will usually take 10 to 15% of what they bring to the table. In other words, you need to make $10,000 per month so your manager can $1000 -$1500 in commission.
There are a lot of hustler in this business, and one their only goals is to get money from amateurs. Remain cautious of people who promise you the world on a platter because, most of the time, they're just preying on you dreams and ambitions. I hope this help put things into prospective for you.