NEW BAND'S FIRST MISTAKE - DON'T QUIT YOUR DAY JOB

So you've got a little band started. You've got some fair equipment and the sound is coming together. Now is time to take this little enterprise on the road. Wrong! Do not quit your day job. As a matter of fact make it a rule that to play in your band you have to have a day job. Before you burn me in effigy let me explain.
First there is nothing more drastic to a band then the struggle to make a living. Playing music for a living involves much more than the music itself. As a rule when you think you are ready, wait another six to twelve months. I do not mean don't play during that time. But you should think about using this time to your best advantage. You need more practice, more equipment, more songs, more marketing material, better travel gear, better transportation, and more money. Here is a plan to work around.
Work during the day. If you are married with children this is a no brainer. Sometimes you might have an ol' lady to support you while you struggle, but I do not think any musician with children should lay the whole bag on his spouse. But for the sake of argument let us say your band is comprised of young, single, footloose musicians. If you try at first to make it on your music alone you will not put together the organization that is going to grow and prosper. I am sure you know the downfall of most new businesses: Not enough capital. Your business is the same. If everyone is working to put back money for the needed and essential items for a successful music business your band will at least have a good start.
Have a pow-wow and list what you would have if you lived in a perfect world. Then take your list and decide which is possible within the next six months. It will be easy for you to list your dream gear. Every musician knows what axe he wants. But remember there is more to this than equipment. How about a great place to practice for the next few months? You know, get out of the basement or garage and really wail. You can find a place just made for you if everyone is working and bringing home extra bucks.
After the gear and place to practice, start putting back essentials for travel. You will need travel cases, transportation, and extras of everything. Put a bunch into marketing. Not just promo stuff to get the gig. But you might want to make a better cd, print t-shirts and caps, frisbees, who knows. Just remember now is the time to get this stuff together.
Taking the time to work before you become full time in the music business can give a band a little bit of an edge on the wolf at the door. It will help you more in the long run to get this together before the big push. Good luck