Most musicians say they want to make a lot of money with their music, but when it comes down to it, few are willing to do what it takes to have their music heard, promoted, and marketed. Self-management can be the cure-all for many dedicated, passionate, and talented musicians who are willing to put their careers on the line by working hard to carve out their own unique musical niche. The following tips are suggested for any musician who wants to manage their careers as a business. You need to develop the skills of being a good business manager.

Here are 35 tips to get you started.

1. Know what you value most from making your music, and honor your values

2. Set up your music career as a business, (sole proprietorship, partnership, or corporation?) and keep good records

3. Decide what kind of career success you want, & evaluate your creative/business skills

4. Prepare an overview, or draft of a career plan that address your goals

5. Outline specific strategies to achieve your goals, and pick specific tasks to work on

6. Remember that getting there IS the trip, and once you arrive somewhere…where next?

7. Don’t forget that killing time also kills success

8. Don’t let a day go by without doing something to keep you to your plan

9. Stay focused on what you have planned to do, and don’t run away from it

10. Be sure to get regular feedback on your music from the music business contacts you have made

11. Stay informed: read books and articles on the business of music regularly

12. Organize your office space, and keep it organized

13. Practice your communication skills in person, as well as on the phone

14. Be sure to follow-up on any promises you have made to anyone in the business

15. Create a Webpage, and promote it aggressively.

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by Christopher Knab – Fourfront Media & Music