So you have a band but you don't know what to do next. Perhaps you've had a band for a long time and feel its time to step up your game a bit more. The one thing that is a vital instrument in a band's success is proper management. This separates the pro's from the wannabe's. But often times bands and musicians are unsure about whether or not they need management because they feel they've been doing a pretty good job so far on their own. Well, let's ask ourselves the following questions;

1. Am I generating any income for all my time and dedication put into my music?
2. Am I getting better gigs as time goes on at quality venues?
3. Do I know how to properly place my demo in the right hands?
4. Do I know how to get airplay?
5. Do I know how to properly book a tour (including aquiring proper permits, insurance, etc...?)
6. Am I networking in the right circles?

If you answered no to most, if not all of these questions, then you need to find a band manager.

     Now, how do I go about this you ask? Well one way is to ask your fellow musicians around town about their management situation. Find out if it's working out well for them and see if they wouldn't mind putting you in touch with them. Find as many contacts as you can and set up interviews with them. Another way is to simply do an online search. You will get hundreds of results right away but try narrowing down your search by genre, location, etc..

     The one thing I cannot stress enough....one of the biggest mistakes a band can make is having their friend manage their band affairs. This is a recipe for disaster from the word go. I know, I know, he or she is such a great person, they really get your music, they know lots of people, they took a business class for a semester in college, yada yada yada, FIRE THEM! Fire them right now! They are only destined to lead you down a path of disaster and turmoil. I have seen it many times first hand. I knew a local hip-hop act who was managed by their close friend, and even though it seemed like success was around the corner at all times, he just couldn't deliver the goods. The band broke up after two years and hardly any of them are on speaking terms and they are all gasping for air in attempts to do worthy projects on their own. Don't be lazy about it because after all, we are talking about your careers here. I know the pretty girl who shows up at every show with her friends, who wears your t-shirts, is a really cool chick and sings all your songs from the front row seems like a good condidate for a manager, but trust me she's not. But feel free to have her work your merch table, because she will probably attract more buyers.

     So who is a good candidate for a band manager? Well for starters, someone who is in the BUSINESS of managing and selling bands. Someone who makes their living off doing this. Someone with a reputable office location, a secretary, credentials conspicuously hung on the walls, maybe even some office plants. Basically, an office setting that looks like it can't be packed up in an hour when their illegitimate cover is blown. What you never want to do is go with some lame-ass know-nothing who has a MySpace page selling himself as the hottest music manager and promoter with lots of flash and bullshit on their page. These people are the biggest losers who have absolutely no talent and no credentials. If a manager or management company doesn't have their own .COM website, then don't go with them. Anyone can set up a free website, and they are usually dangerous.

     When you do find what seems to be the right manager for you or your band, you'll need to draw up a letter of agreement and list of terms. Both parties need to agree on all of them before a business relationship can be established. The following is what needs to be determined;

1. Job description- Your managers duties should include promoting your band to labels, booking gigs, getting merchandise made, keeping the band informed on his or her progress and basically doing everything possible to get the band off the ground.
   
2. Fees- A standard-industry management fee is 15-20 percent of the band's earnings. The 15-20 percent of a manager's fee will come from label advances, album sales, live shows (if in-fact you receive payment for such service), music licensing, and possibly merchandise (unless the band has agreed to handle all the merch sales alone.) Make sure in your agreement that the manager fee of 15-20 percent is 15-20 percent of what the band is pulling in for income. If the band isn't generating any income at any given time, the manager doesn't draw any income from the band.
   
3. Expenses- You should NEVER pay for your manager's expenses! This is how you'll know if you are dealing with a true professional. A professional manager shouldn't expect you to cover his rent, phone/fax, internet, food, etc.. What you AND your manager need to agree on right away is how expenses pertaining to the band are to be handled. If your manager is meeting with label executives and wants to take them out for drinks, perhaps this is a worth while investment and you'll agree to these type of expenses. But clear it with your manager prior to his label visit so there are no suprises later when you get the bill. Keep the agreement over money matters simple, yet direct.
   
4. Length of services- Usually, when working with management for the first time, it's best to agree to a one-year contract. If at the end of the year you feel like it's a perfect marriage between the two party's, then extend the terms. If not, terminate them. But be certain that whatever your manager is doing for you, it's in the best interest of your band, your career and your future.