Hi Marty! At what point in your career did you get a publicist or manager? Was it a natural step, did you approach them, or did they approach you? Was there a noticeable payoff? I've noticed the music biz is all about who you know, but I've still never come across any serious managers/publicists on my own! Thanks, and all the best!

You will "come across" these people you wish to work with once you have something of tangible value, such as being an act that draws x number of people to its show, or sells x amount of your music on your own, or catches the attention of someone who notices your hard work or exceptional abilities. In other words, you need to get out and do something on your own, before you you wind up "knowing" anyone who can do you any good.