March
7
2010
Any DJ can find a gig somewhere once in awhile. But if you are wanting to make this a profit-making career option your best bet is to create your own business. This isn’t necessarily hard, but it isn’t easy, either. It takes organization, concentration, and a lot of work. But if scratching is your passion it can be done. There are a few easy guidelines to follow that can help you along your way.
First, make sure you are making the right impression. Investments you make now will make all the difference later. Make sure you have the right DJ equipment, which includes the right music for any occasion you may find yourself in. This means spending a little bit more to ensure you won’t be having constant replacements, or breakdowns in the middle of performances. DJ pro equipment is crucial.
Second, begin marketing yourself. Nobody likes continually searching for a new DJ, and so most establishments will stick with the same one, or few, long term. Make sure you leave your client with a good impression, a professional looking business card, and any information on discounts, availability, or contract work.
Third, invest in the advertising of your business. While there are a number of free ways to market yourself and your business, sometimes you have to spend money to make money. Having a website, an ad in a local paper, and even an affiliation with another DJ-oriented company. You can also use online resources to draw people to your website, such as Google business marketing solutions, or smaller companies that are more equipped to handle individual DJ’s.
You can also sign onto various organizations that will help you to promote, such as the American Disc Jockey Association. This foundation will not only certify you, but they will put your name on their list of local disc jockeys, which is a source many people will look to first when trying to find someone for their event. They also offer insurance, which is a must-have for anyone whose profession requires expensive equipment. Insurance will cover turntables, headphones, music, pro lighting, and other items that may have to be repaired or replaced.
Starting your own DJ business is less about knowing how to run a business and more about knowing how to promote yourself and your skills. If you can get the ball rolling on finding clients word will spread quickly. But following the tips above will ensure that that word is a good one, and your reputation is sound. Because when you make a living at a turntable reputation and name is everything, and having one with a negative image will spell the end of your career before it has even begun.
January
16
2010
When was the last time you went to a show and saw the DJ working with a badly lit booth, without any effects? Chances are it’s been awhile, and if you saw a DJ land a shoddy performance you probably didn’t see him around much after that. Image is everything in the entertainment world, and if you are a DJ you have fierce competition. To keep that reputation sparkling, and your spinning skills in demand, you need to pump up your show, and professional lighting is a great way of doing that.
You might be wondering how lighting can make such a huge difference in whether or not people enjoy your music. The truth is it doesn’t. However, it does make a significant difference in how your overall performance is received, as well as whether or not you will be remembered. It takes a certain reputation to get you gigs, and there are plenty of DJ’s out there trying to take your job. Taking some time to buy professional, attractive lighting for your booth and surrounding area will go far in making sure people remember your name when they leave the club.
This doesn’t have to be an expensive enterprise, not if you know where to look. Purchasing your lighting equipment online is your best bet, as you can find top notch, name brand products for less. This isn’t because the tools are used, or the circuits are about to short out. It’s because online retailers have to compete with plenty of other Internet shops for your business. It is in their best interest to offer you lower prices than other websites, and significantly less than local retailers that are forced to bump up their prices in order to cover overhead costs.
Some ways that they manage to offer you better deals are by cutting the cost of certain equipment that is in high demand, selling bulk deals that allow you to purchase more than one item at discount, such as in lighting bundles, or by reducing or eliminating the cost of shipping. Most often you will find all three of these offers on one website, and so save a great deal of money by making your purchase online.
Of course, this means added responsibility to you, the consumer. It will be up to you to find the best prices, deals, and most trustworthy online retailers. But this is a small price to pay for the savings you will receive, and it isn’t difficult to achieve in the first place. All it takes is a bit research and some comparison shopping, which can be done by checking out a few websites and seeing what they have to offer. You will almost always find what you are looking for, and at much lower prices than any store around town. The money in your pocket will speak for itself.
November
17
2009
Buying DJ equipment online is one of the most common ways that disc jockeys get what they need for their gigs. This is due to the fact that they are offered a wider selection, better prices, and occasional bundle deals that provide further discounts. But there is a downside of buying online, and it is one that anyone who frequents Internet retailers is familiar with: shipping costs. Quite often the shipping will cost half, or even more, of the price of the original products.
There is a way to get around this, however. There are some sites that offer you the chance to buy online, and get reduced, or even free, shipping. While these deals are usually inclusive only to the country where the main office of the retailer is located, it is a fantastic way to save money while getting what you need for your booth setup. All it takes is a little consumer know-how, some comparison shopping, and a desire to get high quality products for less.
You may be wondering how these online shops can afford to do this, especially without bumping up the price of their products. There are several reasons for this. First, and probably most obvious, is that they run completely on shipped products. They have no way to allow people to walk into a local store to purchase their products, and so they do a lot of shipping, and almost always with a single transport company. This company will usually offer the sellers shipping deals, where they will only pay a few cents on the dollar, in order to keep their undivided business. These savings get passed onto the consumer, in order to encourage you to choose their website over others.
This is also a possibility because these companies have less overhead when it comes to maintenance costs. They don’t have to maintain as large of a staff, a premise, or pay various taxes associated with having a local business. They are also able to use alternative advertising methods to draw in a customer base, which tends to be cheaper on the Internet than using traditional methods, such as newspaper ads, or television commercials. Lower annual costs to the company will create a willingness to reduce costs for customers, in order to build client trust and loyalty in a competitive market.
In the end, this all just means one thing: you can get your DJ equipment more cheaply, which will save you money as well. When you save money, you have more to put into those extras that will build your DJ business, and so reach more people. That means better word of mouth, more gigs, and a reputation that is very important in this industry. All of this starts with simple money managing techniques, which begin with making smart choices. Look out for those companies that offer free shipping, and make the first step towards better savings on the tools you need.
October
6
2009
We live in a certain culture nowadays that teaches us that spending less is always the better option. Occasionally, when dealing with personal purchases, this can be the case. But when you are buying for your professional life cheap is rarely, if ever, the best course of action to take. This is especially true when you are working within the entertainment profession, such as in the case of DJ’s, MC’s, or other performers who rely on music in order to make a living. When your way of life depends on audio it is crucial that you buy high quality audio equipment. While this would seem to most to be a common sense rule, you would be surprised about how many entertainers risk everything on shoddy, less expensive equipment that they bought used, or without any details at all. This can be professional suicide, and you will lose a lot more then a gig if something goes wrong. You can lose your entire livelihood. Being an entertainer is more than being good at what you do. It’s also about maintaining a reputation, and the first step in doing so is to create an image that will set you apart from the rest. A professional image begins with showing your clients that you are serious about the work you do for them. High quality audio equipment will always say that quite clearly. Not only will it look better than cheap tools and sets, but it will reduce the risk of experiencing technical difficulties or breakdowns that can shut down a performance. But we aren’t all made of money, and this is especially true when you are starting out and so have no overhead to put towards the latest top of the line equipment. That’s when you need to get creative, and find that high quality, expensive setup for less. Shopping online is a great way to do that, as many retailers will offer discount prices on new equipment, as well as bundle or shipping deals, to you, the consumer. You are more likely to find these deals online as the sellers have less expenses that have to be covered by overcharging. They are also working in a highly competitive market, and so benefit from creating deals from the customer. The better their prices, the higher their chances of creating trust and client loyalty, and so bringing you back again and again. This is a fact that the smart shopper should always take advantage of. All it takes is a bit of research and comparison shopping, and you could be on your way to getting great deals online on high quality, professional audio equipment, and so securing your career’s future. Don’t take a risk with your job security. Take the time to purchase high quality, easily updated, and performance savvy audio equipment, and see the difference it makes for yourself. You will be able to land more gigs as word of your professional nature and talents gets around town, and that can only mean good things for you.
September
25
2009
NUMARK CD DJ IN A BOX
LL YOU NEED: 2 CD players + mixer + headphones.
CD DJ IN A BOX is a complete DJ setup with two NDX200 CD players, headphones, and a two-channel DJ mixer. You get a mixer and two rugged, heavy CD decks, each with a large jog wheel for comfortable performance. Numark’s Anti-Shock™ buffered skip-protection technology keeps your music playing even when vibrations might cause other players to skip. CD DJ IN A BOX features seamless looping for creating and integrating loops in instant remixes. Its two-channel M1A mixer has all the essentials, such as two input channels, main and headphone outputs, mic input, and smooth faders. Whether you are an experienced veteran switching from vinyl, or just starting out, CD DJ IN A BOX gives you everything you need to rock the house.
September
20
2009
PIONEER CDJ-2000
CDJ-2000 The CDJ-2000 is the ultimate technologically advanced multi-format player in the world. No matter what your media preference is, the CDJ-2000 can handle them all with great performance, reliability, and confidence. It enables playback of MP3, AAC, WAV and AIFF audio files on CD, DVD-ROM, SD card and USB memorydevices. You can also assign various buttons of the CDJ-2000 to trigger other devices, such as DJ effecters and software with MIDI mapping capability. With Pioneer’s new “Pro DJ Link” you can connect up to fourCDJ-2000’s and share a single music source from just one player. For displaying song titles, jacket art as well as detailed track information, the CDJ-2000 has a unique 6.1” Full Color LCD panel andGraphic User Interface so DJs can find information needed to select a song easily at a glance. Both the CDJ-2000 and CDJ-900 turntables include rekordbox, Pioneer’s proprietary music management software that organizes and catalogs a DJ’s entire music library. When music files are imported to rekordbox, thesoftware analyzes each file and prepares them for use specifically with the new CDJ turntables.The CDJ-2000 is the natural selection for performing DJs worldwide.
Features
- Multi Format Playback – The CDJ-2000 enables playback of MP3, AAC, WAV and AIFF audio files on CD,DVD-ROM, SD card and USB memory devices.
- Pro DJ Link – New Pioneer Pro DJ Link that enables up to four CDJ-2000/900s to beconnected and share a single music source.
- 6.1” Full Color LCD panel and Graphic User Interface – For displaying song titles, jacket art as well as detailed track information and wave form display of each song so DJs can find informatio nneeded to select a song at a glance.
- Needle Search – Helps DJs instantaneously get to a specific part of a song with a simple touch of the Needle Search pad.
- MIDI – Users can assign various buttons of the CDJ-2000 to trigger other devices, such as DJ effecters and software with MIDI mapping capability.
- Free Rekordbox Music Management Software Included – Both the CDJ-2000 and CDJ-900 turntables include rekordbox, Pioneer’s proprietary music management software that organizes and catalogs a DJ’s entire music library. When music files are imported to rekordbox, the software analyzes each file and prepares them for use specifically with thenew CDJ turntables.
Multi Format Playback
The CDJ-2000 enables playback of MP3, AAC, WAV and AIFF audio files on CD, DVD-ROM, SD card and USB memory devices.
Pro DJ Link
New Pioneer Pro DJ Link that enables up to four CDJ-2000/900s to be connected and share a single music source.
6.1” Full Color LCD panel and Graphic User Interface
For displaying song titles, jacket art as well as detailed track information and wave form display of each song so DJs can find information needed to select a song at a glance.
Needle Search
Helps DJs instantaneously get to a specific part of a song with a simple touch of the Needle Search pad.
MIDI
Users can assign various buttons of the CDJ-2000 to trigger other devices, such as DJ effecters and software with MIDI mapping capability.
Free Rekordbox Music Management Software Included
CDJ-2000 turntables include rekordbox, Pioneer’s proprietary music management software that organizes and catalogs a DJ’s entire music library. When music files are imported to rekordbox, the software analyzes each file and prepares them for use specifically with the new CDJ turntables.
September
10
2009
Though marked as a part of the entertainment genre, disc jockeying is also a business, and as such the equipment used has to work in a professional capacity. This means that quality becomes the most important feature of anything you buy, and failing to purchase the best will cost a lot more in the long run. It is one of the most common mistake made in the beginning, with the DJ assuming that it is music alone that matters, and that buying cheap equipment will only save them cash before they start bringing in the bucks.
This will have several negative effects on the overall image and performance of the DJ, and could actually ruin their career before it begins. One of the more frequent problems that occur is the equipment itself breaking down. If you are lucky, this will happen prior to a gig, and you will have enough time to replace whatever it is. It could be a cheaper tool, such as a piece of software, or something that will need to be fully replace, like an amp or equalizer.
If you are very unlucky a piece of equipment may break down during a gig, which would be a disaster. As any DJ will tell you, if one thing goes wrong it throws off the delicate process, ruining the whole show. You will be unable to do your job, which will lose you the money on the gig, and possibly ruin future gigs. In this industry your best friend is word of mouth when you are good, and your worst enemy when you are bad. Your reputation could be shattered if your tools break down during a set.
It isn’t just quality that should be considered. You will also need the most recent, up to date equipment in your arsenal. This means you will want to purchase equipment that can be updated over time, and so compatible with newer tools. Buying cheap amps, equalizers, software, and turntables will leave you unable to get the latest releases as they come. Instead, you will have to buy all new tools when your old ones break down, which will be sooner rather than later.
The final reason for buying high-quality is your image. Reputation is a delicate thing, as mentioned above. Image is even more frail, and ever changing. You are responsible for showing yourself to be a modern, professional DJ, and your equipment will speak louder than anything you wear, play, or say. You have to put your best face forward at all times, and showing up with old, broke, cheap equipment will send a rather strong, and negative, message to the people who hire you now, and will want to hire you in the future,.
In the end, it’s obvious to see why buying good amps, equalizers, and other tools are crucial to get your business off the ground. Failing to do so will lead to problems that may be insurmountable, and ruin your career before it even begins. Don’t let that happen to you. Buy high quality equipment not, and start spinning your tunes, not your image.
August
27
2009
The World Wide Web have indeed gone worldwide; and so as DJSeller.com, an online store specializing on the sale of D DJ Equipment like DJ CD players,DJ Headphones,DJ Turntables, DJ Speakers, DJ Amplifiers and DJ Mixers Pro lighting, audio and speakers. This makes DJSeller.com your one-stop shop for DJ equipment. You name it; DJSeller.com will have them delivered to you promptly and at the most affordable price.
Although online stores have emerged to a numerous extent that has made it difficult for buyers to choose from these online stores, a number of reasons make DJSeller.com your store of choice.
First, not only does DJSeller.com offer the best quality DJ equipment, but also carries the best priced items throughout the web. DJSeller.com also carries the best brands for DJ equipment like Pioneer, Numark, Rane, Gemini, Mackie, JBL, and Denon so that DJSeller.com can ensure its clients that only the best DJ equipment is delivered to their doorsteps. With direct contact with these suppliers, DJSeller.com can offer these quality DJ products at the most affordable prices with the company ensuring that it maintain mark up levels at a ceiling that is tolerable to its buyers.
In addition to this price advantage, buyers can also enjoy the stores, free shipping method that no other store can afford to offer. Yes, DJSeller.com offers free shipping to its buyers with no hidden charges.
As a virtual store, DJSeller.com still manages to ensure and offer its client 100 percent satisfaction guarantees with its excellent customer service. This is very important because most often, online stores often neglect the aspect of customer service; but not with DJSeller.com. Although classified as an online store, DJSeller.com assures you that you can have the most convenient shopping experience as if you are visiting a popular store just a few blocks from your doorsteps.
August
20
2009
Whether you are a touring big name or just a guy spinning in his garage, we are all trying to find the best equipment and buying it all in one place makes it even easier. The best brand names, low prices, fast shipping is what we are looking for in an online retailer of DJ equipment, from a great turntable to DJ lighting that really stands out from the crowd. We need the big name brands, everything from Pioneer to JBL and all the others in between.
When you are putting together your DJ equipment it all starts and ends with the turntables. This is one of the places you don’t want to skimp and try to save money. Not to say you can’t get a good deal but just make sure you are buying quality. You need a set of turntables that you know will not let you down. Performing in front of a crowd of one or one thousand people can be a nerve wracking experience especially if you are not sure if your equipment is up to the challenge. The Technics 1200 series is probably the best known in the world and is a great place to start your search. This turntable really has set the standard for the entire industry with its s shaped arm and extreme durability.
Next on your list of DJ equipment that you just can’t skimp on either on price or quality is your DJ headphone. Long time DJ’s will tell you that finding just the right pair is a mixture of sound, comfort and durability. Not all headphones are made alike and buying the best is very important with names like Denon, Gemini and Pioneer all dominating name brands. Things to look for are a closed back design and folding too if you like. Make sure they have reinforced swivel joints since that is where headphones take a beating. So now that you have chosen the top 2 pieces of DJ equipment that you need and have made sure you are getting the best, what’s left?
Next on your list will be a good DJ mixer from companies like Pioneer, Denon, Technics or Mackie. Then add a solid DJ speaker like those from Gemini. Next might be DJ amplifiers where QSC makes some great ones. And if you can afford good DJ lighting this can really add to the package. One place online that has all of these top brands above is www.djseller.com.
