THE CATCH-22 Trying to find good management can sometimes be a vicious circle; to get good management, you normally have to have a lot of great things already going for you… and usually, to get a lot of big things working for your career, you need a good manager. What’s the solution? Get as much going for yourself on your own (at first).  Stay focused, determined, and don’t just settle for the first person who’s interested, unless they are qualified, and genuinely excited about you.  If you keep these priorities in order, along with a strong desire for success, with the right mind-set and a little patience (and luck), you will eventually meet a qualified candidate for management.  But you have to be ready and capable to grab hold of the opportunity when it presents itself.     Reality check:  I guess now might be a good time to say, “You don’t need management, if you have nothing to manage!” DO YOUR HOMEWORK While you may think that having someone interested in managing you is good, it is best that you do a little homework about whoever approaches you about management.  Seek to find out what acts the manager is currently representing, and/or has managed in the past.  Ask questions about his or her past know-how when it comes to the particular deal you are seeking.  And people, please use a little courtesy and respect when you are asking these questions.  There is nothing wrong with you getting to know a little about the potential manager, especially when you are new to all of this, but you really need to do it with tact. You will also need to find out if the management has had some success with new artists in the past. If they have had success before, they probably have a good idea of what it takes to be successful regarding new artists they take on as clients now. A wise man is mightier than a strong man. And a man of knowledge increases and strengthens his power. --Proverbs 24:5 SEEKING MR. RIGHT By Ben McLane, Esq. Probably the best way for you to find a manager is for a manager to find you. If you are an artist and are playing live dates and developing a following, it is just a matter of time before a manager will approach you. You can also contact potential managers through a variety of music directories. Beware of any manager that wants you to sign a contract on the spot or who makes grandiose (extravagant) promises of success. You should seek out a real professional that honestly believes in you and likes what you are doing musically. Marks of a professional would be: (1) having a meeting to discuss your needs and any ideas he has for developing you as an artist; (2) letting you know that although he cannot promise success, that if all involved work together, your potential has a better chance of being recognized; (3) suggesting that you have an attorney review any contract before you sign it. The bottom line is to find a manager that you trust and with whom you can communicate. ©Copyright Ben McLane – Used by permission of By Ben Mclane, Esq - all rights reserved BUILD IT – AND THEY WILL COME …TO YOU! Now, what many of you aspiring artists (and producers) who are seeking a reputable manager don’t seem to know is; if you are really good; and you have some way to get your music heard… either with a great live show, a great demo or video, and you have made yourself known to a few industry folk (either directly or through word of mouth), then you can bet… eventually, both regional and established managers will start to inquire about you.  But as a new artist, you have to be ready when the opportunity presents itself.  This could mean performing right on the spot, or having a demo that blows people away.  Remember, anyone that is truly in a position to help you as a manager sees and hears new artists and demos all the time. So, please… make sure – continue >>