Many people may think that being a mobile DJ is a dying art. This couldn't be further from the truth. People are always celebrating something or other, and all celebrations need good music. Sure, the industry has changed in recent years, and like any business, you need to stay on top of changing trends, but if you are interested in becoming a mobile DJ, you will find that there is plenty of work to be had out there, as long as you run your business like a business and do your homework, being a mobile DJ can be a very successful career. In this article we will discuss the necessary considerations to get yourself started.

First of all, being a mobile DJ is a business, and as such, if you have made the decision to become one, you need to go into the venture with a business frame of mind. One of the most important things any business needs to do to succeed is to advertise. After all, if no one knows that you are out there DJing, then no one is going to hire you. If you are just starting out, an inexpensive place to advertise is in your local paper. Let people in your local area that your services are available, and the word will travel like wildfire. The benefit of advertising locally to begin with is that you will not have to travel far to your gigs. Another benefit is that quite often you will find yourself DJing for people that you know. Being a mobile DJ can be a stressful occupation, performing in front of people you don't know. It's better to ease into it first performing for family and friends. Make your mistakes in front of people that will forgive you. Once you have a little experience behind you, some other places that you can look at advertising are in the Yellow Pages, sending out flyers via  a mailbox drop, and handing out business cards to everyone you meet. You need to keep your mobile DJ business at the forefront of your mind to make sure that you never miss an opportunity. Eventually, if you play your cards right, you will no longer need to advertise much,as the majority of your work will come from word of mouth.

Another important consideration in regards to your mobile DJ business is to keep a track of your finances. Being a mobile DJ can be an expensive undertaking, as there is a lot of equipment to purchase (which we will be discussing soon) as well as travel expenses and the most costly part, the music. It's no use running a business where you are spending more than you are making, and that's why it's important to always keep a track of your finances. If maths isn't your thing, then you may want to look at finding a good accountant to help you out.

A Mobile DJ Needs... Music!

In most cases there is one thing that drives people to become a mobile DJ - a love for music. If you don't love music, then why would you possibly want to be a DJ? Not only that, but you need to have a very eclectic range of musical knowledge. As a mobile DJ, you will be playing for a huge range of people, and you always need to be keeping your audience in mind. It's no use turning up to a baby shower and playing Gangster Rap at full volume, you won't be making any friends, and you won't be asked back to play at their next occasion. The best thing to do is have a broad portfolio of music before even starting to play. 60's and 70's classic rock is going to get you props at a whole lot of parties, but you are going to need jazz, R&B, Disco, Funk, and even Country & Western music to keep your broad range of clientele happy. Remember, you are not playing this music for yourself, you are playing it for your customers.

Mobile DJ Equipment

As far as equipment is concerned, if you are just starting out it can be easy to feel overwhelmed with all the choices available to you. The first question you need to ask yourself is "What format do I want to be playing?". You may want to go old school and have vinyl records and two turntables, or you may have a more technical bent, and want to play all your music via MP3 format on your laptop. Regardless, the most important thing to have is a good sound system, including speakers and mixers. At some functions, you may also need disco lights, and of course you will need to look at all the extra bits and pieces like a microphone, cable, and all the other equipment that comes along with the trade.

There are so many different types of functions that you will be asked to play in the mobile DJ business, that you will never get bored of the job. One day you'll be playing the waltz for a bride and groom, and the next you'll be playing grunge at someones 21st. You'll be performing at Bah Mitzvahs, school formals, birthday parties and even baby showers. Each one of these jobs will be different and exciting, and yes, also daunting at times. If you love people, and you love music, then making the decision to become a mobile DJ will be one of the best decisions you have ever made in your life.