In this episode of The Mobile DJ Mastery Podcast, DJ 2FOUR7 emphasizes the importance of building a small network of like-minded DJs, highlighting how such connections can significantly enhance a DJ's career. DJ 2FOUR7 discusses the benefits of sharing bookings, supporting one another, and exchanging valuable insights and music. DJ 2FOUR7 also addresses the negative impact of trolling within the DJ community and advocates for unity and collaboration over competition.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Build a Small DJ Network: Every DJ should establish a small network of at least two other DJs to share bookings, support, and ideas. This network can help enhance your business and provide a sense of community.

• Share Bookings and Recommendations: When unable to take a booking, recommend your network members to clients. This not only helps your peers but also maintains good customer service and can lead to reciprocal recommendations.

• Support and Learning: Having a network allows DJs to share experiences, struggles, and successes. This support system can provide valuable insights and learning opportunities that can enhance your skills and business.

• Avoid Competition Mentality: Shift your mindset from viewing other DJs as competition to seeing them as potential collaborators. This can lead to shared resources, ideas, and ultimately, more business opportunities.

• Engage in Physical Meetups: Attend DJ events and meetups to connect with other DJs in person. Building relationships in real life can strengthen your network and lead to more meaningful collaborations and support.

BEST MOMENTS

"Every single DJ must have a really small network of other DJs... you're looking for three of you."

"One of the worst things as a DJ is getting bookings and then throwing them out into the ether."

"Don't throw them out to the winner. Don't just be like, oh, I'm not available and hope you find a DJ."

"The only people that think about competition are people that are scared."

"Having that network is so powerful in so many ways, not only with bookings, but when it comes to support."

OUR SOCIAL LINKS

https://dj2four7.com/

https://www.instagram.com/dj2four7/

https://www.instagram.com/mobiledjmastery/

https://www.tiktok.com/@2four7dj

HOST BIO

With over 20 years in the entertainment industry, DJ 2FOUR7 brings a wealth of experience to this podcast. From DJing in bars, clubs, and festivals to hosting nightclub events and promoting large-scale festivals, DJ 2FOUR7 has done it all. As one of the first urban promoters to launch an international independent festival in Malta, he also built and managed his own distribution and marketing business. During the lockdown, DJ 2FOUR7 created a groundbreaking pop-up DJ concept that achieved massive online success. Today, he leads a thriving entertainment business specialising in weddings and corporate events. Combining innovation, passion, and humour, DJ 2FOUR7 is the ideal guide to help aspiring DJs elevate their careers.

In this episode of the Mobile DJ Mastery Podcast, DJ 2FOUR7 welcomes Afaron Gordon to dive deep into the world of talent agencies with a seasoned talent agent. Afaron shares valuable insights on the importance of branding, marketing, and legalities such as public liability insurance and PAT testing. Afaron emphasize the need for DJs to showcase their skills through engaging visual content rather than traditional audio mixes, and they discuss the significance of setting appropriate pricing structures for different types of events.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

1. Importance of Branding and Marketing: DJs should focus on building a strong personal brand and effective marketing strategies. This includes having a consistent social media presence that showcases live performances and audience engagement, rather than just audio mixes.

2. Legal Requirements: DJs must have public liability insurance and a PAT test certificate for their equipment. These legalities are crucial for working with venues, especially post-COVID, as many venues now require proof of these certifications.

3. Unique Selling Proposition: DJs should strive to differentiate themselves by offering unique experiences, such as collaborations with other musicians or incorporating live instruments into their sets.

4. Pricing Strategy: DJS need to have tiered pricing based on the type of event (corporate, private, etc.). Having a single price for all events can undervalue their services.

5. Content Creation: Regularly producing visual content, such as videos of live performances or engaging social media posts, is vital. This not only helps in marketing but also provides potential clients with a clear idea of the DJ's style and capabilities, making it easier for them to make booking decisions.

BEST MOMENTS

"I thought, why not bring on a talent agent and find out what do they want from DJs?"

"I realized I could do A&R. I could be a music producer, do music for film. There’s so much more I can do."

"I kind of stayed away from DJs mainly because, A, I don't think they know how to brand themselves properly."

"Don't send me a mixtape. No one cares about the audio. I need to see you mixing in that video."

"Today's price is not yesterday's price. When you join the agency now, what your undercut price is, we immediately double it."

GUEST SOCIALS

https://www.instagram.com/afaron_gordon/

https://www.instagram.com/mmtauk/

https://linktr.ee/momentummusictalentagency?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAadPI8jpyWZHCjiWw74qXJaEHegTJlcfBtZSQfjg3eCOJiYIa0fazQHiTPE1lw_aem_KGG0nxv5wKKdrIAAHApJGQ

OUR SOCIAL LINKS

https://dj2four7.com/

https://www.instagram.com/dj2four7/

https://www.instagram.com/mobiledjmastery/

https://www.tiktok.com/@2four7dj

HOST BIO

With over 20 years in the entertainment industry, DJ 2FOUR7 brings a wealth of experience to this podcast. From DJing in bars, clubs, and festivals to hosting nightclub events and promoting large-scale festivals, DJ 2FOUR7 has done it all. As one of the first urban promoters to launch an international independent festival in Malta, he also built and managed his own distribution and marketing business. During the lockdown, DJ 2FOUR7 created a groundbreaking pop-up DJ concept that achieved massive online success. Today, he leads a thriving entertainment business specialising in weddings and corporate events. Combining innovation, passion, and humour, DJ 2FOUR7 is the ideal guide to help aspiring DJs elevate their careers.

In this episode of the podcast, DJ 2FOUR7 introduces a new segment called "Story Time," where he shares a personal experience from a challenging DJ gig that nearly escalated into a fight. He recounts the events leading up to the incident, including a corporate Christmas party where he faced disrespect from a drunken attendee demanding specific music. DJ 2FOUR7 reflects on the lessons learned from the experience, emphasizing the importance of maintaining professionalism, the dangers of discounting services, and the need for clear communication in high-pressure situations.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Avoid Discounts: Accepting lower fees can lead to disrespectful treatment and negative experiences. It's important to stick to your pricing to maintain the value of your service.

• Maintain Professionalism: Keeping your cool in challenging situations is crucial. A moment of lost temper can overshadow your professionalism and affect how others perceive you.

• Understand Client Behavior: Recognize that intoxicated clients may act out of character. It's essential to manage interactions with them carefully and not take their behavior personally.

• Know Your Rights: Having clear clauses in your contract regarding abuse and the right to terminate services can protect you in difficult situations. Always ensure you are legally covered.

• Communicate Clearly: If issues arise, it's important to communicate clearly with the client about expectations and boundaries. Providing warnings and seeking resolution can help avoid escalation.

BEST MOMENTS

"What you're paying for is what you saw... You're not just paying for a DJ, you're paying for what you saw and you want that to happen again."

"I thought it was fine. I thought it was okay. Anyway, there comes a point when the woman who booked me comes out... she is also intoxicated."

"When the guy said that, I haven't heard these kind of terminologies since I was in college... I literally, I saw red and I grabbed the guy by his shirt."

"One of the most important ones for me was keep your cool. I lost my cool guys for about eight seconds."

"Discounting your price, sometimes you don't know what you're getting yourself into... the respect just wasn't there from the get-go."

OUR SOCIAL LINKS

https://dj2four7.com/

https://www.instagram.com/dj2four7/

https://www.instagram.com/mobiledjmastery/

https://www.tiktok.com/@2four7dj

HOST BIO

With over 20 years in the entertainment industry, DJ 2FOUR7 brings a wealth of experience to this podcast. From DJing in bars, clubs, and festivals to hosting nightclub events and promoting large-scale festivals, DJ 2FOUR7 has done it all. As one of the first urban promoters to launch an international independent festival in Malta, he also built and managed his own distribution and marketing business. During the lockdown, DJ 2FOUR7 created a groundbreaking pop-up DJ concept that achieved massive online success. Today, he leads a thriving entertainment business specialising in weddings and corporate events. Combining innovation, passion, and humour, DJ 2FOUR7 is the ideal guide to help aspiring DJs elevate their careers.

In this episode of the Mobile DJ Mastery Podcast, DJ 2FOUR7 shares five essential tips for leveraging social media to enhance your DJ business. Starting with the importance of focusing on one social media platform to avoid spreading yourself too thin, the discussion emphasizes the need for clarity in your online presence by showcasing who you are and what you offer. DJ 2FOUR7 highlights the significance of consistency in posting, engaging with followers, and showcasing your unique qualities as a DJ. Additionally, a 30-day challenge is introduced, encouraging listeners to post daily content to better understand their audience and improve engagement.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Focus on One Social Media Platform: Instead of trying to manage multiple social media accounts at once, concentrate on growing one platform first.

• Showcase Your Identity: Make it clear who you are and what you offer on your social media profiles. Use photos or videos of yourself to create a personal connection with your audience, as this helps them relate to you better.

• Consistency is Key: Regularly post content to keep your audience engaged and to signal to social media algorithms that you are an active user. This can lead to increased visibility and engagement with your posts.

• Highlight Your Unique Selling Point: Identify what makes you different from other DJs and showcase that in your content. Whether it's your style, personality, or approach, emphasizing your uniqueness can help you stand out in a crowded market.

• Engage with Your Audience: Respond to comments and interact with your followers to foster a sense of community. Engaging with others not only builds relationships but also helps improve your visibility on social media platforms.

BEST MOMENTS

"One of my first, first, first tips would always be to pick one social media, grow on that social media and then we can start looking at other social medias."

"If I come to your page and I can see it's a DJ or I can see that there's something that you offer, but I can't see the person behind it, I find it hard to connect."

"When it comes to posting regular, obviously with the different platforms, they've got loads of different styles. Bare minimum, I don't recommend this, but the bare minimum, guys, is the pictures."

"If you keep listening to this podcast, my plan longterm is to get rid of that voice. Because all that voice does is stop us from winning."

"For the next 30 days, you're going to post one post every day. For the next 30 days, you're going to post one post every single day without fail."

OUR SOCIAL LINKS

https://dj2four7.com/

https://www.instagram.com/dj2four7/

https://www.instagram.com/mobiledjmastery/

https://www.tiktok.com/@2four7dj

HOST BIO

With over 20 years in the entertainment industry, DJ 2FOUR7 brings a wealth of experience to this podcast. From DJing in bars, clubs, and festivals to hosting nightclub events and promoting large-scale festivals, DJ 2FOUR7 has done it all. As one of the first urban promoters to launch an international independent festival in Malta, he also built and managed his own distribution and marketing business. During the lockdown, DJ 2FOUR7 created a groundbreaking pop-up DJ concept that achieved massive online success. Today, he leads a thriving entertainment business specialising in weddings and corporate events. Combining innovation, passion, and humour, DJ 2FOUR7 is the ideal guide to help aspiring DJs elevate their careers.

In this exciting episode of the Mobile DJ Mastery Podcast, DJ 2FOUR7 welcomes DJ Grounded, a rising star in the DJ scene who began her journey just 18 months ago. Grounded shares her inspiring story of how a childhood love for music evolved into a passion for DJing, leading her to take on professional bookings. The conversation delves into her experiences with different DJ controllers, the importance of networking, and her first international gig in Gran Canaria. Listeners will gain valuable insights into the challenges and triumphs of starting a DJ career, as well as tips on building a personal brand and growing an online presence.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Networking is Essential: Building connections is crucial for DJs, as demonstrated by the guest's experience of securing her first international booking through networking at a local event.

• Start with Entry-Level Equipment: Investing in an affordable, entry-level controller allows new DJs to learn the basics without a significant financial commitment. The guest began with the Numark Party Mix 2, which served her well during her initial learning phase.

• Upgrade Strategically: As skills develop and opportunities arise, upgrading to a more advanced controller can enhance performance. The guest transitioned from the Numark Party Mix 2 to the Numark NS4 FX and eventually to the Pioneer FLX6, considering features and long-term benefits.

• Embrace Learning from Mistakes: Technical difficulties and challenges are part of the learning process. The guest's first booking involved issues with connecting her controller, but these experiences contributed to her growth and confidence as a DJ.

• Branding Matters: Having a consistent brand presence is important for DJs. The guest emphasizes the significance of branding in her own business and recognizes the need to apply similar principles to her DJing career for better recognition and opportunities.

BEST MOMENTS

"I wanted something that wasn't a very big investment... if I learned a bit about it and decided it's not for me, then it wouldn't be a big loss."

"If you don't kind of put yourself out there and let people know what you can do, what you want to do, and what your skill set is, then they're not going to know."

"The more that I promote it and people use my booking code to secure their booking, the more I get paid basically."

"I think the importance of branding and having a succinct brand message... is something I definitely want to improve on."

"Networking is the major key. If there's something that you want to do, you have to go."

GUEST LINKS:

https://www.instagram.com/djgrounded/

OUR SOCIAL LINKS

https://dj2four7.com/

https://www.instagram.com/dj2four7/

https://www.instagram.com/mobiledjmastery/

https://www.tiktok.com/@2four7dj

HOST BIO

With over 20 years in the entertainment industry, DJ 2FOUR7 brings a wealth of experience to this podcast. From DJing in bars, clubs, and festivals to hosting nightclub events and promoting large-scale festivals, DJ 2FOUR7 has done it all. As one of the first urban promoters to launch an international independent festival in Malta, he also built and managed his own distribution and marketing business. During the lockdown, DJ 2FOUR7 created a groundbreaking pop-up DJ concept that achieved massive online success. Today, he leads a thriving entertainment business specialising in weddings and corporate events. Combining innovation, passion, and humour, DJ 2FOUR7 is the ideal guide to help aspiring DJs elevate their careers.

In this episode of Mobile DJ Mastery, DJ 2FOUR7 dives into the essential terminology and types of cables that every aspiring DJ should know. From standard headphone jacks to microphone cables, USB connections, and RCA outputs, the discussion covers the various cables used to connect DJ equipment and ensure smooth performances. DJ 2FOUR7 emphasizes the importance of understanding these terms, especially when dealing with contracts and venue requirements. This informative episode aims to equip DJs with the knowledge they need to navigate their gear confidently and effectively.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Understanding Cable Terminology: It's essential for beginners to familiarize themselves with the different types of cables and their functions, such as headphone jacks, microphone cables, and USB connections, to effectively communicate and meet venue requirements.

• Headphone and Microphone Cables: Standard headphones typically use a quarter-inch jack for DJ equipment, while microphones often utilize a quarter-inch mono jack and XLR connections. Knowing the difference between stereo and mono cables is crucial for proper audio setup.

• USB Connections: The transition from USB-B to USB-C is significant in modern DJ equipment. USB-C is becoming the new standard, allowing for compatibility with various controllers and laptops, while USB-B is becoming outdated.

• RCA Cables: RCA cables, also known as phono cables, are commonly used to connect DJ controllers to speakers. Understanding their use is important for setting up sound systems, especially for those starting with basic equipment.

• XLR and DMX Cables: XLR cables are widely used in the music industry for audio connections, while DMX cables are used for controlling lighting fixtures. Knowing the distinction between these cables is important for effective equipment management during events.

BEST MOMENTS

"When you see those two black rings on any jack, that means that is a stereo socket. Stereo means that it's going to have split sound, a left and a right."

"If you look at the quarter inch jack on that, can you see how that's got one ring on it? It's only got one black ring. So this one means it's a mono cable."

"This is called your XLR. This is the most used cable in the music industry because it's the one that connects all the speakers."

"Don't listen to those people that's like, you need, you need, you need. Those kinds of people just slow you down."

"If you're connecting lights together, you're going to be using something like this. The same rules apply as it did for sound."

OUR SOCIAL LINKS

https://dj2four7.com/

https://www.instagram.com/dj2four7/

https://www.instagram.com/mobiledjmastery/

https://www.tiktok.com/@2four7dj

HOST BIO

With over 20 years in the entertainment industry, DJ 2FOUR7 brings a wealth of experience to this podcast. From DJing in bars, clubs, and festivals to hosting nightclub events and promoting large-scale festivals, DJ 2FOUR7 has done it all. As one of the first urban promoters to launch an international independent festival in Malta, he also built and managed his own distribution and marketing business. During the lockdown, DJ 2FOUR7 created a groundbreaking pop-up DJ concept that achieved massive online success. Today, he leads a thriving entertainment business specialising in weddings and corporate events. Combining innovation, passion, and humour, DJ 2FOUR7 is the ideal guide to help aspiring DJs elevate their careers.

In this episode of the Mobile DJ Mastery Podcast, DJ 2FOUR7 dives into the essential topic of securing bookings as a mobile DJ. Drawing from personal experiences, DJ 2FOUR7 shares valuable insights on how to get started, including the importance of creating content through free gigs to build credibility and showcase skills. Listeners will learn practical tips on pricing their services, the necessity of collecting deposits, and strategies for marketing themselves effectively. Whether you're a seasoned DJ or just starting, this episode offers actionable advice to help grow your business and secure those coveted bookings.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Start with Free Gigs for Content: Offering your DJ services for free at local events or friends' parties can help you gain valuable content (videos and pictures) that showcases your skills, which is essential for marketing yourself.

• Utilize Social Media Effectively: Choose a primary social media platform (like Instagram or TikTok) to consistently post your content. Ensure that your branding is uniform across platforms to make it easier for potential clients to find you.

• Focus on Video Content: Videos are more impactful than pictures when promoting your DJ services. They allow potential clients to see your skills in action, making it easier for them to decide to book you.

• Set a Minimum Charge for Gigs: When starting out, aim to charge between £250 and £500 for your first paid gig. This reflects the investment you've made in your equipment and helps ensure that you can cover any potential damages.

• Collect Deposits: Always collect a deposit when booking gigs to secure your commitment and reduce the risk of cancellations. This helps ensure that you are compensated for your time and effort, even if the client decides to cancel later.

BEST MOMENTS

"One of the hardest things was getting like your first booking, you know, your first thing under your belt so you can start to get going."

"If you've got some kind of proof for you to do what you do, it's much more easier for you to market, for you to sell yourself."

"Offering your services for free... there's a low chance they're going to say no, because it's no skin off their back."

"The minimum you should charge... is between 250 and 500 pounds. This is the minimum."

"When you get that first message... make sure you celebrate. I'm always a big fan of celebrating all your achievements."

OUR SOCIAL LINKS

https://dj2four7.com/

https://www.instagram.com/dj2four7/

https://www.instagram.com/mobiledjmastery/

https://www.tiktok.com/@2four7dj

HOST BIO

With over 20 years in the entertainment industry, DJ 2FOUR7 brings a wealth of experience to this podcast. From DJing in bars, clubs, and festivals to hosting nightclub events and promoting large-scale festivals, DJ 2FOUR7 has done it all. As one of the first urban promoters to launch an international independent festival in Malta, he also built and managed his own distribution and marketing business. During the lockdown, DJ 2FOUR7 created a groundbreaking pop-up DJ concept that achieved massive online success. Today, he leads a thriving entertainment business specialising in weddings and corporate events. Combining innovation, passion, and humour, DJ 2FOUR7 is the ideal guide to help aspiring DJs elevate their careers.

In the inaugural episode of the Mobile DJ Mastery Podcast, DJ 2FOUR7 dives into the essentials of starting a mobile DJ business. DJ 2FOUR7 shares his journey and the challenges he faced when entering the industry, aiming to equip newcomers with the knowledge and confidence to succeed. Additionally, DJ 2FOUR7 discusses the necessity of public liability insurance and PAT testing to ensure professionalism and safety in various venues.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Essential Equipment for Mobile DJing: To start as a mobile DJ, you need a solid setup that includes a laptop (preferably a MacBook Pro from 2018 or newer), a controller (like the FLX4), a microphone (ideally a Shure SM58), and quality speakers.

• Importance of a DJ Booth: Having a dedicated booth is crucial for professionalism. It allows you to set up your equipment at the right height, preventing back pain and ensuring a more organized appearance at events.

• Lighting Considerations: Good lighting is essential for creating an engaging atmosphere. Uplights are recommended as a first purchase because they are compact, battery-powered, and can effectively illuminate a space, making it safer for guests.

• Necessary Paperwork: Before taking bookings, it's important to have public liability insurance and a PAT test certificate. These documents protect you and the venue in case of accidents and ensure that your equipment is safe to use.

• Community and Continuous Learning: The podcast emphasizes the importance of sharing knowledge within the DJ community. By learning from each other and raising the average wage for mobile DJs, individuals can improve their businesses and the industry as a whole.

BEST MOMENTS

"I am on a mission to be the best that I can be, a mobile DJ master. And I'm hoping I can bring you guys along with me on the journey."

"A rig is basically your DJ set up, the things that you bring in your car, your van... it's everything you have when you sell it all up and it's ready to go."

"When it comes to speakers, I would say, once again, we're talking entry, entry, entry stuff. Secondhand is definitely going to be the way to go."

"Public liability insurance is something that you must have... if you haven't set up your equipment right or you've got something that's too high... there's a possibility that someone can get hurt."

"I want to raise the average wage of a mobile DJ... the work that we do, it's not easy... we do so, so, so much more than that."

OUR SOCIAL LINKS

https://dj2four7.com/

https://www.instagram.com/dj2four7/

https://www.instagram.com/mobiledjmastery/

https://www.tiktok.com/@2four7dj

HOST BIO

With over 20 years in the entertainment industry, DJ 2FOUR7 brings a wealth of experience to this podcast. From DJing in bars, clubs, and festivals to hosting nightclub events and promoting large-scale festivals, DJ 2FOUR7 has done it all. As one of the first urban promoters to launch an international independent festival in Malta, he also built and managed his own distribution and marketing business. During the lockdown, DJ 2FOUR7 created a groundbreaking pop-up DJ concept that achieved massive online success. Today, he leads a thriving entertainment business specialising in weddings and corporate events. Combining innovation, passion, and humour, DJ 2FOUR7 is the ideal guide to help aspiring DJs elevate their careers.