Expanding Your Mobile DJ Business - Part 1
There are a number of ways for mobile DJs to expand their
business. In this newsletter we will look at some ideas for services
you can add to your existing ones, not only to make
you stand out from the crowd but to also increase your
revenue.
Ceremonies - If you are already offering a wedding disco service, consider
offering your clients the option of providing music and equipment for their
ceremony. For many
brides, the ceremony can cause sleepless nights as many may not have attended a
wedding for a long time. Offering your expertise and help could be the lifeline
they have
been looking for.
This service could include sourcing their chosen music
(including hymns),
advising on music needed, providing radio microphones (or lapel mics) and
playing their chosen music. The biggest consideration for this service is that there is no
room for error and preparation for the event is key.
When deciding on a price
for this service,
remember to factor in time spent sourcing tunes, backing them up and possibly
attending a rehearsal too. You would
need to have a small discreet PA for this purpose which produces a high quality sound at low volume.
Master of Ceremonies - Again, mainly wedding related, but a vital part of the success
of the whole day. It is not as daunting as it first sounds although knowledge of
wedding protocol
and traditions is essential.
As well as providing background music during the
wedding breakfast, liaising with other providers, the bridal party and venue staff,
making
announcements and ensuring the proceedings flow seamlessly, you can also add
your own ideas to make this part of the day unique.
Venue Lighting Hire - This can be offered as an 'add-on' service (and charged
accordingly) or as a separate hire service. Uplighting - using LED par cans, LED
floods or
LED bars, placed on the floor can transform a room with vibrant colours matching
the colour scheme of the party or reception. In the evening, the lights can be
controlled by DMX to enhance your other disco lighting.
Alternatively, you could
offer to put uplighting in strategic places to enhance any features of a room
such as an alcove or
decorative columns. LEDs are the preferred lighting for floor standing units as they
are cool running and don't pose a burning hazard.
When pricing this service,
take into account
the time taken to position each light, wire up with both mains and DMX cables,
and secure them to avoid tripping someone up! Most clients would probably give
you a blank stare if you mention uplighting and transforming their venue. In the
words of the old adage 'a picture paints a thousand words'... so always have
some good quality photographs of venues, both before and after the
transformation.
Other options could include providing stage lighting for corporate
presentations or fashion shows etc.. Flame machines for decorating an entrance, a stage or any other part of the
room can also be added to a DJs portfolio.
Games - These can be an excellent icebreaker for any party or reception. Clients
are often concerned when they organise an event that no one is going to dance.
By offering
games as an option, you are adding another string to your bow and it could
probably be the element that sells you to your potential client.
When choosing
and devising
your games, make them very visual with props. A good starting point and
source for inspiration is YouTube. When you have an idea, adapt it to suit yourself
and your clientele, then consider the logistics of organising it in the venue.
Party Boxes - Sourcing items on the internet and making up party boxes/bags for
either children or adults can be another way of increasing your revenue. They
could include
items such as inflatable guitars, musical instruments (shakers and tambourines)
and LED/glow products.
Children - At many of your functions, you may have a large number of children
attending. Being able to cater for them as well as the adults could be a vital
selling point for your
service. You could offer to organise some games and dances just for the younger
guests at the start of the evening. Balloon modelling is also a hit and not
difficult to master.
Happy expanding!!
Paul & Sandy
PS Its always good to hear from you. If you have any questions, ideas or
suggestions please let us know.PPS Dates for your diary
- BPM show 2010 at NEC Birmingham: Sat 2nd - Mon 4th Oct. We'll keep you updated
over the next few months ....
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