The Mobile DJ Handbook: How to Start & Run a Profitable Mobile Disc Jockey Service

by Zemon; Stacy

• ISBN13: 9780240804897
• ISBN10: 0240804899
• Edition: 2nd
• Format: Nonspecific Binding
• Copyright: 2002-12-20
• Publisher: Routledge

Summary

The Mobile DJ Handbook, Second Edition continues to be an excellent guide for novice and experienced DJs looking to build a successful career as the owner-operator of a mobile disc jockey service. Complete with practical tips, expert advice, and creative strategies, this book serves as the perfect guide on how to market and sell your services as well as develop and expand your business. this book contains information on becoming a professional, securing bookings, buying equipment and music, and running party dances, contests, and games. Included within the text are sample contracts, an advertisement and brochure, and resource information. The Mobile DJ Handbook is an essential reference guide which offers readers all the knowledge and inspiration needed to run a profitable enterprise.

Table of Contents

Foreword	xi
Acknowledgments	xvii
Introduction	xix
About the Author	xxiii
Your 21st Century Mobile DJ Service	3	(20)
Creating Prosperity and Success	3	(2)
Becoming a Professional	5	(2)
``Newbies'' versus ``Bottom-Feeders''	7	(1)
DJ Schools and Apprenticeships	8	(2)
Establishing Your Business	10	(2)
Choosing a Business Name	12	(1)
Registering your DJ Service	12	(1)
Developing a Sound Financial Plan	13	(1)
When You Become a Golden Oldie	13	(1)
Accounting and Bookkeeping	13	(1)
Opening a Merchant Account	14	(1)
Toll-Free Service	15	(1)
Legal and Accounting Advice	15	(1)
Profitable Additions to your DJ Service	15	(1)
Setting Up an Office	16	(2)
Tracking Clients and Gigs	18	(1)
Letterhead and Contracts	18	(1)
Obtaining Insurance	19	(1)
Buying a Franchise	19	(4)
Getting Top Billing	23	(10)
Creating a Reputation	23	(1)
Preparing for Events	24	(2)
Professional Attire and Etiquette	26	(1)
Dealing with Clients	26	(1)
Customer Service	27	(1)
DJ Associations	27	(1)
DJ Conventions	28	(5)
The Interactive DJ	33	(14)
Getting the Crowd Going	33	(2)
Microphone Skills	35	(1)
Ice Breakers	35	(1)
Dances, Contests, and Games	36	(1)
Participation Dances	36	(2)
Contests and Games	38	(4)
Karaoke	42	(1)
Party Props	43	(4)
Getting Geared Up	47	(14)
Where to Buy	47	(2)
Sound Equipment and Accessories	49	(1)
Accessories	50	(1)
Lighting Equipment	51	(2)
Party Favors (Swag)	53	(1)
Personal and Travel Items	53	(1)
System Components	54	(3)
Transporting Your Gear	57	(1)
Set-Up Tips	57	(1)
Acknowledgment	58	(3)
Your Music Collection	61	(12)
Music Library Essentials	61	(2)
Music Services, Products, and Outlets	63	(1)
New Music Services	63	(1)
Remix Services	64	(1)
Music Video	65	(1)
DJ Specialty Outlets	65	(2)
Play Lists	67	(1)
Latin Music	68	(1)
Swing Music	68	(5)
Marketing and Advertising	73	(30)
The Marketplace	73	(1)
Promotional Items	74	(2)
Digital Business Cards	76	(1)
Brochures and Cover Letters	76	(1)
Direct Mail	77	(7)
Free Publicity	84	(2)
Sample Press Releases	86	(3)
Advertising Sources	89	(1)
Newspapers and Publications	89	(1)
Yellow Pages	90	(1)
Bridal Shows	91	(1)
Trade Deals	91	(1)
Telemarketing	92	(2)
Producing a Web Site	94	(4)
Clubs and Organizations	98	(1)
Schools	98	(1)
Mobile Mitzvah Marketing	99	(4)
Party Possibilities	103	(14)
Weekend and Weekday Events	103	(1)
Wedding Receptions	104	(4)
Bridal Party Introductions	108	(1)
Bar/Bat Mitzvahs	108	(4)
The Corporate Market	112	(1)
Holiday Party Tips	113	(4)
Multi-System and Full-Service Operations	117	(16)
Hiring Mobile DJs and Dancers	117	(2)
DJ Compensation	119	(1)
Motivation and Recognition	120	(1)
Performance	121	(1)
Disciplinary Action and Termination	122	(1)
No-Compete Contracts	123	(1)
Creating an Employment Manual	123	(1)
Treat Your Employees Well	123	(1)
DJ Training Program	124	(1)
Office Relocation	125	(1)
Multiple Systems and Inventory	126	(1)
Advertising Changes	126	(2)
Franchising and Multiple Locations	128	(5)
Selling Your Services	133	(12)
Pricing Competitively	133	(1)
Getting Paid What You Are Worth	134	(1)
Selling over the Phone	134	(3)
In-Person Consultations	137	(1)
Using DVD/Video as a Sales Tool	138	(1)
Handling Deposits and Payments	138	(1)
Generating Referrals	139	(1)
Tips for Maximizing Your Profit	139	(1)
A Sound Reinforcement Idea	140	(5)
Tech Talk	145	(26)
Sound Reinforcement Terms	145	(26)
How's Your Form?	171	(20)
Sample Client Contract	173	(3)
Sample Wedding Party Introduction Sheet	176	(2)
Sample Employment Agreement	178	(13)
Records of Success	191	(24)
Interviews with America's Top DJs	191	(24)
Appendix	215	(14)
Index	229