GETTING A MANAGER
Getting a manager can often be
the difference between standing
still and future success.
Successful artists may well have
the financeand backing to get a
good lawyer but for the remaining
masses, who have few industry
contacts, choices are limited and
you need to make careful
decisions around who should
champion you as a manager.
1. Who Should Be Your Champion?
Your manager must be a Champion
to your cause, which means that
you must trust them as a close
friend as well as a business
partner. If you're going to give
this person a substantial cut of
your earnings, then they have to
be passionate about what you
believe in and not present a cold
business front. Experience is
important but not necessarily
essential. Of course, someone who
has contacts can make things
happen quickly, but the priniples
of management cut across many
practices and someone with
'Management Experience' should be
able to develop contacts quickly.
Do Not confuse
management with accountancy.
These are separate issues.
Maintain your own control over
the finances until you can afford
separate accountancy support.
Your manager should have their
own realistic view on the earning
potential and realstic income
that you can generate from which
they draw their salary.
As always, it's a careful
balancing act. Don't be too hard
with a loyal manager if things
are not moving forward straight
away. On the other hand, make
sure that someone isnotjust
taking your money and sitting
back. Don't be fooled by someone
who talks about being passionate
for yourmusicbut takesnoreal
action to promote you.
One of the most important rulesto
follow is tomake sure that your
manager is not connected with
your record label. He is your
champion. Most reputable labels
will not talk to Acts unless they
have an independent manager but
run a mile if a label suggests
that they should supply one. Any
manager in the pocket of the
record label will not have
yourbest interest at heart and
may not point out the smallprint
of an contact.
2. How Do I Get A Manager?
There are no hard and fast rules
but usually the best way is from
personal recommendation from some
of the bigger bands. The
important thing is that you don't
put it off and that you get a
manager at the earliest
opportunity. Have your press pack
ready and make sure that the
first consultation is free and
that you have the necessary time
to explain your plans and
understand what the Manager can
do for you. Contact by e-mail in
the first instance is always
useful and any good manager
should have their own information
for you toread.
If the Manager is what you are
looking for, then you have a
clear decision to make. If the
manager turns you down, then seek
feedback as to why. This is
invaluable information which can
be used to improve your approach
in the future. However, don't
change your musical direction to
suit your manager. Remember, you
are the boss. You must stay true
to yourself or you will get
frustrated and it would be a
recipe for disaster.
3. Who else should I consider
helping me?
You may need to consider
employing an accountant and when
things start getting really
serious a lawyer who specialises
in music and showbiz contracts.
Again try and talk to other Acts
who have gone down this road. The
best recommendation is usually
from others who have been their
before you.
4. After all that
The last bit of advice is to
persevere and to look out for
that bit of luck which we all
need. Seek opportunities, network
and accept that sometimes for
every step forward there may be
in the early days a few steps
back. Take criticism
constructively and listen to it.
Don't be inflexibleto change and
experiment with what works. Don't
panic or appear desparate, people
will spot this and take advantage
of you. And remember a sureway of
failing is to give up. So kep
goingand belive in your future.
|
