An Unusual Request - (Offline Related)

[July29]

I obtained an offline client the other day. He's a radio DJ downtown. He's on the radio 7 days a week, works the city's biggest nightclubs on the weekends, has opened for big name artists, etc.

But he's never had a website, so I'm hooking him up with a site and some SEO work. He's very happy with the results so far.

So much so that he wants to hire me as his manager. He said he has about 5 years left of DJ'ing and wants to maximize his exposure and profits during this time. He wants to get booked for big time gigs in LA, New York, etc. He definitely has the skills - just not the massive exposure yet.

Anyway, I am pretty good at IM. But I have NO managerial skills, no experience in PR, etc. I've got no idea on how to book an artist for events. I'd love this opportunity, but no idea on how to approach it.

Does anybody have any suggestions, know anybody I could network with, know any products that would help me, etc? Very much appreciated!

[shane_k]

I would suggest you tell him that although you'd like to manage him, you can't because that is not your expertise.


In this case you should stick with what you know and build a good business relationship with him, and who knows you might meet other artists and managers who need websites also.

Managing artists is a totally different business than IM. There is no automating, and way, way more work. You constantly have to be calling and setting up gigs, handling conflicts, negotiating contracts, scheduling interviews, public relations, setting up for performances, arranging security if need be, etc, etc, etc.

Sure there is marketing involved but it is more than just marketing.

If this is not your expertise and you try and do it you will only create problems down the road when you can't uphold your part of the bargain.

And remember, his career would be in your hands.

So no I don't think you should manage him. And you definately can't learn it from any product.



Shane_K

[sevenish]

What if you partnered with a "promoter", as they're called in the concert/event world? They have the relationships and infrastructure to book the events, the transportation, the equipment rentals or cartage, the hotels, the ticketing, the local offline promotion, the backstage amenities and food, etc. while you take care of the online portion?

You could provide the overall project management too, if you're so inclined and qualified.

[July29]

I think the setting up gigs, etc would be fun. Just never done it before. I feel like it wouldn't be THAT hard if I could learn the ropes. He's offered to teach me about the industry. So we'll see. Maybe I should just stick to what I know.

Thanks for the tips.

CMK - PM sent.

[Craig Fenton]

Hi July 29:

Hope all is well. It is great that you are respected enough to get an offer to manage but be aware how much on the job training there would be. I'm a former disc-jockey and it isn't any different than other vocations when it comes to 1 key element. Knowledge. If you are not sure you are wasting time and potential money.

This doesn't mean it can't happen down the road. If you have the time to research the field do it. Once you feel you can honestly and ethically represent a client or two you can take the plunge!

Best of luck with all the logistics.

[shaklebolt]

It all depends on what he expects from you as his "Manager". You need to chalk out your work profile with him (Since this association is new to both of you) and then see if you want to do it

[artwebster]

Woah!!!!

This guy is, to all intents and purposes, already successful - why hasn't he already got a manager?

It doesn't sound to me like he has enough time in his days to be booking venues, organising travel and keeping his own diary so. who is doing all that for him?

Why hasn't a talent spotter found him and pointed him towards the principals he works for?

How can he open for big name artists when they rely upon their managers to book the support acts - and those managers certainly would not book someone from whom they were not going to get a percentage.

There seems to be something a bit off centre here.

[July29]

Originally Posted by artwebster

Woah!!!!

This guy is, to all intents and purposes, already successful - why hasn't he already got a manager?

It doesn't sound to me like he has enough time in his days to be booking venues, organising travel and keeping his own diary so. who is doing all that for him?

Why hasn't a talent spotter found him and pointed him towards the principals he works for?

How can he open for big name artists when they rely upon their managers to book the support acts - and those managers certainly would not book someone from whom they were not going to get a percentage.

There seems to be something a bit off centre here.

Well, honestly, I don't have the answers to all of those questions. I don't know a whole lot about that particular business. He has had a manager, though. For quite some time. But recently, he fired his manager because he didn't trust him and thought he was being shady. So basically, he's looking for a replacement with somebody he can trust.

And for whatever reason, he thinks that guy is me. Unfortunately, I don't have experience in this. He said he could teach me some of the ropes, but I wanted to see if any Warriors had some advice first.

It seems like an attractive offer...20%. So if he gets booked for a gig at $2,000 then that's $400 in my pocket for simply making a few phone calls, a fax or 2...

Sounds like fun if I can figure it out

[July29]

Thanks for your input. Although it sounded like fun at first, you all have done a good job in turning me off to the idea. Which is a good thing! I think it would be over my head and it's probably best I just stick to what I'm good at!