Good songs & a good show

You meet the same people on the way up as you do on the way down.

At the end of the day the bills need to be paid and you can't expect anyone to work for free. If you aren't making money or don't have the potential to make money, a manager is probably not going to be interested in you.

After you sign with a manager there are some immediate actions that should follow such as:

1) Getting you on tour

2) Licensing Deals/Record Deal Shopping

3) Recording an album with a producer

4) Signed to a booking agent

I would rather have 85% of something then 100% of nothing. Don't be afraid to give up a percentage of what you earn if your manager is going to help you make more money

After a manager has been working for you for a certain period of time and the contractual agreement/relationship has come to an end there is a phasing out period called a sunset clause. This is where the manager continues to get paid a phased out commission rate for the next 1-3 years. Example: 1st year 15%, 2nd year 10% 3rd year 5% and then done.

This is rare but I've set it up where I've given a manager rights only to the USA and I handled all international deals.

A manager or management company is paid on commission usually around 15-20 % of your gross income. This percentage rate can vary, the manager will argue the risk of taking on a new band which may have a limited following and the extra investment required for launching the act to increase the percentage stake. These are valid considerations but artists should be very cautious of anything over 25%. -

Managers shouldn't be double dipping into publishing or booking unless they are actually doing the work to make these things happen.

Having an open end relationship with your manager where you can call and get them on the phone is important. They should be available for you to chat about business but also when you just need a shoulder to cry on.

Sitting down with your manager to write down the vision and set goals for the year is super important.

The most successful managers are the best at developing good relationships and knowing when to leverage those relationships to get things moving or open doors for the artist.

I've heard horror stories of managers stealing money and if you see that there not honest with dealing with other people what makes you think they'll be honest with you.

Managers can't do it alone: The successful ones have a team to help delegate and get even more accomplished on behalf of the artist.