When dealing with venue management, remember you are dealing with professional people who make their living serving their guests. Often, providing quality entertainment is just one aspect of their job. To be successful, develop excellent communication skills and ALWAYS maintain the highest level of professionalism. The same courtesy also should extend to your agent.

Here's a few tips.

1. Designate one member of the band to deal with business matters. Nothing looks more unprofessional than 3 members of your act calling the agent or management for information. First and foremost, maintain communication and unity with your band unit first. Then allow one member to represent you.

2. Follow up. Touch base with your agent, even if it's just to check in, let them know how things are going. Make sure all your bases are covered before you hit the road. Communication is key. Out on the road is the last place you want to be confronted with issues that arise from lack of understanding or lack of communication. Be in the habit of knowing and understanding your contract. Pow wow with your band members and make sure everyone is on the same page. Ask questions BEFORE you start the job. It's OK to ask questions.

3. Discuss potential issues with your agent before discussing it with the establishment management. If you have a contractual issue, talk to your agent first. Don't bring it up with management, unless you booked directly. Be tactful in your approach.

4. Know what is expected of you. Especially when playing a room for the first time, know exactly what is expected of you as performers. Management can be quirky, so ask your agent for all available information about the establishment.

5. Be nice to your agent and/or management! Sounds simple, but a little courtesy goes a long way and often gets overlooked. Send a postcard as a simple "thank you" after a gig. For example:

"John and Staff,
Thanks again for having us. We always have a great time at XXXXXX
and your staff is fantastic to deal with. Looking forward to
the next time!
Sincerely,
XXXXXX"

This applies to the establishment and your agent. Your agent works hard for you, let them know occassionally that you appreciate their efforts.

6. Always be timely with commissions. Most of the time, commissions are deducted before the band gets paid. If this is not the case however, pay your agent immediately following the gig! Never make them ask for it. It's uncomfortable for everybody and is just plain bad business. It reflects very poorly on the band. Your agent is trying to make a living just like you are and counts on receiving commissions in a timely manner.

7. Introduce yourself. Take a moment before you start throwing equipment onstage to introduce yourself to the key players at the venue. This might include the bar manager, sound engineer, etc. A freindly introduction is just one way to establish open communication and ensure that management is comfortable approaching you if needed.

Overall, remember that the business of playing music is just that; a business. It's not a recreational outlet for you to express yourself, it's a business entity that depends on the efforts of several individuals with a common goal. Have fun, but always pay extra attention to the business aspects and how they affect your success as a working band. Just like in any business, establishing good working relationships will take you far.