Karaoke has become increasingly popular over the past decade.
A karaoke DJ business can be operated from your home, and there are few prerequisites that need to be met in order to become successful in this industry. Potentially, karaoke events can be organized around other commitments such as a part-time or even full-time job. Being a karaoke DJ is an exciting and lucrative career; however, consideration is needed to ensure a positive experience at every event without fail, which in turn builds a better reputation for the business and leads to more prestigious gigs.
Instructions
1. Invest in the equipment needed to run the karaoke business. The budget should be between $2,000 and $10,000. You will need a car or van to transport the equipment to each gig, though if money is tight it is possible to use taxis or borrow cars from friends or family. If you intend to pursue this business as a career, start a sole-trading company, which entitles you to tax deductions on equipment you rent or purchase that are related to the business.
2. Promote your services through more than one medium. Create a website that lists at the very least your contact information and your song catalog. Pricing and availability can be discussed by telephone. Register your website with Google Places, which is free and will significantly enhance your visibility to potential clients. Use print publications such as local newsletters, newspapers and the yellow pages, because not everyone uses the Internet. When you receive a booking, make sure you discuss pricing and secure a 20 percent deposit of the total fee at least 24 hours before performing.
3. Perform your gig with your customers. A confident and enthusiastic personality is essential, and often you will have to sing the first few songs while the venue patrons relax their inhibitions. After each song, lead the rest of the audience into applause to maintain a supportive atmosphere in which the customers feel increasingly more comfortable with socializing and performing. Be concise with closing time, because the venue owner will want to keep to a strict schedule to comply with licensing laws and staff hours.
4. Follow up performances and further develop your network of contacts and potential clients by distributing professionally printed business cards with your name, contact details, and of course the service you provide. Furthermore, retain the contact details of all potential and current clients, especially e-mail addresses. With these details, you can continuously promote your services with e-mail marketing. Never spam your contacts, as this will damage your reputation.
