How to Become a Money Making DJ
Being a DJ and making money doing what you love has got to be about the coolest job in the world. There’s nothing better than making a night a succes through mixing the music that you love.
But there is a world of difference between DJing in your bedroom, mixing MP3’s using some DJ software and making money as a working DJ. Like any business you should really start with a good business plan and this means carrying out some thorough research.
Carrying out some research to determine if there is a market for what you want to offer is probably the first step. Are you a specialist hip hop or house DJ and, if so, how will you find gigs? You neet to consider, what will it cost to produce a very professional demo CD that will be essential in getting those all important gigs? Your business plan will need to estimate how much you are likely to make and what it is going to cost you to make that money.
A good business plan will mean that you may be able to attract investment from private investors or your bank. Some of this money will be allocated to equipment costs which are likely to include some top quality, professional DJ headphones, some good quality record cases and maybe a good laptop with the latest DJ software installed. You may even need to invest in wireless microphone system if your style of DJing means you get out into the crowd. The key with business planning is not to leave anything out.
Most independent DJs operate as self employed business owners. But you may need to get some advice from a business consultant or an accountant regarding the most suitable basis for your business. You may even consider joining forces with some DJing friends in order to provide a portfolio of DJ services catering for a variety of functions.
It is clear that there is much that needs to be considered beyond the tracks that you will be playing at your next gig. Business planning can seem boring and tedious, especially when you’d rather be mixing, but its an essential part of making any business a success. Carrying out some thorough research and business planning will hopefully identify all of the expenses that you’re likely to encounter as well as how much you’re likely to make.