"Managing Course" - Sample Page

1. What Is A Manager (supposed to be able to do)?

    A. A person who "guides, counsels, advises and helps to provide employment"
    B. A protector, and "doer".
    C. They take all steps necessary to help You become a success.
    D. They make money when You make money; the more You make, the more they make. Their success comes through helping to achieve Your success.
    E. They can be an objective person who can look at all aspects of Your situation, analyze them, and make a rational plan. They have to be able to look at You and Your work differently than You do.

        1. Your work is intensely personal, and You're probably too emotionally tied to it.
        2. Everyone needs a professional outside opinion, not friends or relative. It's hard for them to give an honest, sound opinion.

             a. They're too close to be honest and unswayed by feelings;
             b. If they're not professionals, they're not qualified to give an opinion.
             c. If You listen only to friends and those close to You, You'll run around in circles, being pleased with Yourself but making no progress. Or worse, they don't like Your stuff, or they're jealous - and it really has hit potential!

Note: Do not mix up "Manager" with "Agent" - many people do! They are two different animals. Agents are "middle-men/women" who get "gigs" etc, for people. Managers, as You will see in the contract in week two, may hire Agents for You when needed. Agents need an "Employment Agency License" to legally do their work. Managers, in most states cannot legally "book" their Artists, although some will book their Artists here and there, in the beginning.

2. When Do You Need a Manager?

    A. You may have no idea what You should do, or do next.
    B. When You've reached a certain level and can't seem to progress any higher, no matter what You do.
    C. You may be disorganized, lost, or simply not have the right contacts to get ahead. Like You're spinning Your wheels, going nowhere.

3. When Don't You Need A Manager?

A. If You're solely a Songwriter and not an Artist
B. You're happy being a local Band, or Group. [Look into getting an "Agent"]

4. Why Do You Need A Manager?

    A. "I don't need a Manager; I can do it all myself." Famous last words of otherwise talented artists who killed their careers!
    B. Strong musical, writing or singing talent does not necessarily mean You have managerial ability.
    C. Your time is better spent creatively, constantly improving what You do.
    D. Do You really know what the best move is that You can make?
    E. Do You actually have an honest evaluation of Your own work?
    F. Can You be objective about it, or are You defensive?

5. A Great, Professional Manager...

    A. Has contacts in the music industry
    B. Knows what's happening in the industry
    C. Know what (people are looking for) Booking Agents, Publishers and record companies are looking for.
    D. Will probably not be the first person they've managed
    E. Knows the advantages and pitfalls in almost every situation that's likely to arise.
    F. Is "streetwise" in dealing in the industry
    G. Can avoid blind alleys in negotiations, make fewer mistakes, and save You time and money.
    H. "Takes the heat off You" from Your attorney, Band Members or Group, club owners and Managers, Booking Agents, Record Company exec.'s, etc.

Note: Many artists have killed either their recording or performing careers by fighting over assorted issues, either musically or business-oriented. Your Manager, not You, is the one to fight with the company or person!

I. They can be the super tough "bad guy", or turn around and play "good guy" for You.

Note: They can do so many things for You, if they're great. If they aren't, You'll curse the day You met them.

6. How do You find a great Manager? (someone You can entrust Your present and future?

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David J. Spangenberg
a/k/a "Professor Pooch"

Music Business Consultant
Music Business Educator
Contract Specialist

Guiding Musical & Music Business Careers
For Over 20 Years

"My aim is to help guide you,
to answer any and all of your questions,
in plain, easy-to-understand "People-Talk",
no matter what style of music,
no matter what stage of your career,
and in the process,
help you save wasted time and money."

David J. Spangenberg, 2006

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