Treat your Band as a Business.
Being a Promoter Manager what I see with other bands in my area is their mentality is WRONG. From the time you get paid for one performance this has become a business. It is no longer buddies playing in the garage. People now are paying you and your band for your skills. So how do you do this?
Create your band as a business. Make it an LLC. Brand your band correctly. Be professional. All personal feelings get left at that door. There is no room for feelings getting hurt.
Set boundaries with your band members. Hire a promoter and manager to help spread the word and get the correct amount of money for your booking.
Spread the word not just through word of mouth and social media. CANVASS your heart out. Print isn't very much invest in yourself others will invest in your music.
Merch is important. Start small and build as you become more noticed. Create Fan boxes to sell. Find a merch designer and have them help design some rad boxes! Make sure your inventory is presentable and out not just at shows. Get a booth at events or colleges and sell your items there.
Sponsors and endorsers make sure you are getting as many sponsorship letters out along with endorsement letters. Make sure it is professionally written and structured for your level of band.
The most missed business item is INSURANCE! Insure your equipment!
GET AN ACCOUNTANT. Make sure you are legally set up correctly. All this ties into how you draw sponsors and endorsers.
WRONG! You can if you are set up correctly and treat this professional and as a business. It is important that you get someone to be that in between person for venues and sponsors.