Where to find managers

Create a culture that attracts the type of management team you want in place. Look for Management Experience One mistake hiring managers often make is in hiring for skills relevant to the position. A business hiring a team leader for its applications developers may isolate its search to those who have extensive experience in programming using a specific language.

In actuality, you should look for signs that the person will be a good leader of your existing staff, rather than whether the person beats the rest of the team on coding experience. Actively Recruit Chances are, the best person for your management team is already employed elsewhere.

Soft skills like communications skills, goal setting, and the ability to effectively delegate are essential to success as a manager, however, and can often be much more important than skills specific to the work itself. Consider those things that can be easily learned with a little training and balance that against things that are intrinsic to whom a person actually is.

Instead, consider cultivating a team of managers from different backgrounds who will each bring a different perspective. As you expand your search nationwide, you may even find someone who was interested in relocating to your city anyway.

If you currently have a record deal, working on your record will give you what you need to show a manager. Look for trustworthy people with the right skills in your circle. Before you start looking for managers and agencies, start by reaching out to friends and family. You might be lucky and know someone who has the right skills and believes in you enough to work for free at least for a while. Choose someone personable. This is especially important if you lack skill in this area.

Your chosen manager must have the people skills necessary to talk you up and get you the right gigs. They have to be responsible. Avoid people who tend to deflect blame. Choose a business-minded person.

Your musical career needs to be run like a business. The manager you choose needs business skills to help you navigate this side of the industry. If you consider this partnership temporary, make sure the person you choose understands this.

Find someone with the right skills to represent you. One of the best ways to do this is to be constantly networking. When you play a gig, build relationships with other musicians and venue owners. Cold call managers and agencies. Do your research beforehand, making sure you only contact managers that are qualified and have a good reputation.

Send emails, make phone calls and reach out over social media. The internet is the best place to find people to call. Using Google will help you find agencies and managers in your area, as well as their contact information. You can use the phone to gauge interest, speaking to managers before sending your music. Method 2. Focus on honing your craft. If you choose to not chase a potential manager, focus that energy on your music.

The mindset with this method is to work on your career until the right person notices. Make sure you have quality music and great performances under your belt when they do. Write songs, find gigs and record your music. A manager does not have the time to try to figure out who you are as a musician. The less work they have to do, the better. Figure out what music you like to play and what music suits you the best.

Figure out what makes you different from all the other artists in the world who play the same music as you. Create a set list of around good songs.

You want to have at least 1 hour of material just incase a gig comes up that requires you to play for an hour. Make sure you throw in some of your original songs. Decide what songs go where in order to enhance the viewers experience. Play at least gigs at places with big audiences. Busking on the street doesn't count.

You can play at local bars if you are of age or try to play at places where your genre of music is respected. Playing shows will look good for your resume and will gain you exposure. Develop your image. If you want to be noticed by a manager, you need to stand out. Some musicians have strong vocals, others are multi-talented and some rely on good looks.

Maintain a strong social media presence. Social media plays a crucial role in the business world today. A variety of platforms allow for tailored messages that can reach wider audiences than simple word of mouth.

Learn the difference between each platform and use them to their fullest. Instagram is primarily visual. You have both pictures and video at your disposal. Snapchat is the place to deliver quick, personal content. Facebook and Twitter are incredibly versatile platforms, and should be the base of your social media presence. You can create event pages to publicize your gigs, use live video to reach more fans and create photo albums detailing your day to day.

Reply to comments they post on your social media platforms and show your appreciation for them through your posts. Upload music to online streaming services.

While not all streaming services are equally advantageous in terms of revenue, they can give your music the necessary exposure to advance your career. These services usually take a cut on an income you receive to account for the costs of distribution.

Keep playing gigs. It provides income, exposure and networking opportunities. Or, at the very least, address your cover letter using their name. This should help narrow down who to reach out to. Furthermore, you may have common connections that can help give you an introduction.

State your area of interest and ask who would be the appropriate person to contact. For more tips like these, subscribe to the FlexJobs newsletter. Just purchased the 3 - Month plan. Just purchased the Monthly plan. More of This Week's News. See All New Jobs. Get new job postings, the latest job search tips, trends, news, and exclusive promotions!

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