Dj's Place of Business
Often Dj's (either Club or Mobile) feel they must have a
"plush" office in a "prime" location. They pour all their money into appearances
and, in no time, face a real shortage of cash. To make matters worse, their
prime location, if not properly researched, often turns out to be a
bust.
People don't choose a Dj on the basis
of his or her location. Rather, they choose a Dj based on what the Dj can do for
them and especially how much the Dj will charge.
There's no reason you can't operate
out of a home-based office, at least in the beginning. If you need to meet with
clients, go to their home or place
of business. Better yet, when possible, meet your clients right at the hall
where they will be having their party (do
this as a last resort).
Even if you're already operating out
of a storefront or other rented space, consider the possibility of relocating to
your home if space permits. I know one Dj who did this, and he immediately saved
$600 in rent a month, without losing
one client.
Other
possibilities
Realistically, a home-based office is
not for everyone. Space may not permit it, nor may home circumstances, such as
young children running around.
If working out of your home is out of
the question, consider sharing space with some other non-competing business,
such as an insurance broker or lawyer. I mention these two in particular, as
they often have empty offices and/or desks. An even better possibility: See if you can share space with some
complimentary business who may be able to help you out, such as a florist or
video company. This would
automatically double both business leads.
Still yet another possibility, if you
do a lot of business with a particular catering hall, is to see if you can
arrange use of that hall's facilities. In all of these instances, try to make
barter arrangements in lieu of rental payments.
Plus also, regardless of your eventual
location choice, don't deter business from outside of your immediate area. How you list your business in advertising
makes a big difference. I recommend using terms like "local office," "we go anywhere," or "servicing the
entire county area," as opposed to merely putting one town down with a full
street address (which also lets the
client know you don't travel far).
Some Questions to
Ask
If and when you decide you must have
office space to operate your firm, there are four basic questions to
consider:
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1. What are the other
stores or offices in the area? Complimentary businesses help. You may not want
to be next door to another Dj, but
being near a photographer, florist or cake shop can be a plus. This is especially true if you
arrange cross promotions.
(Along these lines: "I will offer all my customers a 'break' on
doing business with you, if they mention that they heard about you from me, if
you will give your customers the same
opportunity.")
Ø
2. What is the traffic
flow at the site? Exposure to
pedestrian and vehicle traffic will affect sales and advertising, as well as
rent. Obviously, you will pay more for locations that generate a high traffic
flow.
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3. How's the parking?
The traffic count means nothing if people can't find close, adequate and safe
parking at the venue.
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4. What costs are
involved? A poor location may compel you to spend more on other things such as
advertising, while a great location might allow you to spend
less.
One Final Recommendation: Whatever
rate you are quoted for rent is always negotiable. Just because somebody tells
you one thing, it doesn't mean that's the final word.
Oh if you're in a downtown type
location and people come to visit you, consider making change available for
parking meters etc. Also, offer to
pay for their parking if they park in a parking lot close by. This really does work!
I hope that this can help some of you
Part time Dj's as well
want to know a little more then just email me and
i'll try and get back to you as soon as I get a chance
For now have a great time and enjoy what you do a
Dj
Have a nice day
all
