Find the Right Manager for Your Music Career—Even If You're Just Starting Out

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Navigating the music industry can be challenging, especially when you're a songwriter and producer focused on creating rather than promoting. If you’re someone who dislikes social media and prefers to stay behind the scenes, you might feel stuck when it comes to building your network and gaining traction. The idea of hiring a traditional manager might seem premature, but finding someone who can handle your online presence and help you network could be exactly what you need to take your career to the next level. Here’s how to find the right person to support your goals, even if you're just starting out.

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1. Understand What You Need

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Before you start searching for a manager or assistant, it’s crucial to clearly define what you need. Since your primary focus is songwriting and producing, you’re looking for someone who can:

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• Manage Social Media: Handle all aspects of your online presence, including content creation, posting, engagement, and growth strategies.
• Network on Your Behalf: Reach out to industry contacts, find collaboration opportunities, and connect you with artists who could benefit from your work.
• Promote Your Work: Help you market your songs and productions to the right audiences, even if you're not performing live or actively seeking a large following.

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Understanding these needs will help you articulate exactly what you’re looking for when you begin your search.

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2. Consider Non-Traditional Management Options

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Since you’re early in your career and might not need a full-time manager, consider these alternative options:

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• Social Media Manager/Virtual Assistant: Hiring a social media manager or virtual assistant could be a cost-effective way to get the support you need without committing to a traditional manager. They can handle your online presence and help you grow your network by engaging with potential collaborators and industry contacts.
• Freelancers: Platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer allow you to hire freelancers for specific tasks, such as managing social media, creating promotional content, or conducting outreach. This approach allows you to scale your needs based on your budget and workload.
• Music Industry Intern: Consider offering a paid or unpaid internship to a music industry student or recent graduate who is eager to gain experience. They can help with your online presence and networking in exchange for hands-on experience and mentorship.

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3. Leverage Your Existing Network

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Even if you feel like you don’t have a large following, you likely have connections that could help you find the right person. Here’s how to tap into your network:

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• Ask for Referrals: Reach out to other songwriters, producers, or music industry contacts and ask if they know anyone who might be interested in managing social media or helping with networking.
• Join Online Communities: Participate in online music communities, such as Facebook groups, LinkedIn groups, or forums like Gearslutz and SoundBetter. These platforms can be great for finding like-minded individuals who are passionate about music and interested in growing their careers.
• Attend Industry Events: Even if you don’t perform live, attending industry events, workshops, or conferences (virtually or in person) can help you connect with people who might be interested in working with you.

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4. Look for the Right Qualities in a Manager

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When searching for someone to help manage your career, consider the following qualities:

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• Passion for Music: Look for someone who shares your passion for songwriting and producing. They should be genuinely interested in helping you succeed and understand the nuances of the music industry.
• Strong Communication Skills: Since this person will be representing you online and in networking situations, they need to communicate effectively and professionally.
• Proactive and Resourceful: You want someone who takes initiative, finds opportunities, and is capable of solving problems independently.
• Organizational Skills: Managing social media, scheduling posts, and keeping track of networking opportunities requires strong organizational skills. Look for someone who can manage these tasks efficiently.

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5. Learn from the Pros: The Example of Tame Impala

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Consider the example of Kevin Parker, the mastermind behind Tame Impala. Parker started out as a musician focused purely on creating his unique sound, and he wasn’t initially interested in the promotional side of the music industry. Early in his career, Parker partnered with a manager who understood his vision and handled the business side, including social media, networking, and promotions. This partnership allowed Parker to focus on his music while his manager helped build Tame Impala into a global phenomenon. Like Parker, finding the right person to manage your online presence and networking can allow you to stay focused on your strengths while still growing your career.

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6. Craft a Clear and Compelling Job Description

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Once you know what you’re looking for, create a job description that clearly outlines the role’s responsibilities and expectations. Be sure to include:

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• Specific Duties: Managing social media accounts, creating and scheduling posts, engaging with followers, networking, and outreach.
• Required Skills: Familiarity with social media platforms, excellent communication skills, a passion for music, and the ability to work independently.
• Time Commitment: Specify whether you’re looking for part-time, freelance, or full-time help, and outline any expectations for availability.
• Compensation: Be transparent about the compensation, whether it’s hourly, project-based, or commission-based.

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7. Start the Search

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Now that you have a clear understanding of what you need and have crafted a job description, it’s time to start your search. Here are some strategies:

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• Post on Job Boards: Use music-specific job boards like Music Jobs, Sonicbids, or Musician's Union, as well as general freelance platforms like Upwork or Indeed.
• Utilize Social Media: Announce that you’re looking for a social media manager or assistant on your social media channels. You never know who might see your post and be interested in the opportunity.
• Reach Out to Schools: Contact music industry programs at local colleges or universities to see if any students are looking for internships or part-time work.

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8. Evaluate Candidates Carefully

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When you start receiving applications, take the time to evaluate each candidate thoroughly:

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• Review Their Experience: Look at their previous work, especially in managing social media or working in the music industry. If possible, ask for examples of past campaigns or projects they’ve managed.
• Conduct Interviews: Schedule interviews to discuss their experience, understanding of the music industry, and how they would approach managing your social media and networking.
• Test Their Skills: Consider giving top candidates a small test project, such as drafting a week’s worth of social media posts or researching potential networking opportunities.

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Conclusion

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Finding the right person to manage your social media and help you network can significantly impact your music career, even if you’re just starting out. By clearly defining your needs, considering non-traditional management options, leveraging your network, and carefully evaluating candidates, you can find a collaborator who helps you focus on what you do best: writing and producing great music. With the right support, you can build your presence in the industry and connect with artists who are eager to work with you.

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