The "Helpful Tips" thread for ***NEW*** DJ's.

To many ads? Support ODJT and see no ads!
Kirby Ball said:
Always use a contract for every booking.
Click to expand...



Very true....I missed this one!

21. Always use a contract! This protects you as well as your client! If you have any questions on contracts, you can contact of the many djs on this site, and we would be more than happy to help you get one! You will need to modify your version to tailor your needs, but it is very important that you have one of these!

22. Insurance! Dont be stupid, and not have insurance!


Jeez I could keep going....I need to stop!
 
Papa Deuce said:
Let's help out the new DJ's by giving them a thread to start them off on the right foot. Post one thought you would like to relay to them before they get off to a bad start.

1. Do your homework before buying ANYTHING.... Better to spend more and get the right stuff the first time, even if that means waiting until you can afford the right stuff for you. I spent $3000 on a setup, only to find out it really wasn't what I should have bought. Within 18 months I ended up buying a $5000 speaker system to get what I want. Now my other system sits, collecting dust, basically.
Click to expand...

This can be looked at from different views. I have come across DJs trying to unload expensive equipment, because they got in over their heads.

They spent thousands of dollars on high-end DJ equipment & thought this would help them be successful, then when the future gigs didn't materialize like they thought they would, financially they found themselves in over their heads.

OR... within a year they threw in the towel because:
A) They really didn't have the passion for being a mobile DJ.
B) Life changes (FT job, baby on the way, Etc.)
C) Found out there is much more to having a successful mobile DJ business then just playing music, and decided to not continue.

You gotta walk before you can run. Starting off with the best gear isn't going to make you better or more successful. I think most of us started off with jerry-rigged systems & worked our way up.

I'd say start off with what gear you can afford now & invest money & time into into:
DJ/Emcee skills,
Salesmanship,
Business skills,
Networking with those that can help you (other vendors, Etc.)
Join a DJ assoc. where you can share ideas & attend DJ related seminars (like the ADJA)
Learning the background/meanings/customs of the type of DJing you want to do (Bar Mitzvas, weddings, Etc)

I have seen so many new DJs that think the top priority is having the biggest intelligent light system, or sound system right off the bat. Many times, they are the ones that have it all listed on EBay about a year later.
 
Papa Deuce said:
Well, that is 19 more than I asked for... :sqerr::rofl:
Click to expand...

Oh you want one piece of advice....well here is another one I missed and I also think this is important!


1) **This is what 23** This one might be the most important!

1) Care about your clients! Dont take the money and run! If you genuinely care about your client, and you do everything in your power to ensure you give them the event you promise....everything will be just fine, and your business will continue to grow! TRUST ME ON THIS ONE!!

Well there is my one item! Sorry Papa! :sqrolleyes:
 
Also....

Don't wear the same clothes you will be DJing in for loading/unloading/setting up. Otherwise you will look & smell like a dock worker.

Nothing looks (or smells) worse than a guy setting up/tearing down DJ equipment in a tuxedo (or a suit) then DJing/Emceeing an event in front of people that spent all day primping themselves, and you are wearing wrinkled clothes covered in sweat & stink.

After setting up, Dress appropriately for the event & after the gig change back, don't ruin your good clothes.
 
Bill Kexel said:
Also....

Don't wear the clothes you will be DJing in for loading/unloading/setting up. Otherwise you will look & smell like a dock worker.

Nothing looks (or smells) worse than a guy setting up/tearing down DJ equipment in a tuxedo (or a suit)

After setting up, Dress appropriately for the event & after the gig change back, don't ruin your good clothes.
Click to expand...

Bill....trust me I thought of this one too! There are so many tips and tricks to djing, that a guy could keep going.

If I had to think of 100 tips and tricks to getting started....I could give you 200! There are so many big things that a dj needs to do to help himself/herself become a successful dj! But for the 200 big things they need to do....there are 500 little tips and tricks they can do that would add the advantage to themselves.

To tell you the truth though.....a lot of this is common sense! Of course there may be things that you would not think of...most of these every dj has experienced! The other bottom line is...you need to be somewhat excited about every event you do! I am not saying you need to be jumping up and down. You just need to have that feeling that..."oh..here we go!" I cant really explain the feeling, but you all know what I am talking about! Its the main reason that most of us dj!
 
Know your music.
If you don't know your music, you will flop. Research the songs, their lyrics and their writers. Research the artists who performed those songs. Understand the history behind the genres of the music. Listen to the music. Understand the lyrics and learn how each song begins and ends. Learn about the potential effects of each song on different audiences. Allow for music to be a huge part of your life. You will never stop learning.

Don't stick to formulas.
Using the same "sets" or playlists over and over again is not fun. I can't stand it when I see a DJ click the mouse button, then sit. Boring! Remember, you will likely never have the exact same crowd together; each crowd is different. Change it up! For help with that, see the section about knowing your music. ;)

Have fun!
 
I know I mentioned this in one my first posts on this site, but it is worth saying again for any newbies.

As one of my mentors told me before I took over the mobile rigs: never compete with the competition, you'll always lose if you do. Instead compete with yourself and try to outdo yourself each and every time. If you do that, you'll always stay ahead of the pack and will eventually be the best for a long time.

Also, don't always follow the pack, dare to do something different, DJing is about innovation and creativity, not about being just another DJ.
 
Brush your teeth and shower at least daily
 
DJMN said:
19. Drinking on the job is questionable! Some clients prefer if you let loose a little bit more than normal! Just be sure you know what your alcoholic limitations are, and make sure you have a sober driver if you practice this type of behavior. I normally don't dj and drink at the same time, but the times I have, I have always been in control of my show!
Click to expand...

I would have to say this one is more than questionable behavior. Now, I can't take the holier than thou stance on this as I have been goaded into a shot or two in the past but, to drink just to loosen up or because you feel that is what the client wants I'd have to strongly disagree.

For us as a matter of policy we don't drink on the job.... I was weak and broke my own policy 3 weeks ago... and it will never happen again. No, I wasn't drunk off of one shot but I felt my professional appearance took a shot too and I don't like that.

I would leave #19 out of your top 20 and find something a little more appropriate for business ethics.
 
I have to agree with the Joker on alcohol consumption. My people are not allowed to drink for several reasons.

1. It doesn't look professional

2. They are using my equipment (I don't want it ruined)

3. They are driving my vehicles (Driving under the influence is a felony in my state)

4. My insurance company agrees with my policy and if one of my people has an accident and has been drinking I lose my coverage.

5. I feel that if it requires alcohol to "loosen you up" you are in the wrong line of work!
 
Carry breath mints because you do not know who you'll be talking to.

And make sure that you do not leave the coffee machine on when you leave the house because you do not want to go home to a pile of cinder.

Ya, I am making a point here. Somebody will get it, I'm sure.
 
If you ever get into a situation where liability is at a question.... never, and I repeat NEVER admit guilt in any way shape or form... simply take the information from the injured party such as Name, Address, Phone number. Write a detailed account of the incident such as what happened, how they were injured and what was injured, if emergency services were required and if they went to the hospital or not... turn all of this over to your insurance and let their lawyers fight over who's at fault.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top Bottom
Back