What a Manager Actually Does

The Manager's Role

A personal manager is your strategic partner. They're the CEO of "You, Inc." Their job is to oversee your entire career and make sure all the pieces work together.

What They Actually Do Day-to-Day

• Strategy: Long-term career planning and goal-setting
• Coordination: Managing your team (agent, lawyer, publicist, etc.)
• Opportunities: Finding and evaluating deals, partnerships, and opportunities
• Problem-solving: Handling the business problems so you can focus on music
• Networking: Opening doors and making introductions
• Decision-making: Advising on every major business decision

How Managers Get Paid

Standard commission: 15-20% of gross income. Some variations:

• 15% is standard for established artists
• 20% is common for developing artists
• Some managers take a lower percentage on touring (where expenses are high)
• Commission should NOT apply to songwriting income earned before the relationship

When Do You Need One?

You need a manager when:

• The business side takes more than 10 hours a week
• You're turning down opportunities because you can't manage them
• You need someone to negotiate on your behalf
• Your career has real momentum and you need strategic guidance

You DON'T need a manager when:

• You have no income or opportunities to manage
• You just want someone to "make you famous"
• You haven't done the basic work yourself first

Red Flags

• Asking for money upfront (managers work on commission)
• Wanting to sign you to their label too (conflict of interest)
• No track record or references
• Promising specific outcomes ("I'll get you signed in 6 months")
• Sunset clause missing from the contract