Great video, prior to the pandemic, I was a contracted DJ working for two different multi-ops in the Nashville area. Fast forward to 2022, I am now a single op putting my brand together for myself. Great words of wisdom about mistakes I will admit to have been making. Many things I took away from as I build my brand and will be changing. So THANK YOU for putting this very informative video together. DJ Sickmiller
Great overall business advice. I've done this since 1991 and everything you say is spot on. I train real estate professionals as well, and everything you talked about is all the advice I give them. Business is business. Thanks for the vid!
Thanks again homie. Been watching you since I thought of the my company name September 2021. I hit my yearly goal last week and have booked my 30th show! Stay authentic. We appreciate you out here for sharing the way.
Jason, all these nuggets were truly Golden. But the last one is the best. Stay True and authentic. Thanks for the education this morning. Sharing this one.
Great video Jason Jani, all your points in this video are right on. We've been in business for 33 years and seen a lot of DJ businesses fail because they are not putting the real work into their business. They think just buying laptop and some cheap speakers make them a DJ. Wrong on that!! Since the covid out there I've been a lot of new Dj's coming out of the woodwork and trying to be Dj and them even under cutters. That puts hurting on the good DJ companies in my area. It does me because my customers know what they are getting when they book with me... The point is why do these new DJ's think its ok to try to ruin another business with their low-ball prices and the brides even go for it over... I've seen that at bridal shows already! Does anyone know what could make the other business better??
Love the response and congrats on the journey of 33 years. I love this craft, but too many treat it as a product and not a service, and most under value the creative segment of the event process.... Its all good, and I appreciate you stopping by and supporting me here.
13. Real Estate. Amazing video. Great points. I think the single biggest reason DJs never reach "real" business status, and even if they do survive their own business life cycle they still don't have a business that is desirable for someone to purchase, is because they never acquire real estate through their business journey. The majority of big business's prioritize real estate. The majority of DJ company owners I meet have not taken this risk. It is the risk with the biggest reward in my opinion. It has served me well and hopefully we can inspire more DJ company owners to take the leap and own assets at the end of their journey beyond some old speaker systems :) Jordan, Black Creek Music. Canada.
I feel like I’m always self evaluating - but, after getting a little tired at the end of this busy season I very much needed a ‘pump up’ video like this to get stoked for 2023 and making things even better. Great vid ty (ps, sent you a question on IG dm)
I agree with all of it. My current dj partner and I started a company in 2020, to which our previous boss was so mad and envious and intimidated he tried his best (which is what he does with everyone) to black ball us because we wanted to leave. He didn’t pay us well and sometimes at all. He didn’t appreciate what we did, he talked down upon us and when we finally left him he black balled us. We’re still in business and I appreciate this video so much because I’ve learned so much righnow that I’m going to tell my partner and we’ll apply to our business. Thank you so much.
Jason you nailed it again dude! Great stuff, 100% Spot On. The comments about stagnation is important - examples you used were advertising and is it still giving you a return. Ya gotta keep you finger on the pulse of everything - you point out awareness of what's around you in the business. Another good point is that what works for one entity won't necessarily work for you. Operating cost and ROI (Return on Investment) are another important area. Profit margin is important, but you must be playing the long game - same applies to the growth curve or trajectory. In the end it's a balancing act. Oh, yeah one must also know limitations or what you can deliver technically - very important element.
I just got back into it after about an 8 year hiatus. I honestly dislike Dj'ng but it is growing on me. With all the new tools available, it's becoming less of a chore and more fun. I receive no shortage of compliments and I just finished a 5 day 10 hrs per day gig. And at least one new wedding gig booked each month without advertising. My show isn't quite what I want it to be yet, so I haven't opened the flood gates just yet. But when I do, I won't have a hard time booking 4 or more weddings a month at $2500 each for a basic dance package and more for additional services. Weddings will be a foundation for me to build up on the other things I enjoy doing and won't have a hard time bringing in talent for additional shows.
Great advice I'm trying to get my business to grow and be professional in the process I've invested in good equipment I work on being a good because I'm determined to become successful with this business I love being able to entertain people I'm very passionate about music and I appreciate the great advice Jason 👊
Aloha from Honolulu! We definitely have a unique/peculiar market on Oahu, for the club scene and weddings mobile events. Really great video, all valid points! I'm certainly guilty of 3. I was coasting for awhile before covid at 35-40 weddings a year since I graduated 2015, now I'm up to 80 weddings for 2022, even after I doubled my rates. Trying to get over the $2k hump for 2023 and hire a few solid part time assistants (one man band so far). Never stop learning!
Thank you for your priceless advice, I'm à bedroom DJ (38 year old), and want to make the jump into mobile DJ for small events such birthday or pool parties, etc. My obstacle is "fear". I'm afraid I mess up, afraid of not speaking clear in the microphone, afraid of not meeting the client's expectations, I'm spending time building a small website with the few content I have and I'm pretty sure once it's ready to be published, I will say to myself "Is it really worthy?", "should I stick to my 9 to 5 job instead?" But I have to take the risk and learn from my mistakes and experiences, somehow I will find the way to overcome that obstacle.
You should check out the interview with Chris Obando from my team on the channel who just left his engineering job after 18 years at age 44 to pursue what he loves doing. My advise is continue to build, get experience and make the jump when your business is moving and secure
You can do it believe in yourself and practice on your weak areas then try and do some small events get your confidence up and take it from there you got this !!!!
Wow,, thank you so much Mr Jani for being forthcoming about how much you charge. Where I live (Montreal, Canada) NOBODY talks about how much they charge for their events. I have many DJ's friends and none of them will tell me how much they charge because they see me,(and everybody) as a threat to their business. I find it ridiculous. I can't take anything away from you if you're 'that' good.
covid tore my business up before covid i was booked 4 days a week from weddings to corporate events, now im dealing with folks hiring the 300-500 dollar dj because the value is not seen, only to reach out to me after and say we should have stuck with you. Because of the lack of professional djs folks do not respect those of us who do the business professionally! The lines are muddied but i am working to clean that line up and set myself apart from the rest.
@Jason_Jani i wish we would all work together but those who do this as a hobby will never see the full potential of the business! It's a cultural change that has to happen one event at a time.
Awesome video. Thank you for sharing all this really good tips and for taking the time and go thru all this good information. You motivated many of us in here. Thank you friend!!
Great information, Jason. During this pandemic, I've learned that it is normal to re-evaluate your career and business very often. Take calculated risks. See what works. What doesn't. Never stop learning and evolving. Blessings to a great 2022 and the entire team at SCE. See you out there very soon.
Great post. I have a young DJ side business. I am working towards many goals to grow it to its potential. Currently I’m trying to build a client questionnaire for the sequence of events, songs they may want for the special moments. I love your advice on the parents, are they married, divorced? The parents wedding songs etc. Great idea!. What format or document do you use for the client to fill out? Would you be willing to share it with me, so I can better build my document? Thanks, Russell Guthrie
Thanks for sharing, very helpful stuff. Where can I find a good tax person who understands the DJ business. I live in PA. Up in the Pocono mountains. Keep up the good work my man.
Just what I was looking for. I treat my dj business more like a side hustle I do pretty good. But I know to take it to the next level I gotta take this advice! I’m trying to start doing packages. Any ideas on how to market them? Should I make a fancy brochure or something simple and easy to read.
This is my first time watching a video by you but I can honestly tell you that now in 2022/2023 I am a live sound tech and do not have to DJ as much anymore. Although your information is geat, there's no amount of time I want to waste with stubborn bat shyt crazy clients. I am not in the business of losing money.
Mate great information love all your tips and use them in my business here in Australia South coast of nsw All I want to say is thank you for time and effort you put in your videos
The most important educational video to date Jason thank you! thanks for keeping it real.. Since I met I have been able to do things I could dream of before.. Have I taken certain thought out risk when others told me it can't be done? Absolutely and have been successful! Is there more for me to learn to grow? Absolutely... You touched on many keys points on what I have accomplished, and what I still need to work on to scale and grow! Thank you Brotha..
Thanks Jason! I’m working on growing into a multi-op. I currently have 1 DJ, 2 assistants, and 2 photobooth attendants. What percentage do you pay your DJs?
Man you have great advice, and it couldn't have come to me at a better time. Thank you! I have one question tho. I'm about to invest in equipment so I can start booking gigs. In your opinion which is more important for weddings, having the highest quality audio (speakers and subs) or having an array of lights and effects?
SOUND IS MOST IMPORTANT BEFORE ANYTHING ELSE. IF YOU SOUND DOESNT GET THE JOB DONE, IT WILL NEVER MATTER WHAT LIGHTS YOU HAVE. ONCE YOU START CRUSHING PARTIES THEN YOU START OFFERING LIGHTING IN THE FUTURE. DO NOT BUY LIGHTING BEFORE SOUND OR THE BEST SOUND GEAR YOU CAN SWING... ILL RECORD A VIDEO ON THIS.
I’m having a problem getting customers, I’m in Dallas Tx every one get low ball me so quick but I shoot for the stars. I watch all your videos and use the tips and steps but I have little success. Can you help me
Hi Jason. Thank you for this and all the videos you put out offering advice. Question: What CRM tool are you currently using at SCE? I believe I've heard you manage DJ Event Planner before. I'm currently looking to invest in this area and would appreciate any recommendation you have. Thanks. Mo.
Jason I know I’ve asked you several times and I’m a huge fan of your work. Is their anyway you could do a video on where a DJ set up should be placed at a wedding venue? This is extremely important to me and I noticed that New Jersey gets it but not venues in Maryland, Delaware or PA. Do I have to shoot you a message on the gram? Do you even check these comments?
@@Jason_Jani sounds great! I really do appreciate it so much! I find myself fighting this so many times and it’s really frustrating and I know you would nail it better then any other DJ because you are a OG!
My biggest fear is house parties especially 18th birthdays due to out of control parties no supervision by adults. Fear for my safety as I work alone. House parties don’t have security either. Any advice?
I think that "Don't try to emulate" is a bad advise. All successful people model those who came before them. In music, most successful writers and performers modeled someone before they found their own "voice". For example, Ozzy Osborne has been obsessed with Beatles since he was a teen and used to write in their style until gradually turning to metal... and most artists have similar stories
Emulating and putting your spin on something is what I said. Straigh emulating with no personal influence is only going to limit the potential of the person who cant think for themselves. They will always just be a carbon copy of something they are not. Just my thoughts.
![[ ออกกอง ] วัยหนุ่ม 2544 โลกหลังลูกกรง..ทัวร์กองถ่ายหนังใน "คุกของจริง" | JUSTดูIT.](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/vB--aOkZCpw/mqdefault.jpg)
I would love to know what you think about this video... please comment below!
You are so right!!
THANK YOU, DJ JASON JANI 🎧🎤 FOR THOSE EXCELLENT DJ TIPS , COMING IN FROM A MASTER ENTERTAINMENT !!
Exactly what I needed to hear as a single OP. One of your better videos, thank you!
Thanks so much! Appreciate you!
Totally agree
I think
I do 99% of your reasons
I would love to work in
Your Team
Thank you!
Jason, I just wanted to say”Thank You”!! You are a true inspiration to the craft and I look forward to seeing more of your work. -djmike 🎤
Great video, prior to the pandemic, I was a contracted DJ working for two different multi-ops in the Nashville area. Fast forward to 2022, I am now a single op putting my brand together for myself. Great words of wisdom about mistakes I will admit to have been making. Many things I took away from as I build my brand and will be changing. So THANK YOU for putting this very informative video together. DJ Sickmiller
Hey DJ Sickmiller! I'm a Nashville based DJ as well. If you ever need another DJ or an extra set of hands please reach out
Great overall business advice. I've done this since 1991 and everything you say is spot on. I train real estate professionals as well, and everything you talked about is all the advice I give them. Business is business. Thanks for the vid!
Appreciate you stopping by! Thank you!
Thanks again homie. Been watching you since I thought of the my company name September 2021.
I hit my yearly goal last week and have booked my 30th show!
Stay authentic. We appreciate you out here for sharing the way.
I really appreciate you and the support here on the channel. It means a ton to me. Jason
Jason, all these nuggets were truly Golden. But the last one is the best. Stay True and authentic. Thanks for the education this morning. Sharing this one.
My pleasure!
Great video Jason Jani, all your points in this video are right on. We've been in business for 33 years and seen a lot of DJ businesses fail because they are not putting the real work into their business. They think just buying laptop and some cheap speakers make them a DJ. Wrong on that!! Since the covid out there I've been a lot of new Dj's coming out of the woodwork and trying to be Dj and them even under cutters. That puts hurting on the good DJ companies in my area. It does me because my customers know what they are getting when they book with me... The point is why do these new DJ's think its ok to try to ruin another business with their low-ball prices and the brides even go for it over... I've seen that at bridal shows already! Does anyone know what could make the other business better??
Love the response and congrats on the journey of 33 years. I love this craft, but too many treat it as a product and not a service, and most under value the creative segment of the event process.... Its all good, and I appreciate you stopping by and supporting me here.
13. Real Estate. Amazing video. Great points. I think the single biggest reason DJs never reach "real" business status, and even if they do survive their own business life cycle they still don't have a business that is desirable for someone to purchase, is because they never acquire real estate through their business journey. The majority of big business's prioritize real estate. The majority of DJ company owners I meet have not taken this risk. It is the risk with the biggest reward in my opinion. It has served me well and hopefully we can inspire more DJ company owners to take the leap and own assets at the end of their journey beyond some old speaker systems :) Jordan, Black Creek Music. Canada.
I feel like I’m always self evaluating - but, after getting a little tired at the end of this busy season I very much needed a ‘pump up’ video like this to get stoked for 2023 and making things even better. Great vid ty (ps, sent you a question on IG dm)
Here is your reply! th-cam.com/video/DxjztSkFraQ/w-d-xo.html
I agree with all of it. My current dj partner and I started a company in 2020, to which our previous boss was so mad and envious and intimidated he tried his best (which is what he does with everyone) to black ball us because we wanted to leave. He didn’t pay us well and sometimes at all. He didn’t appreciate what we did, he talked down upon us and when we finally left him he black balled us. We’re still in business and I appreciate this video so much because I’ve learned so much righnow that I’m going to tell my partner and we’ll apply to our business. Thank you so much.
Continue to climb. Keep your head up and effort and results far outweigh the chains of a former employer that wasnt good for you.
Very informative and inspiring...I can sense your passion and appreciate your willingness to impart tools for success to others... Thank you!
I appreciate that!
Jason you nailed it again dude! Great stuff, 100% Spot On. The comments about stagnation is important - examples you used were advertising and is it still giving you a return. Ya gotta keep you finger on the pulse of everything - you point out awareness of what's around you in the business. Another good point is that what works for one entity won't necessarily work for you. Operating cost and ROI (Return on Investment) are another important area. Profit margin is important, but you must be playing the long game - same applies to the growth curve or trajectory.
In the end it's a balancing act. Oh, yeah one must also know limitations or what you can deliver technically - very important element.
Tremendous video!! Love your energy, truth, & passion to educate the culture 👏🏾 💪🏾💯🎯
Thank you so much
Two years later- still a great reminder video. Thank you
Glad you enjoyed it!
I just got back into it after about an 8 year hiatus. I honestly dislike Dj'ng but it is growing on me. With all the new tools available, it's becoming less of a chore and more fun. I receive no shortage of compliments and I just finished a 5 day 10 hrs per day gig. And at least one new wedding gig booked each month without advertising. My show isn't quite what I want it to be yet, so I haven't opened the flood gates just yet. But when I do, I won't have a hard time booking 4 or more weddings a month at $2500 each for a basic dance package and more for additional services. Weddings will be a foundation for me to build up on the other things I enjoy doing and won't have a hard time bringing in talent for additional shows.
This is awesome!!! Welcome back and happy to hear things are going well for you!!
Great advice I'm trying to get my business to grow and be professional in the process I've invested in good equipment I work on being a good because I'm determined to become successful with this business I love being able to entertain people I'm very passionate about music and I appreciate the great advice Jason 👊
Aloha from Honolulu! We definitely have a unique/peculiar market on Oahu, for the club scene and weddings mobile events.
Really great video, all valid points! I'm certainly guilty of 3. I was coasting for awhile before covid at 35-40 weddings a year since I graduated 2015, now I'm up to 80 weddings for 2022, even after I doubled my rates. Trying to get over the $2k hump for 2023 and hire a few solid part time assistants (one man band so far).
Never stop learning!
Thank you for your priceless advice, I'm à bedroom DJ (38 year old), and want to make the jump into mobile DJ for small events such birthday or pool parties, etc.
My obstacle is "fear". I'm afraid I mess up, afraid of not speaking clear in the microphone, afraid of not meeting the client's expectations, I'm spending time building a small website with the few content I have and I'm pretty sure once it's ready to be published, I will say to myself "Is it really worthy?", "should I stick to my 9 to 5 job instead?"
But I have to take the risk and learn from my mistakes and experiences, somehow I will find the way to overcome that obstacle.
You should check out the interview with Chris Obando from my team on the channel who just left his engineering job after 18 years at age 44 to pursue what he loves doing. My advise is continue to build, get experience and make the jump when your business is moving and secure
You can do it believe in yourself and practice on your weak areas then try and do some small events get your confidence up and take it from there you got this !!!!
Wow,, thank you so much Mr Jani for being forthcoming about how much you charge. Where I live (Montreal, Canada) NOBODY talks about how much they charge for their events. I have many DJ's friends and none of them will tell me how much they charge because they see me,(and everybody) as a threat to their business. I find it ridiculous. I can't take anything away from you if you're 'that' good.
Thank you very much Jason for sharing your wisdom and passion. I hope to be as successful as you someday in the event industry. Aloha 🤙🏽
Thank you for checking out the video i appreciate you and it
covid tore my business up before covid i was booked 4 days a week from weddings to corporate events, now im dealing with folks hiring the 300-500 dollar dj because the value is not seen, only to reach out to me after and say we should have stuck with you. Because of the lack of professional djs folks do not respect those of us who do the business professionally! The lines are muddied but i am working to clean that line up and set myself apart from the rest.
LOVE TO HEAR THAT YOU ARE WORKING TO FIX THIS WORLD WE ALL SHARE. KEEP IT UP.
@Jason_Jani i wish we would all work together but those who do this as a hobby will never see the full potential of the business! It's a cultural change that has to happen one event at a time.
Awesome video. Thank you for sharing all this really good tips and for taking the time and go thru all this good information. You motivated many of us in here. Thank you friend!!
Always droppin gems my brother! Keep rockin' steady. Peace!
This. Is. An. Awesome. Video. Great framework for all levels of DJing!
Great information, Jason. During this pandemic, I've learned that it is normal to re-evaluate your career and business very often. Take calculated risks. See what works. What doesn't. Never stop learning and evolving. Blessings to a great 2022 and the entire team at SCE. See you out there very soon.
My brother, i truly appreciate you watching this video and stopping by with some comments
Thanks for the info! Viewing this in 2024
Great post. I have a young DJ side business. I am working towards many goals to grow it to its potential.
Currently I’m trying to build a client questionnaire for the sequence of events, songs they may want for the special moments. I love your advice on the parents, are they married, divorced? The parents wedding songs etc. Great idea!.
What format or document do you use for the client to fill out?
Would you be willing to share it with me, so I can better build my document?
Thanks,
Russell Guthrie
Maaaaan Jason…. You a MVP in this business! Thank you for helping add value to the industry! We need you! Thank you!!
Thanks td, appreciate you checking out this video and supporting me here
Your best video yet!!!!! 💯
Hi Jason you have been a great help for me. Thanks heaps for your show’s.
My whole staff needs to see this video...#limitthemselves
awesome, be sure tpo invite them to support the channel!
Thanks for sharing, very helpful stuff. Where can I find a good tax person who understands the DJ business. I live in PA. Up in the Pocono mountains. Keep up the good work my man.
Just what I was looking for. I treat my dj business more like a side hustle I do pretty good. But I know to take it to the next level I gotta take this advice! I’m trying to start doing packages. Any ideas on how to market them? Should I make a fancy brochure or something simple and easy to read.
In California SCE IS southern California Edison the electric utility company,
Good positive vibe you giving
Great
ITS ELECTRIC LOL
THANK YOU FOR ADDING A COMMENT, AND I DEF LEARNED ABOUT SCE ELECTRIC OVER THE PAST 10+ YEARS
I agree with almost everything here. But at what point should you have a physical office?
When your business needs it to operate
This is my first time watching a video by you but I can honestly tell you that now in 2022/2023 I am a live sound tech and do not have to DJ as much anymore. Although your information is geat, there's no amount of time I want to waste with stubborn bat shyt crazy clients. I am not in the business of losing money.
That is awesome! Thank you for stopping through.
Thanks for the advices ,excellent content
Mate great information love all your tips and use them in my business here in Australia South coast of nsw
All I want to say is thank you for time and effort you put in your videos
Thank you so much! I appreciate you stopping by!
Good video!!!
Glad you enjoyed it
The most important educational video to date Jason thank you! thanks for keeping it real.. Since I met I have been able to do things I could dream of before.. Have I taken certain thought out risk when others told me it can't be done? Absolutely and have been successful! Is there more for me to learn to grow? Absolutely... You touched on many keys points on what I have accomplished, and what I still need to work on to scale and grow! Thank you Brotha..
Thanks Jason!
I’m working on growing into a multi-op. I currently have 1 DJ, 2 assistants, and 2 photobooth attendants.
What percentage do you pay your DJs?
ONE DAY I WILL MAKE A VIDEO ABOUT IT
Man you have great advice, and it couldn't have come to me at a better time. Thank you! I have one question tho. I'm about to invest in equipment so I can start booking gigs. In your opinion which is more important for weddings, having the highest quality audio (speakers and subs) or having an array of lights and effects?
SOUND IS MOST IMPORTANT BEFORE ANYTHING ELSE. IF YOU SOUND DOESNT GET THE JOB DONE, IT WILL NEVER MATTER WHAT LIGHTS YOU HAVE. ONCE YOU START CRUSHING PARTIES THEN YOU START OFFERING LIGHTING IN THE FUTURE. DO NOT BUY LIGHTING BEFORE SOUND OR THE BEST SOUND GEAR YOU CAN SWING... ILL RECORD A VIDEO ON THIS.
Thank you great advice!
Spot on!
Thanks
I’m having a problem getting customers, I’m in Dallas Tx every one get low ball me so quick but I shoot for the stars. I watch all your videos and use the tips and steps but I have little success. Can you help me
I would need to check out more about you and your business.
Hi Jason.
Thank you for this and all the videos you put out offering advice.
Question: What CRM tool are you currently using at SCE? I believe I've heard you manage DJ Event Planner before. I'm currently looking to invest in this area and would appreciate any recommendation you have.
Thanks.
Mo.
I HAVE USED DJEP FOR YEARS. I AM LOOKING AND CONSIDERING SWITCHING TO SMPL.
King
Thanks man, just trying to put it out there so people can avoid some of the pitfalls I have seen.
Thank you
Jason I know I’ve asked you several times and I’m a huge fan of your work. Is their anyway you could do a video on where a DJ set up should be placed at a wedding venue? This is extremely important to me and I noticed that New Jersey gets it but not venues in Maryland, Delaware or PA. Do I have to shoot you a message on the gram? Do you even check these comments?
I have thought about it, just haven’t recorded it. I check all messages
@@Jason_Jani sounds great! I really do appreciate it so much! I find myself fighting this so many times and it’s really frustrating and I know you would nail it better then any other DJ because you are a OG!
Good points
💯🔥 truth!
Reminds me of the books: who not how and 21 laws of leadership. I can see how you empower your people.
Thank you 💖
My biggest fear is house parties especially 18th birthdays due to out of control parties no supervision by adults. Fear for my safety as I work alone. House parties don’t have security either. Any advice?
🎉🎉🎉🎉😊🔥
I think that "Don't try to emulate" is a bad advise. All successful people model those who came before them. In music, most successful writers and performers modeled someone before they found their own "voice". For example, Ozzy Osborne has been obsessed with Beatles since he was a teen and used to write in their style until gradually turning to metal... and most artists have similar stories
Emulating and putting your spin on something is what I said. Straigh emulating with no personal influence is only going to limit the potential of the person who cant think for themselves. They will always just be a carbon copy of something they are not. Just my thoughts.
I need help programming my wmx1 so my lights look like yours HELP PLEASE
THEY MISS A VERY IMPORTANT FACTOR IN BEING A DJ PREP UP AS A CELEBRITY STATUS - BEING HUMAN IN A MORE ORIGINAL BASIS.
not sure i understand what you are saying
what you gonna dp when AI leaves you and your business obsolete
Thank you
You're welcome
Thank you