Effective band management will assess the strengths and weaknesses of the band with a view to exploiting these for the good of the group. A good manager will be diplomatic as questions to this end may cause tensions within the band and particularly if there are egos flying around.

Who are the key personalities? Who are the best musicians? Who are the most photogenic members of the group? Who can competently handle the bands finances?

The second main sign of good quality band management is the ability to market the band properly. To identify the style and any niche qualities so that they fit properly into the music marketplace. The band should have a plan for at least 2 years of future development. Goals and objectives should be set and targets monitored. The manager should be responsible for the brand and image.

Lastly, fan management is arguably equally as important as band management. Crucial to the success of the band is building and maintaining a loyal fan base, ensuring that the tastes of fans are constantly catered for and any trends are not overlooked.

Fans love contact with band members and regular signings, meetings and opportunities to socialise should be arranged. All successful bands benefit from good band management.

Points to consider when choosing a band manager

A band manager can make a massive difference to the success of a band, but can also be a huge drain on the funding. So how can you, the band, be sure you are not wasting money, or worse being ripped off?

The first question to ask is: Do we really need a manager? As a rule of thumb the band's role in the band business should be to create the product; compose music and produce albums.

If the general running of the band, whether it be general administration, maintaining a website, communicating with recording companies or producing marketing materials prevents sufficient time being devoted to actually making music, a manager may need to be recruited. If the quality of the music is good enough it will not be difficult to find someone willing to invest their time in you.

A good manager will usually charge around 15-20% of the band's profit - the amount that the band makes after all costs and expenses have been deducted. If the 20% is deducted before expenses this can lead to the manager earning more than the band! If the manager is responsible for both arranging fees with clients and also dealing with the band's accounts it is important to ensure that a band member is monitoring the income and expenses as well

It can be very easy for unscrupulous managers to overpay themselves if they are not monitored. It is highly advisable to have written agreements to legalise the band/manager relationship so that any discrepancies can be recovered and disputes avoided.

As with any addition to the band, don't just take the first deal put on the table. The manager will be heavily responsible for your livelihood after all. You would usually audition several new musicians before recruiting one and a manager is no different. Shop around and negotiate hard for your new manager.