Cont. To KnoW YouR DamN BusinesS
Once you have gotten to a certain level in your music business career, you will not be able to be in many places at one time, nor will you be able to continually tour, make appearances, work on your music, book shows, run your websites, handle the day to day operations of your company, and be the end all by placing all your hats in one basket. You will need a manager.
ARTIST MANAGERS
An artist manager represents an artist or act, overseeing and guiding all aspects of the artist's career, according to Wikipedia. This may include contract and business negotiation with other agents, career development and advancement and financial management. Artist managers require excellent interpersonal and communication skills, an in depth knowledge of the music industry and industry networks, good business and management skills and the ability to negotiate the best deals and conditions on behalf of the artist.
Artist managers are usually self-employed and work freelance, but may be employed or contracted by an organization or recording company. People are usually expected to have some skills before they enter the job and prior experience in accounting, business management, administration and working with people are an advantage. Networking with people in the industry is an important factor in getting work.
In the beginning of your career, I would suggest hiring or retaining a professional consultant, until you have signed with a legitimate manager or management company. It is good that when you begin talks with a label that you have good representation, an entertainment attorney, and a manager. I strongly suggest do not hire your friends and/or family members
I know some might refute all of this and say it's a headache letting someone else handle your business, but on the other end of the spectrum, it's an even bigger headache when you have poured your life into this business/industry, and someone else is reaping the benefit of that hard work because you did not handle your career as a business first.