Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Kick off your band's popularity with band management companies

As you begin your newest venture, it can behoove you to find band management companies to perform the market research that you will need to be successful. While you may have a good idea of the type of audience you intend to reach, a band manager can validate your methods and ensure that you reach those fans in the best ways.

I recommend: Read Online Gigs to find all the information that you need to promote a band and get the bookings you desire. Find the latest information driving the industry at Media Web Source.

Look for new gigs with artist management companies

Instead of repeating the same methods of presenting yourself to your fans when your popularity begins to wane, consider changing to evoke a new image and draw a new fan base. While you may have a great band, sometimes it's the message that needs to be changed to become more profitable.

I recommend: Mix Online is one of the premier magazines that covers the music band management industry and provides all the information you need to work with your agency successfully. Look to Artist Management Resource for information that drives the industry whether you are a working artist or a band manager.

Expand your business with band management information

Everyone can use more fans who come to concerts and buy your recordings. While you may be doing very well with your current clientele, if you spend a little time and money on reshaping your image, you could be attracting other fans who may not have heard your sound.

I recommend: Find a slew of recent informative articles that are shaping the band management industry through the collection of information at Get Signed. Artist Management Online is a resource that band managers turn to for information that affects the interests of their clients and their business.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  When you are working with music management companies, make sure that they have a way to offer measurable results on a regular basis before entering into a long-term agreement.

1. Analyze your personal skills, and determine whether they are compatible with being a band manager.
2. Gain experience in the music industry in various capacities.
3. Have a clear and concise picture of the goals of the ideal artists you will be representing.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Find the artists needing band management

One of the most important keys to success is the marketability of a band. Find a band that has the same musical interests, career goals and work ethic as you do.

I recommend: Search for musicians seeking management at BandMix.com and Unsigned.com.

Sign a contract

When you find a band, secure business with a contract. The contract should benefit both the band and the band manager. Keep it simple, but address key issues like length of term and money.

I recommend: Purchase a music contract package from Music Contracts that includes all of the contracts needed for band management companies. Purchase a similar package or individual contract forms from Music Legal Forms.

Put together a promo package

This is a standard package that has basic information about the band that is sent out to venues, producers and labels to get gigs. It should include a very short demo CD, copies of any media coverage and a short biography of the band.

I recommend: Print high-quality copies of your paperwork and CD labels at Kinko’s. Order blank CDs online at Shop.com.

Get bookings

Be prepared to approach venue managers and event promoters to sell your band. Starting out in music band management means starting small and locally at places with reputations of supporting new bands. Booking gigs is essential for creating a fan base and getting the band name out there.

I recommend: Look for local people and venues needing musicians for parties and celebrations at Craigslist.com. Also try GigMasters, a nationwide database for performers.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Get the name of the band out there any way possible; word of mouth is the best advertisement.
• •  Concentrate in working in one genre of music.
• •  In the beginning, do everything as the music band manager until the band grows enough to need more employees.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Use a music band manager that has strong industry contacts

A solid, up to date Rolodex is one of the most important tools needed by a Music management company. An effective music band management company has the contacts and knows where to get the gigs and the recording opportunities for the band. Make sure your music band manager is equipped with the necessary personal introductions to get the most leverage for the band.

I recommend: Use Indie Band Manager to have access to the most up to date industry contacts to get your band noticed and in the right kinds of venues. Purchase the latest software edition of All Music Industry Contacts to keep your Rolodex full of leads.

Keep music business management cables in stock

Whether you use full-time in-house electricians putting together the required cables for a performance or your own roadies who travel with the band, make sure you give them the best quality cables and sound board equipment so that the band puts on the best show.

I recommend: Get lighting systems, fog machines and other stage equipment that keep the band running smoothly from Rockstar Sound and Stage. Get some of the best equipment in the industry from Pro Accoustics.

Stay in touch with band management companies

All businesses run smoother when communications are open between the entire team. Mobile businesses such as bands that spend most of their time on the road are especially prone to losing good and constant communications. Make sure your team is equipped with durable and reliable communications systems.

I recommend: Get the latest portable radios for your team to make sure the entire show runs smoothly from Radio Phone Wireless. If you don’t own equipment, consider using Day Wireless to rent the mobile communications devices you need to efficiently run the performance.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Call ahead to the venue before the performance to get all the perks for music management companies and their clients that you can. Ask for any special menus or dressing room arrangements that you need.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Band managers

Band managers are responsible for coordinating all of the band's activities, from overseeing publicity to scheduling appearances, negotiating fees, and more. They can be someone from your own family or a professional who has successfully promoted other bands and w.

I recommend: To learn about the roles and responsibilities of band managers, go to Media Web Source. This site compares the functions that band managers perform, depending upon whether they are managing a new band or a more experienced one.

Business manager

A business manager for a band usually performs an accounting role rather than a promotion role, handling the finances, not the sales and marketing.

I recommend: Learn how a business manager can benefit your band by accessing Artist Management Resource. Find out how a business manager will handle payroll functions and tackle intricate tax obligations you may not be aware of.

Internal band contract

A band manager might suggest that all band members sign an internal band contract outlining who owns what, and what happens if the band splits up. It can avoid costly and unnecessary litigation.

I recommend: Check out Wallace Collins' in-depth discussion of why an internal band contract can save you time and money. Learn how to make provisions for sharing profits and dividing revenue once an original band member departs.

Press kit

The band press kit is put together by the band manager and contains promotional and advertising materials to help the press promote the band.

I recommend: Go to Band Monster to learn what a successful band press kit should contain and the overall purpose of the press kit.

Promo merchandise

Promo merchandise is as necessary to a band as a press kit because it puts your band's name on t-shirts, key chains and other everyday items.

I recommend: CafePress offers practical tips for creating and selling promo merchandise that you may not have thought of. You can even design and start offering items with your band's logo on them immediately.