Network with new people. Extend beyond your usual group, and join online and offline meetups through such avenues as meetup.com. These meetups involve a variety of interests, take place in most major metropolitan areas, and are a good source of networking. Look for meetups that appeal to you while benefiting your DJ business.
Look for people with similar interests or complementary businesses.
Focus on specific niches for networking. The way you network might
dictate the type of gigs you find and vice versa. Finding a niche isn’t
limiting. It can actually expand your bookings and might even result in
specific business proposals.
Join local business clubs. Don’t forget that your DJing is a business. An entrepreneurs' meetup, small-business club, or chamber of commerce could be a great source of potential clients and referrals. For wedding gigs, network with bridal shops, videographers, florists, and caterers. Think of vendors that someone planning a wedding would use, and tap into those networks.
Find other DJs. Fellow DJs can be a good source of leads, referrals, or musical ideas. Experienced DJs might have good advice for you or maybe even referrals to events they’re too busy to DJ themselves.
Carry music samples and business cards. When attending networking events (or any other time, for that matter), remember to take business cards along, as well as sample recordings of your work. Networking events might include music-oriented meetups, groups, and trade shows like SXSW or NAMM, as well as large concerts/festivals featuring live DJ performers. If you’re going to a big event, bring along a bag for collecting other people’s materials.
- For example, look for meetups attended by venue owners and managers, including club and bar managers, and small-business owners.
- Club and bar DJ gigs are a good way to gain experience. If you want to DJ in clubs, network with club promoters, bar owners, bartenders, and servers.
Join local business clubs. Don’t forget that your DJing is a business. An entrepreneurs' meetup, small-business club, or chamber of commerce could be a great source of potential clients and referrals. For wedding gigs, network with bridal shops, videographers, florists, and caterers. Think of vendors that someone planning a wedding would use, and tap into those networks.
Find other DJs. Fellow DJs can be a good source of leads, referrals, or musical ideas. Experienced DJs might have good advice for you or maybe even referrals to events they’re too busy to DJ themselves.
- On certain nights and holidays there is high demand for DJs, so one who's already booked might be able to refer you to an event s/he can’t work.
- You may very well encounter naysayers and discouraging DJs, particularly online, but it’s best to ignore them. Others, however, can provide helpful tips on business development, networking, and musical improvement. Follow their examples
Carry music samples and business cards. When attending networking events (or any other time, for that matter), remember to take business cards along, as well as sample recordings of your work. Networking events might include music-oriented meetups, groups, and trade shows like SXSW or NAMM, as well as large concerts/festivals featuring live DJ performers. If you’re going to a big event, bring along a bag for collecting other people’s materials.
Network online in specialty areas. You can network
online to find certain types of gigs. For example, if you’re looking for
wedding gigs, you could be active on a variety of blogs such as The
Knot, Wedding Bee, or Style Me Pretty.
- Contribute to message boards. Be yourself and be genuine but not controversial when contributing to message boards. Don't over-contribute or spam people with unsolicited mixes and content. That’s a sure way to get ignored.
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