Archive for the ‘The Beginner DJ’ Category

This weekend, I was DJ'ing a wedding and a guy (I'm assuming the brides friend) came up to me and my buddy and told us to play "Paradise By The Dashboard Light" by Meatloaf.  He said he was a DJ and everyone would love it and we nicely said no.  I haven't heard that song played at a wedding since my wedding 10 years ago and we weren't going to shift gears just for him.  The dude went up to the bride and told her we should play Paradise By The Dashboard Light. 

Let me repeat what I just said again in another way to show you how ludicrous this was.  He intruded on the bride and interrupted her with her new husband to tell her that the DJ should play a song.  That is so inconsiderate! The bride then felt obligated to come up to us to tell us and this is what she said.   "Hey guys, I don't even know this song but my friend wants you to play it."  Then she said "I don't care what you do to be honest."  

Towards the end of the night, my MC annouced that we would be playing one last SLOW song of the night. The guy came running up to us all pissed off and says, "What do you mean this is the last song of the night, how could this be the last song of the night?"  Chris and I in unison said, last SLOW song.  The drunk DJ guy walked away still all pissed off. 

At the end of the wedding, my MC annouced that we were really playing the last song of the night and the drunk DJ dude ran up to me and yelled "What about Paradise?"  I could tell he was fuming  while he insisted on me playing that song.  I said "dude you're not getting the song".  He started cursing and giving us the finger and said "You Guys SUCK." 

Here's the funny thing DJ Masteriminds, He had been dancing and having a great time with his girlfriend all night long.   I think his ego was getting the best of him because if he was really that good of a DJ, the bride woluld have asked him to entertain her wedding instead of us.  What do you think?

DJ Masterminds Tip:

Stick to your programming, Don't let people influence your decisions unless you agree with them 100%, and be confident and stern with people who are giving you a hard time trying to tell you how to DJ.

Recommendation:

If you want to really learn how to grow and maintain a profitable DJ business, get this ebook.

How To DJ

• iPod
• iPod DJ Application Optional
• 10 – 12” Speaker (active) You may use one speaker
• 1/8” – 1/4” cable to plug into first speaker from iPod console (or  1/8” to XLR Male to plug into first speaker from iPod Console)
• 10 – 12” Speaker (active) – This speaker is daisy chained from 1st speaker using XLR Female – XLR Male.  This will plug into second speaker FROM first speaker
• Speaker Poles Optional but suggested

• 2 iPods
• iPod DJ Application optional
• 2 channel DJ mixer10 – 12” Speaker (active) If desired, you may use one speaker
• 10 – 12” Speaker (active) – This speaker is daisy chained from 1st speaker1/8” – 1/4” cable to plug into first speaker OR  1/8” – XLR Male to plug into first speakerXLR Female – XLR Male to plug into second speaker FROM first speaker
• Speaker Poles Optional but suggested

The Quick Profit vs. Priorities

I DJ'ed a co-worker's birthday party at his house and gave him a discounted price of $200 for 4 hours.  Usually for a small event like that I charge around $350-$450.  A few days later, his friend contacted me to DJ her daughter's birthday party.  I quoted her my house party price of $350 and she asked if I could do it for $150. I said no, but I referred her to a DJ who would do it for $150.00. 

To spend the time planning for the event, meeting with the client, driving to the event, setting up the equipment, DJ'ing the party, breaking down the equipment, driving home, and most of all giving up a night I could have spent with my wife and kids, is not worth $150.00 to me. However, my young inexperienced DJ friend would have happily profited 150 bucks.

My time is very valuable and within the last few years, I have learned that prioritizing has helped me live a much better and more stable life.  Most importantly I have learned to say no.  Most new DJ's, and actually any newbie in any industry, has a hard time saying no because they don't want to turn down a profit.  The truth of the matter is that successful professionals have no problem saying no.

With my knowledge and my experience, I am worth the prices I charge.  Although you can find 101 DJs charging $350.00 to DJ a large wedding, most people would rather come to me, and my prices are much much higher.  I'll charge between $1000.00 and $1500.00 for a basic wedding package.  I run a high quality DJ business and nothing less. 

I offer online planning services, personal meetings, include special lights, an MC to coordinate the event, preferential playlists, over a decade of experience, and a kick'in sound system. I spend a lot of time planning for each event, meeting with the client, creating music playlists, purchasing songs from iTunes, and last but not least, perform at the event. 

My time, and your time, is very valuable.  Don't undercharge just for the sake of making a quick profit.  Stand firm on your prices and confident in your abilities.  Evaluate your priorities and learn to say no.  Your time is valuable and is often better spent on other things like your family.  If the price justifies your worth, take the job. Otherwise, stand your ground, turn it down, and continue enjoying your journey as a professional DJ.

The market is saturated with DJ's, so why would a client choose you?  The first thing that you have to understand is that people do business with people.  Most DJ businesses get a majority of their business by referrals also known as word-of-mouth marketing.  If you are speaking to a client, this means someone (usually a friend, family member, or someone that has seen you perform) probably referred them to you.  This also means that the client will most likely consider your services before anyone elses.

While you may have the advantage of a referral, you will still need to meet the clients entertainment visions and budgetary requirements.  Most clients are always looking for the best deal in conjuction with the best service.  Is that you?

Your main goal is to first paint a picture, and worry about prices later.  The client does not care about the features of your DJ company.  They don't care that you have high powered 15" speakers and a subwoofer.  They don't care that you can set up a music system using an iPod and a speaker for cocktail hour.  They also really don't care about your 30,000 song hard drive.   All they really care about is that their guests have a great time.  Most clients just want to host an amazing party and are listening for you to say "by using us/me, your guests are going to have an amazing time".  Isn't that the objective.

They are also looking for comfort in the planning process. Planning a party is not easy. Hiring a DJ is one of many responsibilities and clients want peace of mind.  They want you to tell them that you are going to make this easy for them.  How can you make the process stress free for YOU and the CLIENT?  Offer them planning tools.  You should have planning forms online or offline where they can provide the important event information.  After you tell them about your planning system, watch their reaction.  This should bring you one step closer to the sale.

My suggestion is to register with an online event planning website like "DJ Event Planner".  Clients have access to their planning account online 24/7 and can enter any important information, activities, and even choose music.  Registering with an online event planner will make you feel more confident and appear more professional to clients.  When you offer this service, clients will be most impressed.

Once you've painted the picture, guided them through their vision, and offered them peace of mind with a planning system, it's time to tell them your prices. You should always give them a few pricing options from which to choose.  Some common examples of packages are:

1. Basic Wedding Package (DJ/MC 2 Speakers)

2. Silver wedding package (DJ/MC 2 speakers and subwoofer)

3. Gold Wedding Package (DJ, separate MC, 2 speakers, subwoofer, lights)

4. Platinum Wedding Package (DJ, separate MC, 2 speakers, subwoofer, lights, cocktail hour included)

I can't give you an idea of Wedding DJ prices because I don't know your specific market. In the NJ/NY area a REPUTABLE DJ may charge between $1000 and $2000.  Prices in other states and provinces would vary depending on the demographics.  If you really want to know, contact some DJ's in your area and ask their prices.  Why so much? you might ask.  Why so much? The client may ask.  

Planning for a wedding is much more involved than just pushing play on iTunes at a house party.  Your clients are paying for professionalism, your planning time, your expertise, and for you to actually perform at the event.  Don't ever under sell yourself.  I know someone who gave a break to a client for a wedding last year and when it was over, It was't worth the money in comparison to the amount of time spent on the planning.

You should always keep your prices higher and then come down if you want to give them a discount.  If your prices are too low, you'll wind up losing money and getting frustrated in the process.  If your prices are STILL too high, even after a discount, thank your client for their time and give them your card.

Don't ever compromise your integrity. You are charging your price because you know you're worth it.  They will find other DJ's who charge much less but surely don't have the same training and knowledge as you do.  They won't be able to meet the clients vision, and they certainly won't have an event planning system in place.  Be confident that you are the best DJ for their event.

Always assume the sale.  When you give them the prices don't ask them if they like the options. Ask them which option would meet their objective the best.  You'll most likely close the sale at this point. Don't be pushy either. If they say they want to think about it, ask them if you can answer any questions.  If they still seem unsure, tell them that it's no problem and give them some information to take home.  Follow up with them and you will surely have another opportunity to close the sale.  Stay Tuned!

Visit and sign-up for the newsletter at DJMasterminds for Event Planning Information. also Visit MixesThatWork for your event party mixes

How do you collect the right club songs for your DJ library?  It really depends on what type of music you like and what type of club you would like to DJ in.  Only you know what you like.  Be sure to visit MixesThatWork.com for actual lists of songs in SET-LISTS that you can use to DJ the heck out of any party or club you perform at.

                         
                   
Dj’ing is one of the fastest growing hobbies in recent times and many Dj’s,
at all ages and skill levels are learning how to profit in the
entertainment industry.  As Dj equipment and software becomes more
affordable and mobile, more people are able to enjoy the DJ’ing experience.
Now, there are dj hobbyists as young as in their early teens able to
understand and appreciate the art of dj’ing.

There are many resources available to help young and/or older dj’s
understand necessary information to be a very effective and profitable dj.
Once a Dj has all the necessary equipment, a basic understanding of the
industry, and confidence, he/she is ready to go out and start to profit in
the entertainment industry.

It really doesn’t take much to start making money quickly as a dj.  As long
as you have some basic essential equipment, a few music playlists, and some
basic dj’ing skills, you can dj for a profit.  You can look into DJ’ing
Weddings, Sweet 16′s, Bar-Bat Mitzvahs, Birthday Parties, Corporate Events,
Family Parties, and Class Renions.  To be taken serious, you will need to “look”
the part, “sound” the part, and “be” the part if you want to be a success.
When you “look” the part, I mean you need to present yourself as a
professional DJ (even if this is a really part time hobby).  If you are
planning on DJing, make sure you dress accordingly. Wear neat clothes.
Black usually works the best.

You also need to “sound” the part.  You need to sound like a real DJ.
You’ll need a music player (laptop, mp3 player, cd player, or digital dj
system). You’ll need good music to play, and you’ll need good speakers to
play the music through.  If you are reading this article, you probably have
a decent dj system and just need to know how to start making money or are
ready to make a lot more money if you are already experienced.

Lastly, you need to “be” the part.  As new as you may, you need to be confident.
Even if you have never Dj’ed a gig in your life, as long as you are
confident, you can be believable. Knowledge is important but don’t try to
pretend to know music and artists if you don’t.

Learn what you need to know. Don’t try to learn everything at once. If
someone asks you to dj a sweet 16, do some research online about music
played at a sweet 16.  If someone asks you to dj a family party, ask the host
what music they would like to have played.  If you get asked to DJ a
wedding, look online to find out what you can play at weddings.  Be cool,
be calm, and be collected. Also, always carry business cards on you, even
if this is only a hobby, this is a great way to get you making more money
as your name gets advertised by other people (word of mouth marketing is
the most effective marketing on the planet).

In an economy like this, why not try to diversify your income by making
more money as a dj.  The funny thing (or sad thing) is that even as the
economy suffers, people will not stop celebrating.  People don’t stop
getting married or having exquisite sweet 16 events.  This is one of the
safest and most profitable industries to be in, To give you an example, a
good friend of mine profited over $40,000 last year as a part time hobby
dj.  He has a full time day job and dj’s weddings and birthdays on the
weekends, and loves every minute of it!  It is not uncommon for a good dj
to make a $1,000 dollars a weekend, as a hobby dj.

The great thing about being a dj is that you can pick and choose how much
or how little you want to work.  If your good, people will start referring
other people to you.  Start small but start earning yourself some extra
profits as a dj.  Once you have some decent dj equipment, good playlists,
and confidence start promoting your services. Start with the people you
know. Let them know what you can do and ask for the business.  Get some
business cards and it probably wouldn’t be a bad idea to build a small
website or free blog to advertise your services.

The events of our world would be boring without DJ's. Imagine a world without moving, cutting, shaking, sliding, kicking, twisting, shouting, jumping, boogie'ing, swinging, grinding, breaking, etc. The world needs DJ's and the that's why the world needs you to become the best darn DJ you can be. Learn the methods and techniques that will put you above the rest of those wanna-be DJ's and be respected as an industry leader fast and effectively.

As the world continues to grow, so does the need for good party Dj's. There are so many opportunities for good DJ's to not only make thousands of dollars a week part-time but also DJ's leaving their full time jobs to focus on their new DJ businesses. The key to success in today's DJ'ing industry is acquiring the necessary skills, developing a reputation, and getting your name out there to as many people as you can.

People host many types of events and DJ's may limit themselves to one or two types. Don't limit your self by only talking to certain types of people when you become a DJ. Talk to everyone. You'll be open to acquiring more gigs, more opportunities to increase your experience, and will make more money. Make more money by embracing the opportunity to perform for Weddings, Bar-Bat Mitsvah's, Sweet 16's, general birthday parties, Corporate Events, Class Reunions, Family Reunions, Holiday Parties, Children's Parties, School Dances, etc. You'll never know what type of events your clients will request a DJ for unless you advertise your name in your community (word of mouth marketing).

When you become a DJ, you also want to make sure you are prepared to DJ your events. Anyone can hit play on their equipment and play a song but the key to becoming a successful DJ is to know your audience and play appropriate music. If you have never DJ'ed an event, connect with any DJ's you may know or search for DJ online communities like MixesThatWork to get live access to the help you need, when you need it. There are also many DJ mixing programs available to give you great mixing techniques from one song into another. Look in the resource section of this article to check out effective DJ secrets revealed to DJ's who want to learn how to get the edge above the other entertainers in the industry.

Knowing the format of your event is very important as well. The best thing to do is to connect with the the client, the client's party planner, OR Materdee (if the event is going to be at a reception/banquet hall) and ask them about the format of their party. The format will let the DJ know when and if there are introductions, toasts, blessings, when meals are scheduled, if and when the cake will be brought out, and any specific times for activities. Never assume the next event will be identical to a previous event. Always communicate. Open communication encourages preparedness, gives the DJ a professional image, and will also ensure a smooth sailing event.

Why should you become a DJ? It's not hard and it is so incredibly exciting and rewarding; financially and personally. Don't be just a DJ , be a great DJ! It's not hard to do and with some guidance and personal motivation you can be better than DJ's who have been in the industry for 30 years who have never taken advantage of updating their equipment or style. In this industry, it isn't the amount of years a person has been performing, it is honestly what the DJ knows.

Knowledge is power, and power brings great success. Many successful people in all industries have all found themselves in the right place at the right time by attaining the knowledge they needed for their accomplishments. Because you are seeking the knowledge in the right place and you are motivated to learn, it won't be long before you are a professional DJ (part-time/ full-time).

Original Author: JJpeterson

For Everything You Need To Know About DJ'ing, Click Here!

Become a DJ, learn what you can, excel beyond those old school DJ's, have fun, make some money, and always be excited while you provide great music to a world that needs great DJ's more than ever! For great DJ sets check out ­www.MixesThatWork.Com for Event Set Lists and More!