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In almost every industry networking is a key component to the success of your business. The only way to land DJ gigs is to become visible. You must put yourself out there to let others know you exist.

Here are 4 common networking scenarios you might find yourself in that you’ll want to capitalize on.

1. The Inquiring Mind

SCENARIO: You’re standing in line at the grocery store and the person behind you notices your DJ name printed on your hat. They can’t help but to ask about it. So you explain to them that yes you are a DJ and that you’ve been doing it for several years. Their face lights up because just the day before they were thinking of hiring a DJ for their daughter’s 18th birthday party. But, they had no idea where to find one. Expressing how happy they are for running into you they waste no time in asking for your business contact.

**Order a DJ GURL tote bag or other accessory to get yourself noticed in the check out line here.**

From my experience, small-talk with a random person always leads to the “What do you do for work” question. With this being the case it’s best to have your marketing materials on-hand with you all the time. Get yourself a cute business card holder, put your cards in there, and then throw it in your purse. Even with all the new technology people still ask for business cards. Get some cards printed up and be ready because this scenario in some way or another will happen.

2. Your Friends, Family, and other People

SCENARIO: You’re kind of a newbie DJ at this point. Your good friend who happens to be a singer is performing at a small venue Friday night and asks you to DJ on stage with her, but for free. Of course you agree to do the gig. You post the flier on your Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter pages inviting people out to the show. Next thing you know you have 2 DMs from different people asking how much will it be for you to DJ at their events too. These people had already been following you on social media but had no idea you DJ’d. One person owns a restaurant and is looking for someone to DJ Thursday nights during Happy hour. The other is looking for a DJ for their 40th birthday party. You get the gist, and the rest is history.

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If you haven’t heard already, social media is a great way of reaching lots of people at once. Friends, family, and a plethora of other random people you probably don’t even know. By putting it out there in the cosmos that you are a DJ, you will naturally attract attention back to you. I’m not saying it’s going to happen overnight, but by exposing yourself and your talents to the public it’s inevitable that someone will reach out to you. Have your business right, tight, and ready to go once they do start contacting you. 

3. Professional meet-ups

SCENARIO: Imagine this, you’re new in town and don’t know very many people. You want to pick up some local DJ gigs but you’re not sure where to start. One day you see a Facebook advertisement from the biggest DJ crew in town. They’re hosting a listening party/networking event for local DJs. They want all the local DJs to come out and hear the newly released music from the popular rapper in their crew. All you have to do is RSVP. You jump on it right away. On the day of the event, you have your business cards ready to go and even pop a few of your recorded mixtape CDs in your bag in case the moment calls for it. At the event, you meet several DJs and make some good connections. By the very next month, you’re being asked to guest DJ events with some of the DJs you met that night. From there your name slowly but surely starts to gain some recognition.

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Keep an eye out for these types of events. Don’t only limit yourself to events for DJs. Also, look at other types of business networking events that may be happening locally. You’ll be surprised at how many people appreciate meeting a DJ. At some point or another most people look for a Dj to hire for some kind of event they or their company is having. Keep an eye on your local Facebook events or events posted on Event Bright (or any kind of events board) to see if there’s anything you can attend.

Networking with other DJs is a must. Most gigs I’ve received is from a connection I’ve made with other DJs. Don’t come off desperate. Be cool and show interest in meeting other DJs and what they do. Yes, DJ’ing is a solo sport but you’ll be most successful when collaborating with others in your industry.

4. Cold Calling (cold emailing)

SCENARIO: You’ve been successfully DJ’ing local events for a while now and you really want to expand your reach. You don’t have any connections outside of your local promoters and DJs base. You start doing research on Google looking up DJ companies who have roosters of DJs. DJs for music festivals and other really cool events that you dream to DJ. You decide to put together an electronic press kit so that you can send it out to the DJ companies you found online. You’re afraid none of them will be interested in you because you don’t make your own original music like most of the other DJs on their rosters. You decide to put that concern aside and send your press kit out to 5 companies. You hear back from 1. They happen to be looking for new talent and inquire more about your talents. They’re impressed and decide to give you a trial run.

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In this case, you have no idea who you’re reaching out to and what the outcome is going to be, but it never hurts to try. This situation goes for any event or venue you’re interested in DJ’ing yet you don’t know anyone, but you do have their contact info. Give it a shot and go after your dreams. You may just get a call-back. Someone will eventually be interested in what you have to offer. Never give up.

In Conclusion:

If you’re serious about DJ’ing then put yourself out there. I know networking can be scary but its all part of the journey. Besides, networking is something you’ll always be doing, even when you’ve reached the highest of heights in your career. Good Luck!