photo: Jesse Moore Photography
The idea of taking my DJ business to a legitimate and professional level is taking shape.
This summer I have 3 weddings booked and the first is this weekend.
I managed that with a tiny amount of word-of-mouth. no website, no ads, no wedding fairs.
I am getting to the point where I am starting to seriously consider generating some capital (money!) and trying to grow my business to a level where it can generate a sizable chunk of my income.
Where I’m at now is deciding if I want to finance my purchases myself or try and get a bank loan. As far as businesses go, I don’t think I need a ton of money (the flip being, I won’t generate a ton either so… its likely a good investment:income ratio).
If I bought the Cadillac of sound and lights that I want for the typical 100-200 person wedding, $5,000 would set me up.
BUT, I could just buy the speakers for about $3,000. And either finance interest free over 6 months or with interest over 12 months. I think I could do that with out needing a loan and with the three weddings I’m doing, come close to paying it off before summer (when it will get slow).
Maybe think about the lights in the winter and rent what I need for now. Actually, I kinda like that plan. Glad I talked it out on my blog!
In other news: I’ll need a business plan. What do you think about this style?
Seth Godin>> The Modern Business Plan
Even if I don’t seek a loan, a lot of the research I’ve done on starting a small business says you should make one. If only for the practice and to help keep the business focused.
Then I better get crackilacking on a website, business cards, set decorations and advertising.
To be in the Victoria Bridal Expo in September will cost me $700! oh vey! I’d imagine the fair in January will be similar.
Long term goals will be to figure out how to stay busy outside of wedding season with school dances, corporate events and Christmas parties.
Go with yourself.
The Morning After 
Maybe try to share a table with someone else for the wedding fairs?
that is an awesome idea Anita and something I may do.
theres a wicked photog who seems to do wedding shows and the like, and has wicked blog as well and she has mentioned sharing a table previously so it could happen 🙂
personal blog:
http://babyslime.livejournal.com/
Business blog:
http://www.heatherphoto.ca/blog/
Seth Godin is a smart dude, and has a pretty good process there. But for a little business, the questions to ask are:
How do I get business in a consistent manner? Be realistic, this is where most business fail.
How much do I charge? (or in reverse, how much do I want to make, and how much do I need to work, and charge to make that much?)
How do I organize things so the customers will feel good about paying what I want?
How do I make sure the customers are happy, and how do I keep from getting screwed by them?
How do I make sure the gov’t and assorted people get their pound of flesh so I don’t get in shit later?
Answer those and you’re most of the way there.