Strange Turns: How I went from being a wedding DJ to owning a successful business

Not many entrepreneurs follow a conventional path.

What are you talking about? ? I don’t know about you, but I didn’t plan to be in the field I’m in now. I started my journey 20 years ago as a wedding DJ and went on to become the CEO of a digital marketing agency, specializing in search engine optimization. It’s not a traditional way, but not many entrepreneurs follow a traditional way.

I had just gotten out of the Air Force and was trying to save money for college. I got a job as a wedding DJ in Las Vegas, where I was living at the time. I was booking weddings but I knew I could book more events if I could figure out a way to sell myself more. That’s where the entrepreneurial spirit began.

Most entrepreneurs start their business because they face a problem and try to find a solution. I learned that hundreds of brides come to Las Vegas for their weddings and if I can connect with them, I can get an endless supply of business. More than 20 years ago, it was in the early days of online search. I tried advertising in wedding magazines and even worked on air at a local radio station in an effort to increase my profile and grow business. Both efforts led to modest success.

But as all entrepreneurs know, reward is born of risk. Here’s what I’ve learned on my entrepreneurial journey:

No Risk, No Reward

Taking risks is not smooth sailing.

Finally, I decided to take a risk and hire someone to build a website. Frustrated with the number of unique visitors to the site, I asked my webmaster why the site wasn’t getting more views. He explained that his ability to build websites does not bring traffic to them. This was my first a-ha moment when I realized that the skill sets of website building and traffic generation are completely different. (These are some of the mistakes business owners make when building their websites.)

The Rolling Stone Culture Council is an invitation-only organization for Influencers, Innovators and Creatives. Am I eligible?

Entrepreneurs are always curious and curiosity leads to discovery. I fell into the world of SEO trying to figure out how to drive traffic to my website. Slowly, I began to break the rules of driving, and as the traffic increased, I began to have more clients reach out to me to advertise on my website. One day, I received a call from the head of catering at a famous hotel in Las Vegas who wanted to advertise on my website. I took another calculated risk, and instead of just charging them to post on my website, I told them they could post for free if they included me. one of their vendors. This risk paid off.

Although taking a risk requires careful thought and calculation, it can pay off well in the end and increase business. The key is planning.

Be a Life-Long Learner

I consider myself a lifelong learner. In fact, one of the guiding principles of my company is “Keep moving, never stop learning.” These principles were honored from the very beginning, as I progressed from being a wedding DJ to an SEO specialist.

It is important for entrepreneurs to value innovation and adapt quickly when needed. Continue to learn and find other experts in the industry. Go to conferences and share best practices with like-minded people. Keep asking questions and stay curious. Eventually, that curiosity becomes a passion and you become an expert in your field. To this day, questions continue to be asked. Business is a continuous learning process. We must have a mindset to learn and be willing to adapt to change.

Cultivate a Learning Mindset

Here are four tips for developing a learning mindset:

1. View every interaction you have as a learning opportunity. Even if you are at the top of your field, there will always be new things that you may not have thought of.

2. Practice mindfulness and aim to pay attention to the situations and opportunities around you.

3. Embrace learning by taking courses, reading books and attending conferences. While I started my journey by reading an online book on SEO, I ended up writing my own book to share what I have learned over the years. Be open to sharing the knowledge you have gained.

4. Find someone who inspires you and learn from their knowledge and experience. Having a life coach was very important to me as I grew my business. Eventually, I sold my wedding website and took a few pivots to where I am now.

No matter where you are in your career, don’t give up on your dreams. It may not happen the way you thought, but if you adapt and have a learning mindset, your dreams can become reality.

Accepted. The bride and her family pay for all professional services, including food and decorations. The groom’s family pays for the DJ or band and the alcohol.

How do I choose a DJ name?

Choosing A DJ Name: Use What You Know

• Start With Your Own Name. …
• Use a Nickname. …
• Use Acronyms – True Or Not! …
• Your Name Is Just A Number. …
• Choose a DJ Name and Music or Atmosphere. …
• Beautiful or Memorable Names. …
• Leave it to the Universe. …
• Avoid Racial, Sexual, or Graphic Designs.

Has my DJ name been taken? Perform a simple search engine scan. The fastest, most straightforward way to determine whether to take a DJ name is to do a thorough search in your search engine of choice. If another DJ has already chosen your name, his website or social media page will usually be included in the results.

Can you copyright a DJ name?

Yes, you can trademark your DJ name or your band name. There are two different ways to do this depending on your situation. Since trademarks are used to identify the source of products, you can trademark your DJ name or band name if you are producing and selling play music while you use the name as a tag.

How much does it cost to trademark a DJ name?

Basic Trademark Registration Fee The basic fee for registering a mark with the USPTO is $275 per international class. The USPTO has 45 classes of goods and services, and you should choose one or more classes that represent how you plan to use your mark.

Can you have the same DJ name as someone else?

Search for a database. If you can find a registered trademark for your chosen DJ name, it means that someone else is already using your name and there are legal grounds to do so. forcing you to change your name in case of confusion as artists.

Is there a demand for DJs?

There are about 11,400 DJs in the United States right now. The DJ job market is expected to grow by 2.6% between 2016 and 2026.

Is it hard to become a successful DJ? Contrary to popular belief, learning to DJ is not an easy path to overnight success. This requires work, and busyness, and time. It’s not hard to get started. But it’s hard to stand out, and stand out.

Is DJ a good career choice?

Is being a DJ a good job? If you are a music lover, love to take people on the dance floor, and love to party, a career as a DJ can be good for you. You are happy, well paid, and a good DJ is the life of the party. As with other professions, it is not always 100% a party.

Can you make a career out of DJing?

‘ The answer to both is yes, definitely. DJing is a real job and a legitimate one. Especially for those people who are smart about it and treat DJing as a business rather than just a hobby. Not only that, but DJing can be one of the best jobs.

Does being a DJ pay well?

In Los Angeles, California, a DJ can earn anywhere between $50 (£36) to $100 (£73) an hour, and it all depends on his popularity. Finally, the cream of the crop, the international DJ stars are paid in the millions, earning $ 100,000s for each game they play.

Does being a DJ pay well?

In Los Angeles, California, a DJ can earn anywhere between $50 (£36) to $100 (£73) an hour, and it all depends on his popularity. Finally, the cream of the crop, the international DJ stars are paid in the millions, earning $ 100,000s for each game they play.

Is there money in DJing?

Fortunately, the music industry offers many ways to make money. Some of the most popular and successful ways to make money as a DJ include: gigs, music production, mixing, social media, community events, and training.

How much do DJs get paid for a set?

They can be charged around $2,000 (£1,460) – $5,000 (£3,650) for a set, although I’m sure most of them will be much less than that, like then appear on a large advertisement. a great way to build a name for themselves.

Is being a DJ competitive?

With more and more people becoming DJs every year, the increased competition for gigs and residencies has made it very difficult to break into the industry. The DJ’s goal is to be successful as always.

Can you make a living off DJing?

Especially for those people who are smart about it and treat DJing as a business rather than just a hobby. Not only that, but DJing can be one of the best jobs. This is because you can show a passion for music, creating memorable experiences for many people.

Is being a wedding DJ Hard?

Being a wedding DJ is not all fun. It can mean long hours, dealing with difficult guests, backlogs, and stress. Fortunately, there are many things you can do to make it easier for you and your DJ business.

How much can you DJ at a wedding? While ZipRecruiter sees annual salaries as high as $205,000 and as low as $40,000, the current average DJ salary is currently between $78,500 (25th percentile) at $139,500 (75th percentile) with the highest earners (90th percentile) making $195,000 in the United States. .

Is it hard to become a wedding DJ?

Some people mistakenly believe that becoming a wedding DJ is easy for anyone with a Spotify playlist. However, that couldn’t be further from the truth. Platinum DJs provide a unique experience that will never be forgotten by men and women.

Is being a DJ competitive?

With more and more people becoming DJs every year, the increased competition for gigs and residencies has made it very difficult to break into the industry. The DJ’s goal is to be successful as always.

How long does it take for a DJ to set up at a wedding?

The truth is that each DJ knows how long it takes to set up the event. One to two hours in advance is the usual time for the DJ to arrive before the first guests arrive.

How long does a DJ normally play at a wedding?

Obviously the amount of time for DJing will depend on how you paid. The average, ideal length for a wedding reception is 4 hours (including the dinner portion). When you add the cocktail hour and ceremony, there will be another 2 hours of music.

How many hours do you dance at a wedding?

Too Much of a Good Thing is not always a good thing But one thing to keep in mind when thinking about doing open dance for more than 2 hours is a holiday for some people. The whole day is usually 5 hours in total.

What time should DJ arrive at wedding?

One to two hours in advance is the usual time for the DJ to arrive before the first guests arrive. That way we have plenty of time to set up, change into professional attire, and review all of our information one last time before the celebration begins!

What makes a good DJ at a wedding?

A great wedding DJ acts like a professional in every sense. At your wedding, your DJ should be well-dressed and well-groomed, as well as calm and in control of any situation that may arise. He should not drink during your ceremony, or do any kind of inappropriate behavior with your guests.

How do you know if a wedding DJ is good?

A great wedding DJ doesn’t just care about music. That person also worries about everything on the wedding day. “It is very important to be athletes and understand their craft,†said Bonny and Bryan. “Be flexible and always willing to help when another customer needs it.â€

What do people look for in a wedding DJ?

A talented DJ knows how to play the right song at the right time to keep your dance floor moving all night long. A professional DJ also knows that your wedding is not just another Saturday night and should be able to tailor the experience to the unique vibe and look you have in mind.

Does the DJ play during dinner at a wedding?

Evening time. Your DJ will play beautiful background music that will not interfere with your guests’ table discussions. That means no horns and no screaming guitars. Special music is best for the dinner hour, whether it’s smooth jazz, piano, classical or easy listening.

What does a DJ do at a wedding? Your DJ will be responsible for not only keeping the reception on track for toasts, dancing, and cutting the cake, but also for attracting people to cheer, dance, and participate. You want to make sure that your DJ fits your theme and tone as well as your style as a couple.

Does music play while eating at wedding?

Yes, most weddings play music during dinner. You will want to play the music at a low volume. You want to play the evening music softly in the background so that people can have conversations with each other.

How many songs played during dinner at a wedding?

How many songs do you have to choose? A good rule of thumb is 15 songs per hour. A typical wedding reception will see about 3 hours of dancing after dinner and all the ceremonies are over. That’s only 45 songs.

Is music played during cocktail hour?

Although there is no rule that says that your wedding hour must be accompanied by music, we like to think of it as an important part of the event. Adding a happy hour to the wedding schedule can help guests ease the transition from ceremony to dinner.

Does DJ play music during dinner at wedding?

Cocktail Hour â After the ceremony, the wedding party and their families go to take pictures, while the guests go to the reception room and have a meal (or five). A DJ usually just plays music, but sometimes there might be an announcement or two. “Be sure to add your name to the hard copy,†etc.

What does a DJ do at a wedding reception?

A great wedding DJ will also act as your Master of Ceremonies, hosting the wedding party, toasts, your first dance and everything else that matters. They will continue to welcome and inform your guests of all important events.

Does the DJ play during cocktail hour?

Cocktail hour is a time to mingle and chat, and a band or DJ just wins that. Instead, opt for something more subtle, like a string quartet, strolling violinists, or an acoustic act.

Does DJ play at wedding ceremony?

Wedding DJ There are many benefits to having a DJ at your wedding. The DJ can make sure to play the exact songs you want for each occasion, and provide the necessary equipment to amplify the lead and your vows so that everyone can hear.

Do you play music during wedding ceremony?

Ceremony Music Basics Typically, the best wedding music program includes at least three types of songs: pre-set, solo and clean-up. The music that plays first is light, and the atmosphere creates a mood as the guests sit and wait for the ceremony to begin.

Does a DJ play during the wedding ceremony?

Flow â The DJ plays a special song or songs as members of the wedding party walk through the ceremony. Usually, the bride is the last person to walk in. He usually plays one song just for his entrance.

Do you feed the DJ at a wedding?

Making sure your customers are well-fed is very important—and can even be guaranteed in their contract. You will definitely need to feed your wedding, photographer, videographer and band or DJ/emcee, along with their help.

Should you feed the wedding photographer? The short answer? In most cases, yes, you should feed your photographer. Your photographer will spend hours with you, capturing all those beautiful moments and giving you memories that will last a lifetime. Usually, part of hiring a photographer is offering them a meal to show your appreciation.

Do you tip the DJ and photographer at a wedding?

Camera and Videography In general, you don’t have to tell the owner of the company (which usually does wedding photography), although you can tip $100 or more if you want more. If there is help, share the help $50 to $75.

How much should you tip your photographer at a wedding?

If you like the work of the photographer, experts say that the correct behavior of 15-20% is usually appropriate. No matter what amount you decide to cut, it is always appreciated and above all your duties as a wedding photographer to provide your wedding photography.

How much do you tip your DJ at a wedding?

Your wedding DJ doesn’t just play music, but often sets the stage for the evening – a big role for sure. When deciding how much you are tipping this wedding vendor, the rule of thumb is that he should receive 10 to 15 percent of the total bill.

What do you give a DJ for a wedding?

“Give them 10 or 20 songs that you like and let them do the rest. And if you want to watch dance, make sure the songs are danceable. Sometimes people, what they hear on the radio, may not be good for dancing, but the DJ knows.â

Do you tip a DJ for an event?

When it comes to large events, such as weddings or birthday parties, the standard practice is usually a percentage of the DJ’s amount. WeddingZone suggests a tip of 10% to 15%, while The Knot suggests a top of $50 to $150 for a DJ. Whether you tip $50 or $150 depends on how good the service was.

Do you feed the DJ at the wedding?

Ensuring that your suppliers are well fed is very important as it can also be specified in their contracts. You will definitely need to feed your wedding, photographer, videographer and band or DJ/emcee, along with their help.

Do you feed the servers at a wedding?

A meal is a big part of most wedding receptions. After the couple says “I do” and gets ready to party, they need some food to keep them going. However, the sales people on the website who are working all day also need to be fed.

Do you tip the servers at a wedding?

Your total bill usually includes a Caterer and Waitstaff Gratuity (or a service charge). If not (or if you want to give a little more), $10 to $20 per person is a nice offer. Unlike a restaurant, the waiter at your wedding is not dependent on tips for payment.

Do you feed the bartender at a wedding?

The Bartender and Wait Staff Unless otherwise specified in the contract, these people are not required to be fed while they are working at your wedding.

How do DJs get clients?

Socialization. Social media is one of the best ways to market your DJ business. You can connect with fans, network with promoters and clients, and promote your upcoming gigs. Create an account on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.