Concert Promoter

Start-up cost: $15,000–$25,000

Potential earnings: $50,000–$100,000+

Typical fees: 25 to 30 percent of the concert gross

Advertising: Promoters’ magazine, industry trades, newspapers

Qualifications: Should be well connected in the music industry

Equipment needed: Basic office setup, cell phone

Staff required: Yes

Hidden costs: Insurance, travel/entertainment costs

What You Do

Rock, opera, classical, folk . . . there are as many different acts to promote as there are types of music. If you are a real go-getter and have had an extensive background in the music industry, you stand a chance of making it as a concert promoter. You’ll need to be supremely well organized and detail-oriented, since your business hinges on every little detail. You will solicit agents by telling them that you will promote their clients aggressively if they bring them to your town. Network with local media to ensure good public relations, but don’t promise agents the moon if you can’t deliver. This business is full of hyped-up promoters who are really rip off artists. You can’t afford to be greedy until after you’ve established yourself; once you have a solid track record of successful promotions, you can go for the big bucks.

What You Need

Your start-up cost ($15,000–$25,000) will be wrapped up in getting your name out there and presenting a professional image. You have to be fairly well-known before people will let you promote their acts. Your fee will be 25 to 30 percent of the concert gross; if it’s a big name, you could earn as much as $150,000 per show.

Keys to Success

There are long hours involved in this occupation—and a lot of socializing too. It’s not necessarily a good deal for a person with a family, but it’s workable if you have a strong support staff. Expect a lot of trial and error in the beginning; learn from each experience and improve yourself with time.