Throughout this site, you’ll find plenty of blog articles that discuss the reasons why you don’t need a band manager. While a manager can be helpful, they aren’t always necessary. But, there are a few areas where having a manager can make the difference between getting a gig or a record contract and not signing. Some venues and record executives will refuse to deal directly with the band. They want some form of representation to show that the musicians take their business seriously and are committed to delivering on any promises. For this reason, some bands decide to hire a friend. They can fill the role of an outside source to help represent the band in meetings and negotiations. Though, before you hire a friend to manage your band, there are a few issues to address. You’ll want to clarify these details before bringing in a friend to help with your career. Make Sure Your Friend Understands His or Her Role The first issue to deal with is job expectations. You need to make sure that you