Running your own DJ business can be one of the most stressful and simultaneously rewarding experiences in the world. Taking the time to start a business properly can seem like the long way around, but you'll be glad you put in the time and effort later on when your business is running smoothly (and profitably). In this blog series, you’ll learn everything you need to know to run a profitable and satisfying DJ business from your home.

EVERYBODY HAS A FAVORITE MEMORY WHEN THINKING OF A DJ!

Whether it's watching a relative dance an awkward "Electric Slide" or a bride and groom performing their first dance to an unfortunately chosen ‘80s hair ballad, there's been recorded music as entertainment at many of your life's most fun events. I've still got the video of my grandmother holding up an entire procession of line dancers at my cousin's wedding-and might I add the DJ handled it gracefully. It is memories like these that come with a professional DJ attached. And you have probably attended some events that were ruined by bad DJs and even by your biggest competitors, live bands-and those events would have been saved if a good, professional DJ like you're hoping to be had been there to provide the beat and work the crowd. Professional DJs are a rapidly growing, highly profitable business that has no shortage of customers at all price points.

I’m not going to sugarcoat it: Starting a new business is, for some people, a paralyzing proposition. Giving up your stable paycheck and benefits can be really frightening. Safety nets are a nice thing to have, and unfortunately, many small business owners don't have one. That's where a blog like this comes in. While you might have a great ear for music, a love for energizing a celebrating crowd, and a desire to make money at something you love, starting a business is a lot more difficult than just gathering some gear and reaching out to customers. There are a lot of things you need to do before you ever hit the decks for your first gig-you need to set up your business's legal structure, manage your finances, and make sure all of your insurance and licensing are up to date. You'll have to be prepared for dealing with your customers, your competitors, event guests, and know when you're getting a bad deal, both as a DJ pro and a business owner. You'll need to learn how to adapt your show to meet different, diverse clients, and you also should be comfortable handling business negotiations behind-the-scenes, especially when things go bad. Last but not least, you'll have to become very familiar with the tax structure of running a small business. None of this is easy, and there's no one-size-fits-all approach. That makes starting a business a complicated and highly personal endeavor. But don’t let that stop you.

LEARN ABOUT YOUR CLIENTS, THEIR LIKES AND DISLIKES

Learning about your clients, their likes and dislikes, and the best way to market your product to them is the biggest part of your new job that will require the most guesswork and research on your part. Whether it's playing top 40 hits (the clean edits, at least) at a high school dance or spinning country all night at a wedding reception, you'll need to be a Swiss Army knife of entertainment in order to stay viable. While a lot of your gigs will be dances and parties, as a new DJ, you'll be spending a lot of time at weddings-they'll be your biggest payday gigs, and after you gain a solid reputation as a good wedding DJ, the gigs will be coming in faster than you can take them. That's assuming you run your business well and offer a professional-level product. Everybody knows a "friend of a friend" who knows how to DJ, and you'll never be able to meet those friends-and-family prices. Being a standout in your community, pricing yourself fairly, and offering an excellent experience for your clients and their guests is the best path to success.

CONCLUSION

So, to sum it up, starting any business is hard. It's expensive and time-consuming, and there's a lot of personal stress and financial investment involved. With a solid knowledge of the DJ business and an understanding of how to run a successful business, you'll be in great shape to jump right in and start taking on paid clientele. Taking the time to start a business properly seems like the long way around, but you'll be glad you put in the time and effort later on when your business is running smoothly (and profitably). Get ready for one of the most stressful and simultaneously rewarding experiences in the world-running your own DJ business.

[From, How to Start a Home-based DJ Business by Joe Shambro available on Amazon.com]

Next Week: Part 2: Let’s Start a DJ Business!

You’ll learn about the joys-and downfalls-of being your own boss. I know, I know-you you're reading this blog to learn the inside track to succeeding specifically in the DJ business, so this might seem like repetition-but trust me. You'll want to learn how to be the consummate self-employed professional alongside how to "hit the decks" like a pro.

Until next time, keep learning, keep practicing, keep building, and keep growing!

Questions?

If you have other questions along the way, which you undoubtedly will, you can certainly email them to me at info@djkwah.com. I’ll try to respond right away.

WHO IS DJ K.WAH!?

DJ K. Wah! is the owner and operar of DJ K. Wah! Entertainment which is currently a professional mobile disc jockey operation serving the New York City area. DJ K. Wah! Entertainment offers the best quality music, top-of-the-line equipment, emcee and line dance routines. Music genres include Mainstream and current hits, House and Gospel House music, 70's, 80's, 90's music, Rock and Alternative Rock music, Reggae & Dancehall, Soca, Calypso, Salsa, Cumbia, Merengue, and Bachata.

DJ K.Wah Entertainment also provides a variety of lighting, sound, and video services to help make your event a success! Contact us to discuss options that best suit your event.

DJ K.Wah! Entertainment has provided entertainment for many and varying venues including Bronx Museum of the Arts, Nuyorican Cafe, The City University of New York, New, Boogie on the Boulevard, Parkchester PEP for Seniors, Gennaro’s Catering Hall, Alhambra Ballroom, Tropical 128, The Grand Slam Ballroom, Numerous weddings, engagement parties, baby showers, birthdays, and outdoor events within New York City, New Jersey, Long Island, AND EVEN THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC!

Contact K. Wah! Entertainment

Business Line: 347.640.4529

Email: info@djkwah.com

Website: www.djkwah.com