Because the band manager is ancillary to the musical group, they are often thought expendable. Yet, it is important to note, that every successful band in the history of modern music has relied upon various forms of representation. The band manager is a partner to the musician or group taking home, in many cases, around 15-20 percent of all final earnings. http://musicians.about.com/od/otherindustrycareers/p/artistmanager.htm

The management of a musical group requires self-direction as well as an understanding of marketing, media, advertisement and public relations. You will be responsible for publicity, publishing, finding an agent, scheduling venues as well as any other aspect involving the act.

It is essential that a band manager network within the music industry. Expect to make and keep a lot of contacts. This includes nightclub owners, graphic designers, publicists,promoters, and even accountants. As the axiom goes: It’s not what you know but who you know that makes the difference.

The band manager must not only communicate well with industry colleagues but, most importantly, with the musical act as well. Keep the goals of your particular act in mind with every decision. Also, reminding the band of long-term goals may ease emotional situations. Your managerial sensibility must be receptive enough to recognize potentially embarrassing situations. It will be your duty to protect the band’s image.

In addition to searching for acts at local shows, there are search engines that specialize in connecting potential mangers with bands. http://www.bandFIND.com/ Do not jump at the first act you see. Remember, if the act is to be a success then you will inevitably need to spend a lot of time and effort making that happen—thus, from the start it is best to explore your options. If you do not believe in the act you represent then neither party will get very far.

Upon exchanging contact information with an act that you would like to manage, attend one of their shows, wait until the end of the set, and approach them in a nonthreatening manner with your business card. Make sure to compliment the group first and then simply let them know that you would like to set up an informal meeting to discuss their plans for the future.

Take the act to lunch. Over lunch, ask questions concerning their career goals, music history and even childhood idols or favorite bands today. Keep the conversation light, but be direct when expressing your admiration for the act as well as your desire to represent them.

Work with a designer on an image for the band that expresses some theme in their music. Branding the band will help create name recognition for them and make it easier for you to sell them to the industry and fans. The brand can be printed on flyers,t-shirts, CD jackets, logos and attached to various social networking sites on the web. Next to the music itself, the brand is one of the most crucial pieces of the act.

Well-shot photographs can be nice ancillaries to the brand. Hire a professional photographer to snap a few headshots, personality or humorous shots, sexy shots, live shots, among others. Consider the source: you should, at this point, know how best to represent your act, with a definite look in mind.

Attach the brand to a folder. This will act as a press kit. The press kit should contain your contact information, biographical information about the act, with some photos, music samples, press releases and clippings. Digitize the collection to an Electronic Press Kit. http://www.sonicbids.com/