Do you love music mixing and you love seeing people moving their bodies to musical beats? Are you interested in starting a DJ business? Or you need a sample DJ business plan template? If you answered YES to any of the questions above, then i advice you read on.
If you love music and partying, then starting a DJ business can be a fun and easy way to make some extra money, provided you have the required talent, equipment, and contacts. In fact, you can venture into it full-time. What could be more fulfilling than being your own boss and doing what you enjoy?
Although fun and exciting, running a DJ business is very demanding. And if you really want to maintain high standards and achieve success, then you need to treat it as a professional and serious business—not just a fun sideline. Do you have what it takes to start a DJ business? Read on to understand the guidelines for starting and running a successful DJ business.
How to Start a DJ business – Sample Business Plan Template
1. Gain experience
Before starting your own business, you need to hone your skills and gain more experience. You can approach a seasoned DJ with years of experiences and work with him as an assistant. You can also gain experience by throwing parties for your friends at which you DJ, or by volunteering to DJ at friend’s parties, school parties, or other parties.
With time, you will perfect your skills, and you would have gained enough experience to start your own business.
2. Write a business plan
Though this might seem irrelevant to a DJ business, it’s very important. Writing a business plan for your DJ business helps you understand everything about the business before you take a plunge.
Your business plan details vital information about your business such as the demand for your services, your target market, marketing strategies, competition, unique selling points, startup and operation costs, projected earnings, and growth plans.
An essential part of your business plan is your marketing plan, which details how you plan to reach out to potential customers and get jobs. A business plan not only helps you start your business the right way, but it also helps you take the right steps towards growing your business into a successful one.
3. Collect music
Since playing music is your main service, you will need to gather as much as possible of it. You should have a comprehensive collection of music on vinyl or as digital files. Collect all genres (such as hip-hop, R&B, blues, rock, reggae, etc) and styles (drum, bass, house, disco, trance, soul, etc) of music. However, you must ensure that all your music is legally obtained.
4. Get the needed equipment
You need to buy or lease the equipment you will need. This is the part where you spend the most of your startup budget. The type and number of equipment you need depends on the type of DJ service you want to render.
For example, if you will be working in clubs or at weddings, you will need a turntable, headphones, speakers, amplifier, mixer, and lighting effects. Similarly, for karaoke, you will need a karaoke machine, microphones, speakers, CD-Gs, monitors, and a written song list.
You may choose to use a laptop for storing and mixing your music. In this case, you will need mixing software as well as cables for connecting your computer to the speakers.
5. Register your business
You must register your business in line with the requirements of your state or country. You can start by registering your business name. Then check your state or country’s business and tax laws to ensure that you are complying with all relevant rules.
You might be required to carry liability insurance, and you may want to insure your equipment against theft and liability. And depending on what obtains in your state or country, you might be required to obtain certain licenses and permits before you can start your business.
6. Complete all paperwork
You will need to have contracts for you and your clients to sign. Such contracts can help prevent disputes over issues such as performance length and cancellation. You can buy standard contract forms from a legal office supplies outlet or print them online.
7. Market your business
You need to promote your business to make potential clients aware of your DJ service. Distribute fliers or leaflets at clubs and on campuses. Make demo CDs and videos, and give to potential clients. Network with other DJs and colleagues who might help you find gigs. Also, you should network with event planners and related professionals.
You can also adopt online marketing strategies, such as social media, blogging, paid advertising, and so on. Another way to get contacts and professional advice is by joining relevant associations.
8. Start your business
Once you start landing gigs, you must ensure that you over-deliver. If you satisfy your clients, not only will they call on you again whenever they need your services, but they will also spread word of your services. On a final note, you must ensure that you comply with the code of practice for DJs. This sends signals that you’re a professional.
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