The primary motivating factor for most musicians is the idea of making money from their music. However, it takes a significant amount of work with promotion and marketing before results are achieved. Self-management can be the answer for those musicians who are willing to put in the additional effort by foregoing other careers and working continuously to forge their own niche within the music industry. If you are a serious musician who is willing to treat your career as a business by properly managing all aspects of the industry, you will want to take heed of the following tips. This advice is meant to help you develop the skills necessary to become a legitimate business manager. Here are 35 tips to help you on your journey.

1. Be aware of the values that you hold true and stick to those values.

2. Treat your music career as a real business by keeping track of all necessary records and reports.

3. Based on your skills, make decisions on the level of success you are striving for.

4. Devise a plan of action that will help you achieve your career goals as a musician.

5. Implement strategies based on concepts that you feel will help you to achieve your goals.

6. Keep in mind that becoming a musician is not about the result but instead about the journey itself.

7. Do not waste time when you could be reaching for success.

8. Make sure that each day you take at least one step to further your career.

9. Adhere to your goals and do not get distracted.

10. Ask for feedback on your music from those within the industry.

11. Keep up-to-date on the latest advancements in music by reading and researching.

12. Stay as organized as possible.

13. Hone your communication skills through conversation, in person and on the phone.

14. Stick to the promises that you have made to others in the business.

15. Start a website where you can promote your music.

16. Join clubs and activities where you can meet and support other musicians.

17. Keep in mind that there are many musicians in similar career phases and network with these musicians.

18. Be willing to let your music evolve by being willing to accept change.

19. If you meet failure, try a different tactic toward success.

20. Take a break from music if you are feeling overwhelmed.

21. Maintain a healthy diet and workout regimen.

22. Identify those who are closest to you, such as friends and family and stay in touch with them.

23. Take time to learn new disciplines outside of the music genre.

24. Implement a schedule to get away from the office and take a break.

25. Look to every source as possible inspiration.

26. Do not let success overtake the values that you hold true.

27. When you struggle, do not blame other people.

28. Take heed to the advice from those that have been successful.

29. Consider outsourcing certain tasks to open up availability.

30. Get into a rhythm with work and let the flow take hold of you.

31. Remember that fans are vital to success, so it is important to interact with them.

32. Hire lawyers and managers that are familiar with the music industry.

33. Prepare for the unexpected and be ready to deal with it.

34. Do not become a follower but always learn from others who follow.

35. Realize the importance of non-traditional strategic promoting and marketing.