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From the bottom line to basic
liability—a selection of hot DJ topics
Q: What is the average cost of
starting a DJ business? –Brad
A: That really depends upon your objectives, ie., the
types of events you see yourself doing. If you want to
build a business on the best gear, it could easily take
you beyond $20K just in sound. Lighting could add another
$20K. However, a more reasonable number might be $20K for
sound and lights.
One area that I feel is very important for starting a
business is the cost of self-improvement. You need to
determine objectively whether you need to develop
“business skills.” There is so much more to this than
merely spinning. If you don’t really understand the
sales cycle, you will need to learn. I would suggest that
you learn from good trainers, people who are masters at
selling the unique services that DJs provide. The best
advice I can give you is to learn the business side first,
before you buy a lot of capital gear. Seeking a position
with a high-quality DJ company in your area would be a
good way to learn.
Other costs that are often overlooked are marketing
materials, business cards, and lastly, the single most
important aspect of starting a business: writing an actual
business plan. This should involve a contract attorney, as
well as a mentor to help you get it done right.
I cannot stress enough the need to develop the business on
paper first, having all the numbers down. Do market
research. Find out how many events are held in your
market. Find out how many weddings are held.
These are some of the “hidden” costs of starting a DJ
business. Spending these first will save you thousands in
mistakes later.
Q: While at a gig, my microphones
tend to send off more feedback at the end of the gig, than
at the beginning. What could be causing this? They don’t
send feedback at all for the first two hours, then after
that, I have to be careful. Your help is appreciated.
–Steve Van Pelt
A: The following assumes that the volume and tonal content
of the music is the same later as at the start. (If there
was a dramatic difference, this could be a factor.) All
things being equal, I have one word. Batteries. Are you
using the cheaper ones? Or possibly using them for more
than one event? Another problem could be a significant
alteration in room acoustics. I highly doubt this, but
felt it was worth a mention.
Q: Any new, creative ways to start
the dancing portion of a wedding? –JT
A: I find that building the energy of the music during the
events prior to this is the best way. As you move through
dinner, during the last half hour start picking
increasingly more up-tempo material, still dinner music,
but more upbeat. Then move over to some instrumental
versions of some good pop tunes, things with a good hint
of a dance beat. Watch the room as your doing this—you
should see the toe tapping start to increase. If this is
happening, you’re on your way. The key here is not to
let your volume creep up. Keep it at dinner level, then,
during the last three tracks, start move slowly up to the
point you need. Finally, bring it on strong with the best
track you have. Too often people save the best material
for later. I feel this is a mistake. Nothing kicks a party
off better than starting with a really hot dance track.
Q: What type of insurance is
required for a Mobile DJ? –Linda
A: In a broad sense, none is actually required, as of
right now. That said, some facilities do require a DJ to
carry general liability insurance. This covers damages to
the facility that you might cause.
I would suggest that you join a DJ association that offers
discounted insurance to its members. You can also check
out independent brokers in your area.
You definitely want to have liability insurance. This
covers you against slips and falls, fire, gear falling on
a guest, and the like. It doesn’t matter if you’re
actually at fault—if somebody gets hurt, everybody gets
sued. Make sure that you get coverage from a triple
A-rated company and that the policy is solid.
Next, I would suggest that you have gear coverage. This is
important. Could you replace all your gear and your music
library at your own expense if you had to—and stay in
business? This is another advantage of DJ associations.
They have the coverage you need at a price you can afford.
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