ARE YOU
REALLY READY
FOR A MANAGER?
WRITTEN BY DIANA SCHWEINBECK
“Will you manage me?” – That has to be the most commonly used phrase in the industry today. Sadly,
many artists out here do not realize they aren’t ready for a manager nor do they realize a manager will be
approaching them when they are ready.
When do you need a manager? Simple – when you have something to manage. It is not the
manager’s job to build your career. It is their job to manage what you have already created. I can’t even begin to tell
you how many management requests I get a day. I even have artists asking me, “How much do I need to pay you
to be my manager”. Do you know what I tell them? “Never ask a manager how much they charge to manage you
because we work off of percentages of income made by the artist.” It’s sad to see so many lost artists being so
vulnerable when looking for help. I make it a priority of mine to inform these artists never to ask how much someone
would charge them for management, because eventually they are going to come across a “manager” who is going
to give a flat rate and scam them for their money.
How do you find a good manager?– Keep working! A manager will come to you when the time is
right. Do not focus on finding a manager – focus on building your fanbase and your movement. Once everything
comes in to play and you can’t handle all inquiries and opportunities presented, you are ready for a manager!
Does finding a mentor help? Yes – finding a mentor is a major key in this industry. Mentors are hard
to come across but don’t look at it as someone telling you how to make it. Look at it as a real relationship you are
building with someone who has accomplished what they set out to do. Just having someone to talk to, to ask
questions, and get their advice every now and then.
What exactly does a manager do? Their job is to manage your career. Any and all business will be
handled by them. Now like I said earlier, it is not the manager’s job to “build your career” but you do want a manager
who is willing to go the extra mile to create other opportunities and streams of revenue for you. You want someone
who believes in you as much as you believe in yourself.
How important are relationships when it comes to be a successful manager?
In my opinion, I feel relationships and a business mindset make a great manager. I always say look for someone who
can walk in a room and already know the people there or one who can walk in a room and create those relationships
they don’t already have. This industry is built off relationships and the more you have, the greater chance you have
to succeed.
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