Book Description
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
- Cover
- Halftitle
- Title
- Copyright
- Dedication
- Contents
- Foreword
- Acknowledgments
- Introduction
- About the Author
- 1. Your 21st Century Mobile DJ Service
- Creating Prosperity and Success
- Becoming a Professional
- “Newbies” versus “Bottom-Feeders”
- DJ Schools and Apprenticeships
- Establishing Your Business
- Choosing a Business Name
- Registering Your DJ Service
- Developing a Sound Financial Plan
- When You Become a Golden Oldie
- Accounting and Bookkeeping
- Opening a Merchant Account
- Toll-Free Service
- Legal and Accounting Advice
- Profitable Additions to Your DJ Service
- Setting Up an Office
- Tracking Clients and Gigs
- Letterhead and Contracts
- Obtaining Insurance
- Buying a Franchise
- 2. Getting Top Billing
- Creating a Reputation
- Preparing for Events
- Professional Attire and Etiquette
- Dealing with Clients
- Customer Service
- DJ Associations
- DJ Conventions
- 3. The Interactive DJ
- Getting the Crowd Going
- Microphone Skills
- Ice Breakers
- Dances, Contests, and Games
- Participation Dances
- Contests and Games
- Karaoke
- Party Props
- 4. Getting Geared Up
- Where to Buy
- Sound Equipment and Accessories
- Accessories
- Lighting Equipment
- Party Favors
- Personal and Travel Items
- System Components
- Transporting Your Gear
- Set-Up Tips
- 5. Your Music Collection
- Music Library Essentials
- Music Services, Products, and Outlets
- New Music Services
- Remix Services
- Music Video
- DJ Specialty Outlets
- Play Lists
- Latin Music
- Swing Music
- 6. Marketing and Advertising
- The Marketplace
- Promotional Items
- Digital Business Cards
- Brochures and Cover Letters
- Direct Mail
- Free Publicity
- Sample Press Releases
- Advertising Sources
- Newspapers and Publications
- Yellow Pages
- Bridal Shows
- Trade Deals
- Telemarketing
- Producing a Website
- Clubs and Organizations
- Schools
- Mobile Mitzvah Marketing
- 7. Party Possibilities
- Weekend and Weekday Events
- Wedding Receptions
- Bridal Party Introductions
- Bar/Bat Mitzvahs
- The Corporate Market
- Holiday Party Tips
- 8. Multi-System and Full-Service Operations
- Hiring Mobile DJs and Dancers
- DJ Compensation
- Motivation and Recognition
- Performance
- Disciplinary Action and Termination
- No-Compete Contracts
- Creating an Employment Manual
- Treat Your Employees Well
- DJ Training Program
- Office Relocation
- Multiple Systems and Inventory
- Advertising Changes
- Franchising and Multiple Locations
- 9. Selling Your Services
- Pricing Competitively
- Getting Paid What You Are Worth
- Selling over the Phone
- In-Person Consultations
- Using DVD/Video as a Sales Tool
- Handling Deposits and Payments
- Generating Referrals
- Tips for Maximizing Your Profit
- A Sound Reinforcement Idea
- 10. Tech Talk
- Sound Reinforcement Terms
- 11. How’s Your Form?
- Sample Client Contract
- Sample Wedding Party Introduction Sheet
- Sample Employment Agreement
- 12. Records of Success
- Interviews with America’s Top DJs
- Appendix
- Index