Talent shows.

Taking a taxi down to the client, the account person and the planner were both reminiscing about talent shows they had been in during their youths.

It occurred to me on hearing the phrase "talent show," that in a sense, that is the business we should be in.
Showing (not showing off) our talent.

Being in a talent show means you can always get sent home if your performance isn't up to snuff. As much as relationships in our business are important, they do not and should not be more important than the talent you show. In short, you have to bring your talent, all of it, to bear in everything you do.

Seems to make sense to me.

In any event, it's my metaphor. At least for now.