Fire Your Manager Today if You Notice These Career-Stunting Red Flags

 There are already enough hurdles to face in this industry of ours. The last hurdle you want to add is a bad manager.

A good manager should be your greatest asset, helping you build connections, secure deals, and scale your career. But what if your manager is actually holding you back?

If you notice any of these red flags, it’s time to cut ties and take full control of your career.

1. They Hoard Industry Connections and Information

A great manager should be expanding your network, not controlling it.

If they constantly block direct communication with producers, promoters, or streaming platform curators, they might be limiting your career to maintain power.

You deserve access to opportunities that affect your future—if your manager is filtering too much, they’re not working in your best interest.

2. They Overpromise and Under-Deliver

Does your manager always talk about securing major deals, festival slots, or sponsorships—but never follows through? Big talk without results is useless.

A strong, hands-on manager is one who doesn’t just hype you up but really takes action. If all you’ve been hearing are empty promises, you’re better off without them.

3. They Control Your Money but Avoid Transparency

Money is the lifeline of your career. If your manager handles your earnings but gets defensive when you ask for details, you could be dealing with financial mismanagement—or worse, theft.

As an independent artist, you need full visibility over your revenue streams. If they can’t provide clear records, show them the door before they ruin you.

4. They Isolate You from Industry Players

A manager who discourages you from speaking directly to promoters, booking agents, or other artists is a major problem.

Some do this to maintain control, but in reality, they’re stunting your growth.

Your success should never be dependent on one person’s control over your relationships. If they’re keeping you in a bubble, burst it.

5. They Have No Long-Term Vision for Your Career

A good look out for ways you can make more money. A great manager is not just about the quick cash, they help you build a lasting career.

If your manager focuses only on short-term bookings without a strategy for your growth, they’re not thinking ahead.

Your future as an artist deserves careful planning, not random gigs with no clear direction.

Don’t hesitate to Act

A bad manager won’t just slow you down, they can wreck your entire career. If any of these red flags sound familiar, don’t hesitate. Fire them today and reclaim your career.

And remember, you don’t need a bad manager to succeed. Our music distribution platform gives independent artists the tools to publish, license, and distribute their music—without industry gatekeepers holding them back. Stay in control, stay independent, and keep moving forward!

A bold traffic light. On or beside the green light, the words, “Ownership”, “Impact” and “Legacy” appear. On or beside the amber light, word “Awards”

Two hands shaking each other. One of the hands appears cracked or fading into vapour form.

Upload your music for massive and responsive online promotion, Get quality Graphics Designer services like Music cover art, lyrics videos, flyers, and more

Contact us on WhatsApp 0549455944 / 0243396211