Find a vocal coach with whom you're comfortable working and concentrate on enhancing your performance capabilities to their fullest. Speak with other singers about coaches with whom they have worked and can recommend. Even top professional singers work with vocal coaches, and if you're seeking a show business career you'll need to hone your competitive edge by tuning your vocal instrument to its peak. Only those with the very best vocal talent and range can expect to succeed in this competitive environment.
Pound the pavement and find singing jobs for yourself. You will gain experience and meet and network with others who are climbing the show business ladder. To attract a good manager you must have experience, sing professionally regularly and show promise as a potential money maker, or else no manager worth his salt will be interested in representing you. Professional managers who can increase your show business profile and lead you to important auditions do not advertise in the phone book. Network with other singers and promoters, and you will eventually find out which managers are legitimate and worth your time.
Perfect your act by performing in front of live audiences on a regular basis. The only way you will improve your stage presence and enhance your self-confidence is by getting comfortable performing for discriminating audiences. Make a survey of nightclubs, theaters and other venues that feature the kind of music you sing, and make phone calls to find out who handles bookings in those places. You must have an audition recording that you can send to booking agents. It can be a live recording of you performing in front of an audience, and needn't be a slick professional tape cut in a recording studio.
Invite managers with whom you'd like to work to come to your live performances. Managers want to see you perform in a live, real-life setting so they can evaluate your stage presence, your rapport with the audience and how audiences respond to your voice. Be prepared to speak with any manager attending your performance and explain that you are seeking representation. Listen to any advice that the manager offers you, because it can truly help you improve your act. In many instances you will experience rejection at first, but if you persist you will eventually meet and sign with the right manager.