Three simple rules

Every month, I see new DJ’s appear on Craiglist. Some are amateurs, some are pros seeking a new place to advertise. This post is mostly for the amateurs…but even pros need to ‘brush up their Shakespeare’ from time to time.

How to be a pro DJ in three simple rules.

1. Act professional

Before you have the right sound or the right lights, you must be professional in appearance and attitude. It starts with simple things. Be prompt. Return emails and phone calls promptly. Smile. If things go wrong, offer to fix them. When things go right, don't gloat. Always let your client take the whole spotlight. Never talk bad about your competition. Don't get on the mike and make jokes for the sake of making jokes. Don't drink to excess. Don't expect tips. Bottom line, 'if in doubt, don't'.

2. Look professional

Before people will look at your gear...they will look at you.  Remember -- Kohl's is your friend.  Look nicer than the clients who attend your gig.  Don't wear flip-flops - even to a pool party. Find a few polo shirts and comfortable khakis. For wedding and fancy gigs, find a few long sleeved dress shirts and ties. Get a pair of rockports (yes they're more expensive than something at Payless shoes but they last and last). Save the sneakers for school dances (and pool parties). Keep your hair groomed, your pits clean and your teeth brushed. When you have the money, get a good website. Most of your business will come from it so make it stand out from the garbage that's out there.

3. Sound professional

This isn't really about gear. Its about how you carry yourself when you speak. Speak with confidence. Take toastmaster or public speaking courses if you're nervous about speaking in front of crowds. Learn your gear - realize its assets as well as its limitations BEFORE taking a paying gig. Learn how to read a crowd - playing hiphop all night may make the kids happy but won't impress grandma. Remember that your client owns the volume knob. The larger the number of professional DJ’s in the area, the happier clients will be, which leads to more success for all of us.

Some future posting topics:
What PA gear to purchase without blowing your budget
What lights are pro but wallet friendly
Why its bad to talk bad about competition
Wattage vs. power
Playlist vs. Savvy
Reading crowds

If you ever want to ask a question about improving as a DJ, I'll try to answer it here.