How to Grow a DJ Business

People need music. Party people need a DJ. As long as there are weekends, there will be weddings and school dances, and the guests at these functions want to move. But success in the DJ business takes more than just decent knowledge of music. A good DJ can fill a dance floor and keep it shaking all night; a great DJ can make a living at it. These steps will help you turn your passion for good-time tunes into a lucrative business.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Create a fun but professional business image. Choose a name for your DJ business that will inspire thoughts of happy dancers and hot romancers. Be creative, but don't be too silly; project your service as a legitimate enterprise.

2. Get your name out there. Make some business cards and flyers advertising your business. If it fits your budget, have your ad materials created by a professional.

3. Talk to the right people. Contact schools, clubs and dance halls in your area to let them know who you are and what you do. You can even mail them a letter of introduction with your business card attached.

4. Open your mind. Bring your service to places and events that might not commonly request a DJ. Your business won't grow if you settle for only school dances and weddings while ignoring other possible opportunities to share your skills.

Tips & Warnings

• Collect a lot of music. People can get quite disappointed when you can't play a song that they expect you to have in your arsenal.
• Vary your taste in music. Even if you're a diehard punk rocker, you'll have to develop an appreciation for classical, swing and even country.
• Resist the temptation to parlay your hip status as DJ into an incident of promiscuity involving bridesmaids. This could tarnish your reputation as a businessperson. This goes doubly for school dances, as the state could get involved in your indiscretions.

[coop7]

on 7/12/2007 Yea, you've got to be into all sorts of music. And don't forget talking to the crowd. You need a good speaking voice even with a microphone. You can't mumble your words in this job. Keep up to date with the latest chart music even if your an oldie like me. If your're doing parties, where there are all age groups, and someone asks for an obscure record that you know nobody will dance to, just say you haven't got it.