Anyone can be a manager. There is no "manager’s school" you can attend and no licensing required. So it’s not that unusual for new bands to ask a willing and enthusiastic friend to be their manager. And in some cases it works out. But most of the time it doesn’t. That’s because the job of a manager is to facilitate your band’s career and if the manager doesn’t have the right connections – clubs owners, A&R execs, etc. – then they are a manager in name only. So here are some tips on how to find a professional manager that has the juice you need to get to that next level.

If you live in or near a major city, go to the more popular music clubs and ask around to see if anyone who works at the club or the tech guys can recommend the names of a few managers. If you know of some bands that have recently been signed to a label, check to see who their manager is.

The easiest way to get the names of professional managers is to look them up online. Some may be part of a management company and others will work on their own. Do your homework and find out who is on their client list. If they only represent well established, nationally known bands, they may not be the right manager for you. But if their client list has both established acts and new acts on their way up, that will probably be a better match.

To contact them, put together a proper demo package that includes a demo that best shows your band’s style and range. If you don’t have a group photo, get one taken. Just make sure it looks professional. This package is your first introduction so you want to make the best impression. Include a brief cover letter. If you have a website, let the manager know. If you live nearby, request to set up a meeting. Otherwise, leave your contact information.

Like many professionals, managers often specialize. For example, one manager may primarily handle country acts while another has expertise with pop bands. One thing to think about is that if you band is too similar in sound or style to a band they already manage, they may pass. But don’t get discouraged. It may take a while to find a professional manager but the time and effort will be worth it.