Seeking Management? You may need a longer sleeve.

The name of this tab/blog page is “It’s obvious, but I forgot.” So, nothing new here, other than the need to double or triple down on what you already know, and what you’re probably already doing.

You’ve heard the expression, “They wear their emotions on their sleeve.” In our world, we could add “They wear their heart, soul, and passion on their sleeve.”

A colleague shared some recent discussions he had with artist managers at the recent International Artist Management Association (IAMA) Conference in London. It revealed to him that there are two types of managers.

• Type No. 1: “Show me the money” managers. Your artistry, passion, and dedication for what you do is all fine and good, but they are 99%+ commission driven. They want their 20%. (That’s totally fine — no judgement here.)

“What have you done for me lately” has become, “What will you do for me tomorrow, and for the next two years?”

Type No. 2: They genuinely believe in you, and the creative work you’re doing. They likely find what you do to be compelling, beautiful, and necessary for the world. But, they also want to be paid.

I bear no judgement here on either manager type, and again, nothing new here…with one exception.

Things are different now due to a new U-S presidential administration, and our current cultural landscape that’s drowning in fear and uncertainty.

Our new charge is to add dollar signs to our sleeve —next to where our heartfelt musical emotions presently preside. I know this is disheartening to some, but it’s also reality, and made even more real since January 20, 2025.

My job is to get the artists I work with on the radar of managers and bookers — those who will get them booked and engaged as performers and commissioned composers.

And today, together, we’re simply asking what specific dollar signs on their sleeves will capture a manager’s fancy?

To be continued…we’ll start from the beginning:

At this point in your career do you need a manager? Until you get a manager, what’s your plan? I have thoughts on how you can advance your career and attract management.