For one, the money may not be that great in the beginning. Since, this is such a niche profession, there are certain known names in this field that are requested for time and again. Thus, to make your own mark, you have to be creative and different. Disc Jockeys can play for clubs or for radio stations.

Disc Jockeys not only need to be aware of music software to carry out music mixing but also must be able to interest the audience with their small talk. This is particularly true for radio disc jockeys. They have to be able to hold the listener’s interest by interspersing good music with smart one-liners or other interesting programs. They have to not only carry out music recording but also be good talkers.

The specialty of disc jockeys in night club is that they must be able to download music that is trendy and then present in a way that gets the crowd grooving. They need to play the latest and most happening music and do it in a way that is sensitive to the dancers’ requirements. The job is certainly not an easy one as most disc jockeys have to work very late hours and may have to face a lot of isolation due to the nature of their job. Moreover, there is not a very huge market in small towns and to be successful; they have to move to urban areas for more options.

The job of disc jockeys is often considered to be very lonely. They have to be all by themselves, mixing music in small sound proof rooms. When working for radio stations, radio jockeys may not only have to be involved in music but also in keeping the listener’s interest alive by interviewing the public and hosting other talk shows. They have to be very highly in tune to the latest issues to be able to chat while playing music. They have to keep track of the time and co ordinate music, talk show, requests and commercial breaks. They have to be well prepared with spicy and interesting tidbits and organize the whole program.

Moreover, disc jockeys needs to be able to work with all the recording software and even learn something about studio equipment. They have to adjust sound and music and have erratic working hours. Since the radio stations are on air 24 hours in a day, the radio jockeys need to be called anytime of the day and must be always prepared. They must have good speaking voices and good grasp of the language in which they broadcast.

So choose this profession only if your passion for music is strong enough to overcome all odds that you may have to face as a disc jockey.

Disc jockeys usually bring their own equipment and music library, working their banter and playlist into the specifications of the clients. Business ideas such as becoming an independent disc jockey can be a terrific part- or full-time home business for someone with a passion for music.

DJs make an average of $150 for a four-hour party and $350 and up for a wedding, according to the American Disc Jockey Association. No formal training is required. Aspiring DJs can tag along with an established DJ several times to get a feel for the craft. They should also observe when they’re guests at parties where disc jockeys are in charge.

A decent sound system for use by a disc jockey can be purchased for $1,000, but the more hesitant can rent equipment. Because the work is so concentrated at night and on weekends, DJs often can hold down a part- or full-time day job as well to supplement their income. Much of the advertising is on the job — if you impress guests, you’re bound to gain new clientele. Be sure to have plenty of cards on hand for those who may approach you for jockeying their event.

Some mobile DJs focus on a certain type of music and party — say, kids’ birthdays — to keep the overhead even lower, but this eliminates a lot of potential business. Building an extensive song library and the ability to entertain at different kinds of social functions will allow for greater profit.
Pros of a Disc Jockey Home Business
• Guests remember the entertainment more than the food, according to an American Disc Jockey Association survey.
• A disc jockey helps people have a good time, which can be rewarding.
• Independent disc jockey jobs can pay more than what radio DJs earn (on average between $7.43 and $16.81 an hour).
Cons of a Disc Jockey Home Business
• Turning a disc jockey business venture into a full-time proposition can be difficult, because most gigs take place at night or on weekends.
• Enthusiasm and skill are essential for even the most unglamorous of events.
• Nonresponsive party goers can make for a long gig and a possible blemish on your reputation as a good disc jockey.

What You Need to Get Started in a Disc Jockey Home Business
• Appropriate attire. A tux or a suit for formal events is a must.
• A mentor DJ to tag along with for a while on disc jockey gigs.
• A winning personality — be able to work a room without taking it over. Take cues from your customers.
• A sound system — new, used or rented
• An exhaustive knowledge of at least one genre of music (more, if you expect to diversify) and an extensive library of songs.
• A vehicle with enough room to transport your equipment and reliable enough so you don’t miss any of your disc jockey gigs.
• Sufficient storage space for your equipment and music collection
• Business cards, flyers and a website to promote yourself. Keep the investment modest. Word of mouth will generate most of the clientele.

Disc Jockey Business: Real-Life Example
DJ Shakey (aka Julie Covello) an established New York City-area DJ with a collection of 9,000 vinyl records, charges $1,500 and up for a party, according to New York Magazine.
Freelancing as a Disc Jockey
Becoming an independent disc jockey is also something that works well on a freelancing basis.