Chris Byrd, the boxer, is an example of success through family management. Even though this situation works well for Chris Byrd, it won’t work for everyone. Although many families have talent, not many parents should try to manage. Whether the focus is on music, art or sports management is difficult. It takes more than just a desire to see your child succeed. It takes industry contacts, knowledge and the ability to lead your child to success. Too many parents attempt to manage a career and end up ruining their child’s chances. Looking unprofessional, lacking knowledge and being greedy are some of the many pitfalls. Many child stars that do become famous end up suing their parents. This can happen in spite of the best intentions on both sides. In the end, mixing family and money is almost always a bad combination. Currently, the strife this set up can cause can be seen in the media. Britney Spears is being managed by her father and it’s hard. There are some exceptions to the rule, so that’s not to say no one should. Making the decision whether or not to pursue a career with family management can be difficult. If your family can make it work like Chris Byrd’s family did, then do it. Otherwise, steer clear of trying to work with family members in the talent capacity. No amount of money or fame is worth risking a healthy relationship between loved ones. However, if you succeed like Chris Byrd, celebrating as a family comes with no greater reward.
If you have the ability to successfully manage a family member, it can be fun. The family can work together to help the budding star to success. Everyone can form a team that works together with a common goal. This is how Chris Byrd’s dad helped develop his particular career, similar with Tracy Byrd.
Chris Byrd started out boxing as a little kid at his father’s boxing school. From the age of five, it was obvious he had potential to succeed. Chris Byrd’s father had the ability to work with him closely and train him. This focus and hands-on assistance helped groom his child to become a star.
His father was so convinced of his son’s ability that he started fighting him young. Chris Byrd was already competing by the time he was ten years old. Many Hollywood stars also start careers young, as it takes time to launch a career. It’s up to the parent to move the family to Hollywood to pursue that career.
Either way, making the decision to manage a child’s career is huge. The decision should be made as a family with all the stakes in mind. If it doesn’t work out, a healthy family can weather the storm. If it does, having a family managed career like boxer Chris Byrd is ideal.