Mobile DJ Forums: Robster - Viewing Profile - Mobile DJ Forums

Christoph if you can find a genuine sweet sixteen that's a virgin in Tameside that's almost a miracle lol.

I absolutely and totally agree that some of the ideas and concepts are transferable and getting inspiration is what i have, and still do from our american friends.... but taking as gospel hook line and sinker evey word said is not my way, i genuinely appreciate the input that our colleagues from other shores offer. some indeed do genuinely work but some don't , part of evolving as a dj is trying out different things an seeing what works.

I sometimes have a feeling that some workshops DVD's or courses are too self helpy or too cultist for my own tastes and that they promote psycho babble and marketing BS even then they often have good advice hidden in the messages as an agenda to get you on board.

I am a sceptical guy but also open minded , i need proof to suspend disbelief ..so show me evidence and I will go with most points of view , but just saying its so isn't evidence to me. so who is doing £7000 proms in the north west of England?

Christoph if you get a prom in Tameside for £7000 in the next two years after doing Arnoldo Offermann's courses i will donate £100 to charity from my own pocket

How long has the tradition of a school proms been going in the USA?
How long has the tradition of your average high school in the UK having a prom as opposed to a school disco?
How many schools in the north west of the UK have a prom budget for entertainment of £ 6,994.89?(thats $11,000)
yes things change but it will be a long time before a School in Tameside has a seven grand budget for a prom that wouldn't get ripped apart by angry parents saying the money could be better spent with a spread in the local paper.

we grew up in the UK watching films of kids having proms I never had a prom neither did any of my same aged peers, my kids have. the market for this is growing and in a few years i think we will be at this sort of level but the funding for school events is somewhat different in the UK than in the USA.

I am not getting personal , i am not having a go at you as a person , i am not being xenophobic but just asking straight forward questions. i welcome you and your ideas and i am willing to listen and learn , i do feel that you may find some of the questions and answers some post to be a little harsh or uncomfortable but thats because in my years experience i have never seen or hear of a school paying over £1000 for entertainment in Tameside (my local area) never mind £7000.

sorry to sound negative, but i look forward to your posts and contributions and look forward to learning how to get that sort of fee.

on the whole (but not always) stay away from maplins . discoworld phaseone cookies crs1 discotechnology thomann valeway and audiospares are good suppliers

at 15 there are a few issues DJing at licensed premises where managers may not like a under 18 as a DJ BUT there are tons of young people centres and schools and youth projects where offering to DJ will give you loads of experience. I started at a youth club

for each of the following categories throw them into the search at the top of this forum



Pat Test: Strongly advise this make sure your gear what ever you buy is safe and tested

PLI: really advise you in getting this not worth the risk for the small fee BUT your age might be an issue

Tax & NI: your 15 now but if your 16 soon then tax and NI A must have but I would guess as a new start up you would struggle to hit the tax threshold.

Website: Get one, it is the cheapest form of advertising you will ever get and when you buy the domain name try and get it related to your industry. You can get free website hosting with many dj associations that also offer PLI in that cost.

Business Cards: Get some (not from vista print ) get decent cards without a generic style, get one that reflects the type of DJ you are so if your a general party dj cards that look like your a club dj or wedding dj wont be right

What to wear: Think about the gig and dress appropriately

Telephone: Practice your responses , write down a few questions and answers so you are prepared when you talk to clients on the phone.

Email: Get pre-prepared responses that just require minor tweaks see thislink

Price: Don’t under value your services but your issue is currently age but don't sell yourself too cheaply

Equipment Maintenance: Essential, do it regularly and when you can afford it you must get backup equipment

Client Contract: Get one again seelinks and this forum feel free to look at my terms and conditions on my web site as a guide



Keep a record of all transactions and receipts even minor eBay purchases as this will offset your tax burden when you get to 16.

Never make assumptions about a gig or your clients as they are all different and where it is OK to keep references and playlists to tunes try not to make a habit of churning out the same thing every gig as it makes you stale look at forums for playlist inspiration and what is working.
Expect to spend lots on legally acquired music.

Welcome George ..Nice introduction