If you were given/won

[Charlie Brown]

£10k to spend purely on your business, what would you spend it on? (if anything) Before anyone asks, no I haven't won a scratch card.

I'm not looking for generic answers, such as, 'buy a dancefloor or the nearest chocolate fountain company that's going bust'

Look forward to your ideas.

[DeckstarDeluxe]

Invest in human cloning :)

[Charlie Brown]

Invest in human cloning :)

:lol:

I like that one. Do you need more man power then?

[DeckstarDeluxe]

:lol:

I like that one. Do you need more man power then?

Not really at the moment but there is only so much one person can do and of course can only be at one place at a time.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Photo booth.

I didn't win the money though....

[Shaun]

I'd buy a new(er) van. Mine is getting on a bit.

[Excalibur]

I'd buy a new(er) van. Mine is getting on a bit.

It's not as old, slow, ugly or decrepit as me and mine though, Sonny. Count your blessings. :p

[Corabar Steve]

1U Digital amps (X2, main & backup) for each of our rigs & some nice (wooden) speakers to replace all the Mackies

(although I may have just over-spent by a grand or so for the ones I have in mind) :sj:

[Shaun]

It's not as old, slow, ugly or decrepit as me and mine though, Sonny. Count your blessings. :p

Are we talking about the van or the DJ?



:sofa:

:D

[Excalibur]

Are we talking about the van or the DJ?
Which part of "me and mine" were you strugglling to understand? :confused: :p Blimey, not only do I set 'em up for you, I even knock 'em down as well. :D :D :D

[Shaun]

Peter, you speak so often in riddles I had to be really sure. :P :d

[Charlie Brown]

Not so much equipment, but more on the business side of things?

I'm not intending to go out and win any money BTW.

[Corabar Steve]

Not so much equipment, but more on the business side of things?

I'm not intending to go out and win any money BTW.
Isn't buying equipment spending on th business then?


What else can you spend on? There's not a lot. Kit, transport / logistics, advertising, new services.....

Insurance policy? not for 10k

[Danno13]

I'd keep it in the bank and take on a full time employee, knowing I had some backup to pay their salary.

[Charlie Brown]

Okay,

Well before going back to a full time job I really wanted the whole disco thing to properly work and take off like this time last year. I wanted it to keep me business in the day, earn a bit of dosh and then move onto something else but it ain't happening.

It's getting me down and fed up especially with just bumming around in the day, so Grandad's offered to give me a bit of dosh, on the condition I spend it wisely and don't drink and smoke it away.

So, I wanted to put together a list of things that I'd like to do but can't at the moment due to cash flow problems. I wouldn't accept the money if I wasn't 100% sure I knew where it was going to go. If that makes sense?

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

So really Charlie you've just been playing at business and now it's getting tough, the silver spoon is being held out for you....

[Danno13]

Are you driving yet Charlie? Surely that needs to be a priority as transport must be taking a big slice out of your earnings per gig?

[Stu]

I would get a new website professionaly made and ensure it gets to the first position on google for ALL relevant searches in my area. Think that would take up a big chunk of the money.

I would also spend a bit on advertising.

I don't think i would blow it all at once, but rather get the website up then budget whatever is left over the next 12 months to advertise and promote the business.

[Charlie Brown]

So really Charlie you've just been playing at business and now it's getting tough, the silver spoon is being held out for you....

Silver spoon is probably a bit OTT. I pay for everything and I mean, everything, myself apart from the gas/electric bill which is presumably covered in the board I pay. This whole thread will probably make me sound like a spoil brat or that I'm showing off/attracting attention, which isn't my intention or what I'm trying to achieve. I know I'm fortunate that I've got the option of having some financial investment, that in time, I'd like to pay back, but there's no point in accepting it for me to spend on a few weekends away and nights out in Snottingham.

I'd use it to take the business further. I think most business need a bit of capital injected into it, initially. I remember Neil saying he wants to spend a few more years saving up his money to inject back into the business, before looking for a new pad.

Do you kind of see what I'm trying to achieve/ask? The other option as well (I couldn't see it working) is that Dad joins me and we do it together. He's pretty much retired now apart from the odd job hear and there. As Paul P will tell you, I'm fortunate that he helps me out so much.


Are you driving yet Charlie? Surely that needs to be a priority as transport must be taking a big slice out of your earnings per gig?

I've done 45 hours of driving lessons now which has cost a fortune and I've learnt how to start the engine. :sj: :lol:

Costs can vary. Sometimes Dad will take me there and back for £20/30, if not I'll use a man with a van which can cost hundreds.

[Mark Wild]

New van for me if I was given £10k :)


Sometimes Dad will take me there and back for £20/30, if not I'll use a man with a van which can cost hundreds. .


Dan is bang on though, you're ultimately a 'mobile' DJ and not being able to drive is ridiculous imo, get through your test and buy a van, you'll wonder why the hell you haven't already once you get wheels.

[Paul The Party Dj]

I'd take £3K and go to Mobile Beat and do every seminar and workshop I could. I'd book a £1k holiday for November.
I'd spend the rest on my business (mostly on marketing and training) over the next 24 months.

[Stu]

Ohh didn't realise you can't drive. 100% definatley use the money to get your license and buy a van plus insurance for a year.

What do lessons cost now, £25 an hour? Even if it takes you another 100 hours of lessons, that's still only a quarter of your budget spent on getting one of the most important skills you'll ever have.

Spend £5k on a van if you want a snazzy one (less if you can find an older one in good condition) and then the £2.5k you have left should be enough to insure it for a year.

Seriosuly, don't give up on learning to drive. It is pretty much an essential skill if you want to stand on your own two feet in any walk of life.

[Shakermaker Promotions]

I'd invest it in a new van.

Charlie, I have to say mate....You are a VERY lucky boy! You may not think it but you most definitely are. I wish someone would just hand me £10K and say "Spend it wisely".

Are you going to accept it?

If I were in your position I'd be inclined to refuse it and get off my backside and go out and get some work during the day. That would soon stop the bumming around wouldn't it.

[Charlie Brown]

I'd invest it in a new van.

Charlie, I have to say mate....You are a VERY lucky boy! You may not think it but you most definitely are. I wish someone would just hand me £10K and say "Spend it wisely".

Are you going to accept it?

If I were in your position I'd be inclined to refuse it and get off my backside and go out and get some work during the day. That would soon stop the bumming around wouldn't it.

Fair and honest point. I'm inclined to agree.

[Shakermaker Promotions]

Good stuff :approve:

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

I'd use it to take the business further.

By doing what?

Buying equipment, marketing, advertising?

[leelive]

I would use the money to buy a percentage of my business from me. I've heard this can be done when moving into the realm of VAT registered. Would be a nice tax saving that I could use to pay off some of the mortgage.
Lee

[djtrev]

If I were in your position I'd be inclined to refuse it and get off my backside and go out and get some work during the day. That would soon stop the bumming around wouldn't it.




I think that I would agree with this.
Get a job;if you can;keep up with the driving lessons and then when you pass your test then maybe consider the offer.
But consider it carefully.Borrowing that amount of money and agreeing to pay it back is a major committment.

[Charlie Brown]

By doing what?

Buying equipment, marketing, advertising?

That's exactly what I was asking.

What would you guys do?

[Cowlinn]

That's exactly what I was asking.

What would you guys do?

I certainly wouldn't take £10k from my grandparents.

[Excalibur]

, so Grandad's offered to give me a bit of dosh, on the condition I spend it wisely and don't drink and smoke it away.
sense?


I think that I would agree with this.
Get a job;if you can;keep up with the driving lessons and then when you pass your test then maybe consider the offer.
But consider it carefully.Borrowing that amount of money and agreeing to pay it back is a major committment.

In this case, perhaps not an onerous obligation.
;) ;) ;)

Charlie, we know you've got a top notch website ( perhaps more than one, I lose track ) so presumably the way to more work is to get a couple of prestigious venues onside? ( Though obviously you may have to speak to many to acquire even one ).
First thing you need is a driving licence, no question. Then you consider a van.

[leelive]

I'd buy http://www.mobiledjdownloads.com/ and get it working again. Seriously miss buying from their 3million wav file catalogue.
Lee

[DeckstarDeluxe]

I'd buy http://www.mobiledjdownloads.com/ and get it working again. Seriously miss buying from their 3million wav file catalogue.
Lee

Are all your clients noticing the difference now your using mp3s? :D

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

That's exactly what I was asking.

What would you guys do?

So you're being given 10K and you're asking what others would do with it and you say there is no silver spoon involved?

Come on Charlie...

If you have the money, then make your own informed decision based on proper market research.

Here's 10 grand Charlie, now go and ask your mates on a forum what they would do with it, take the idea and then make it your own...

Come on....

I posted the bit about playing at business and it might have come over a bit harsh, but actually, it is very true.

Who else has the offer of money to help them out, cos they lost a job and can't get enough enthusiasm to run their current projects?

[NKR]

Charlie

You aren't out there making your business work as you want to start at the top. You want £300 plus for you disco's. You spend all last year acting like you were as big as Darren (business wise of course, sorry Darren).

Anyway, you are 18. Stop crying - join an agency - do a load of £150 jobs and shut up crying like a baby about having no money. six £150 jobs a month is enough for any 18 year old and you can grow it from being busy all the time.

That's how we did it and believe me when there are two of you and you are doing £150 a night job its fairly pap getting £75 for the night (well its not that as we had to drive there, etc), but its growing rapidly now.

Its especially pants when you do what I do during the day, but I understood exposure is the best form of marketing.

£10,000. Bank it and prove you don't need it then give it back.

[Charlie Brown]

Who else has the offer of money to help them out, cos they lost a job and can't get enough enthusiasm to run their current projects?

I presumed I'd get this kind of response which is defeating the object. It's got nothing to do with 'playing at business' (although you do have a valid point in a different context and situation) I just wondered what people would do with it if they were in a situation whereby they were kindly offered a bit of money. I know it doesn't happen every day and without sounding rude, there must be tons of stuff people would like to do/achieve but haven't got the initial financial foundations to get things moving. However, if they did have it...what would they do?

Which ever way I word it, it's going to sound wrong and childish but you must be able to understand what I mean?



You aren't out there making your business work as you want to start at the top. You want £300 plus for you disco's. You spend all last year acting like you were as big as Darren (business wise of course, sorry Darren).



Bang on, hit the nail on the head and I'm not ashamed to admit it. If I'm going to do something, I want to do it properly - not half heartedly but I speak to so many people who were in the right place at the right time and made an overnight success. I'm beginning to realise and understand I'm not going to be one of them, unless I steer away from DJ'ing and do something else.
I don't pretend to be anything. That's what I don't understand, last year I was making a really really good living, now I'm not. Surely it should get better and not worse?

[Shakermaker Promotions]

Spot on advice there Charlie so take it on board.
It does make me sick sometimes. I bumped into a mate today who has been out of work now for just over a year. He was at the same firm for around 15 years and got made redundant. He's always had that silver spoon that Darren mentions as his parents are pretty minted. They bought his house for him and his car.

What's he done for the past year? Nothing! He's out drinking 5 nights a week, sometimes 7 nights believe it or not. His money is running out now and he hasn't got any enthusiasm to get up and get back into work. He's brilliant at graphics and animation and I said to him when he was made redundant that he should go self employed.

Bumped into him today and we got talking about work etc... He laughed and said that if he needs money he will contact his parents who have now moved out of the area.

Perfect job for you Charlie - Get yourself on a cruise ship or something as a DJ!

[Charlie Brown]

Perfect job for you Charlie - Get yourself on a cruise ship or something as a DJ!

I wish. That would be the perfect job but it doesn't look like it's going to happen anytime soon.

[NKR]

Bang on, hit the nail on the head and I'm not ashamed to admit it. If I'm going to do something, I want to do it properly - not half heartedly but I speak to so many people who were in the right place at the right time and made an overnight success. I'm beginning to realise and understand I'm not going to be one of them, unless I steer away from DJ'ing and do something else.
I don't pretend to be anything. That's what I don't understand, last year I was making a really really good living, now I'm not. Surely it should get better and not worse?

Charlie. You have met a load of blaggers who will go bust again and again and hurt a lot of people by not paying them and leave the banks out of pocket.

I wanted a Porsche once. I had one on my wall when I was 15. It was a 1980's Turbo. The one with the fixed position whale tail. It was guards red and had black arches and Black alloy wheels.

I worked my backside off almost everyday I could and although it wasn't a turbo or a 911 I eventually got my little boxster and I loved it. Not because it was a Porsche, not because it was awesome, but because I went and I earned the :Censored: with my hard work and never say die attitude. I sat in it and remembered how I worked my way through uni doing my degree and also working in some of the roughest city centre bookies in Sheffield to get by and make it happen.

I rose through an industry with no dads or uncles working for this firm or that, no old school tie (I didn't have the benefit of a fee paying school on my CV, just a chuffin nowhere nothing comp) and no-one to get advice from. I just got on and did it. Then I started working as a DJ again part time right at the bloody bottom again.

I was in the north wests biggest wedding show today and yesterday. We impressed one major hotel group that much that they may like to offer us a wedding singer and DJ package across a whole number of their group of hotels. Why? Because I was never afraid to get out and graft - sometimes that means sleaves up and hands in the :Censored: and treat it as a means to an end.

[Shaun]

I'm beginning to realise and understand I'm not going to be one of them, unless I steer away from DJ'ing and do something else.


There lies your answer. Your heart isn't in this industry so any more investment in it seems madness from where I'm sitting.

[NKR]

There lies your answer. Your heart isn't in this industry so any more investment in it seems madness from where I'm sitting.

Instant success generation. Thanks Simon Cowell.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

I presumed I'd get this kind of response which is defeating the object. It's got nothing to do with 'playing at business'

Of course it has. If you had any idea what you were doing, you wouldn't be on here saying things like "Well it was good last year and it's not now", you'd be trying to find out why and do something about it.

All you are doing is giving up on one thing because someone has offered to give you money and you think you can make more money and quicker by doing something else.

That is playing at business IMO.

Defeating the object? What exactly is this thread about then?

You want us all to tell you it's OK to take the money and start another business?

You want me to say that you've given the disco business a fair crack, so take the money and move on to something else?

I'm not going to because you haven't given this a fair go. You've given up before you started and the same thing will happen if you borrow or take this money.

You've had it easy so far. Stop relying on others and make it work yourself.

[Shaun]

Instant success generation. Thanks Simon Cowell.

I think you have a point.


I think part of it with Charlie is that he's seen the relative success some of the long term operators in the forum have had, he see's what they offer and he thinks "I can do that". I can charge X amount too and offer this and that and the other, and he is expecting results faster than they're happening for him. Nothing wrong with ambition, but it's worth remembering that the people he's looking up to have had many many years (even decades) of building up business relationships, contacts and working hard to build a solid business foundation.

Success in all but the very fewest cases doesn't happen overnight. Hard graft, perseverance and time is needed in most cases. I get the feeling that young Charles sometimes thinks he's failing because it isn't happening as fast as he'd like.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

I think you have a point.


I think part of it with Charlie is that he's seen the relative success some of the long term operators in the forum have had, he see's what they offer and he thinks "I can do that". I can charge X amount too and offer this and that and the other, and he is expecting results faster than they're happening for him. Nothing wrong with ambition, but it's worth remembering that the people he's looking up to have had many many years (even decades) of building up business relationships, contacts and working hard to build a solid business foundation.

Success in all but the very fewest cases doesn't happen overnight. Hard graft, perseverance and time is needed in most cases. I get the feeling that young Charles sometimes thinks he's failing because it isn't happening as fast as he'd like.

Which is kind of what I was trying to say...:)

[NKR]

Which is kind of what I was trying to say...:)

And me :)

[Excalibur]

I do not think Charlie's problems are exclusive to him. I feel that a lot of the younger members are perhaps encouraged to run before they've fully learned to walk, by seeing what some have achieved, and being exposed to ( partial ) success very early in their careers.

Us geriatrics served an "apprenticeship". As posted above, nowadays everything has to be instant. I truly feel sorry for the young 'uns in this respect. They don't always know how much they don't know.

[funkymook]

Success in all but the very fewest cases doesn't happen overnight. Hard graft, perseverance and time is needed in most cases. I get the feeling that young Charles sometimes thinks he's failing because it isn't happening as fast as he'd like.

First Charlie has to define what success means to him - only then can he look at planning how to achieve it.

So Charlie what is success? (or what would make you feel successful?)

[Stu]

Charlie, have you considered working abroad for a season?

You don't appear to have many ties here in the UK, so if i was in your situation i would book a one way ticket to one of the holiday resorts at the start of April and go looking for a gig!

You don't appear to have a problem talking to people so it should be relatively easy to get a gig in a bar on one of the resorts. Pay will be rubbish, but it will be an experience, a 6 month party and may open up new avenues for you to go down. Such as running a venue.

[Charlie Brown]

I think part of it with Charlie is that he's seen the relative success some of the long term operators in the forum have had, he see's what they offer and he thinks "I can do that". I can charge X amount too and offer this and that and the other, and he is expecting results faster than they're happening for him.

I get the feeling that young Charles sometimes thinks he's failing because it isn't happening as fast as he'd like.

I'd agree with all of that post. I'm finding it hard to understand why it takes so many years/decades for a business like this to be a success. I know I'm opening more worms, but hey, I seem to collect cans. (See what I did there? :D :D ) I've got the foundations - decent gear, good websites which could do with a lot of tweaking, sound personality and music. All I need now is a good DJ...

Joking aside, what are other people doing that I'm not? Obviously a van will help me an awful lot but it won't bring in the bookings?




(or what would make you feel successful?)

http://www.makeitahit.co.uk/ - as long as it brings in decent money.

I enjoy entertaining and think it's a good business to be in but I'm worried whether DJ'ing will be able to support me in the long term.

I guess I've spent all 18 years of my life surrounded by 'money people' I haven't really been exposed to the 'real world'. My Mum isn't rich or well off but having experienced 'how the other half live', it's wet my apatite. It's actually really sad and shallow. I'm not materialistic but do enjoy nice things. I guess I'm trying to compete/keep up with the rich guys but slowly the money's going and nothing's coming in.

Hence the OTT trips to London, Casino visits, meals out. It's not for show or so I can boast, but it's what I enjoy. The atmosphere, people etc.

I've just been exposed to too much when I was younger and spoilt. Now the :Censored: hit the fan and I'm loosing control.

Reading this back makes me sound very pathetic and sad. But it's honestly what's going through my wacky head.

[DazzyD]

I do not think Charlie's problems are exclusive to him. I feel that a lot of the younger members are perhaps encouraged to run before they've fully learned to walk, by seeing what some have achieved, and being exposed to ( partial ) success very early in their careers.

Us geriatrics served an "apprenticeship". As posted above, nowadays everything has to be instant. I truly feel sorry for the young 'uns in this respect. They don't always know how much they don't know.

I totally agree. I've been DJing since 1992 in some way or another and started doing what I do now in 1999. I had a business plan at the start - a road map of where I wanted to be. A lot has happened in that time (I've become a dad three times over and seen a long term relationship come and go) which has made me see things in a different light and, as a result, I'm still not where I want to be. But have I given up? Not at all. I'll get to where I want be - eventually. Plans change just as the market changes and evolves and we must change with it. But giving up should never be an option.


Charlie, have you considered working abroad for a season?

You don't appear to have many ties here in the UK, so if i was in your situation i would book a one way ticket to one of the holiday resorts at the start of April and go looking for a gig!

You don't appear to have a problem talking to people so it should be relatively easy to get a gig in a bar on one of the resorts. Pay will be rubbish, but it will be an experience, a 6 month party and may open up new avenues for you to go down. Such as running a venue.

I did a while in a bar in Ibiza in 1999 (just before I started doing the weddings) and, whilst it certainly was an experience, I did find it quite hard out there and very lonely, really. But, I've had to work for everything I've ever had (and I'm not having a go at Charlie here - I wouldn't begrudge anyone for being in Charlie's position as I'm simply not like that) and it's experiences like working in Ibiza away from home that have shaped the person I am today. However, from what I can gather, lots of wannabe DJs go to Ibiza today looking for work and there's more competition. The bar I worked in the manager was doing the DJing and I told him I could do a better job and he held me to my comments!!

As for what I would spend the money on, well that's easy as I wouldn't take it in the first place. The reason? Well, that's simply my choice!

[leelive]

Are all your clients noticing the difference now your using mp3s? :D

Still buying CDs and copying them in wav format. Having to buy one or two mp3s. Hate them. Bought an mp3 track by Tigerstyle. Had to order the CD aswell. While the client may not notice the difference (they are being spoon-fed them like candy!) I have prefer quality.
Lee

[Charlie Brown]

I've spoken to Grandad today when I went with him to the doctors and explained what was discussed on here.

I've declined the money as suggested, which I think made him quite happy.

I've spoken with White Media and a couple of other wedding fayre organises, who have given me a list of forthcoming events. It's something I've been meaning to do for ages but kept putting it off due to confidence/would people take a 18 year old seriously. My websites sort of camouflage who I am.

I may have to borrow a small amount of money to fund the fayres, banners etc which I'll pay back when money starts coming in again.

If anything, I've realised that we're not all going to be millionaires. I'm a lot more well off than other folk (I don't mean financially but a roof over my head, good family etc)

One more question...

There is a small hotel (which is exactly like the Torque hotel in The Hotel series.) I don't think they have loads of functions on but a few. I don't really want to phone the hotel up and say 'hi, blardy blardy blar' because I'm rubbish at selling myself over the phone. If I could arrange a meeting, would it be insane to offer them £50 everytime they pass on/get me a booking?

Does anyone else offer incentives like that? Does it indicate that you're needy and desperate for work because you've been sacked and don't want to borrow from your Grandad? :D

Thanks again and sorry for sounding like a spoilt brat.

[Excalibur]

One more question...

There is a small hotel (which is exactly like the Torque hotel in The Hotel series.) I don't think they have loads of functions on but a few. I don't really want to phone the hotel up and say 'hi, blardy blardy blar' because I'm rubbish at selling myself over the phone. If I could arrange a meeting, would it be insane to offer them £50 everytime they pass on/get me a booking?

Does anyone else offer incentives like that? Does it indicate that you're needy and desperate for work because you've been sacked and don't want to borrow from your Grandad? :D

Thanks again and sorry for sounding like a spoilt brat.
Let's just say I wouldn't regard it as a good way to get business. How about offering the incentive of them getting one of the best young DJ's in the catchment area, with charm, personality and smart gear, every time they book you?

PS, Well done on the first bit. Hope it pays dividends. At the very least, it's an exercise in growing up.

[NKR]

I've spoken to Grandad today when I went with him to the doctors and explained what was discussed on here.

I've declined the money as suggested, which I think made him quite happy.

I've spoken with White Media and a couple of other wedding fayre organises, who have given me a list of forthcoming events. It's something I've been meaning to do for ages but kept putting it off due to confidence/would people take a 18 year old seriously. My websites sort of camouflage who I am.

I may have to borrow a small amount of money to fund the fayres, banners etc which I'll pay back when money starts coming in again.

If anything, I've realised that we're not all going to be millionaires. I'm a lot more well off than other folk (I don't mean financially but a roof over my head, good family etc)

One more question...

There is a small hotel (which is exactly like the Torque hotel in The Hotel series.) I don't think they have loads of functions on but a few. I don't really want to phone the hotel up and say 'hi, blardy blardy blar' because I'm rubbish at selling myself over the phone. If I could arrange a meeting, would it be insane to offer them £50 everytime they pass on/get me a booking?

Does anyone else offer incentives like that? Does it indicate that you're needy and desperate for work because you've been sacked and don't want to borrow from your Grandad? :D

Thanks again and sorry for sounding like a spoilt brat.

Well done mate.

Takes a big man to stand on your own two feet. You will have made him quite proud that you want to get on with it yourself. Loans to fund projects are perfectly acceptable. My dad loaned me £1,700 for the EV system. I know I had enough work in to pay it back, so no worries. It was a stop gap.

[Shakermaker Promotions]

Charlie, all I can go on is what I see you write on this forum as I haven't met you in the flesh as it were. I've seen you talk the talk in the past and make a lot of sense which has been quite encouraging. At times I have thought "I wish I had a head on my shoulders like that when I was that age" BUT (there's always a 'BUT')....More often than not (unfortunately), I see you spoiling that by coming up with wind up's, ideas well above your station and then you also tell the truth or come clean about various things going on in the real world of your life.

I personally think that you are ambitious and I'd give you real credit for that but I also think (and agree with some of the comments already, especially Darren's), that you seem to have not given it enough of a chance.

If you've done well in the past year or so and now you aren't, think about it! I don't think you have to be Bergerac, Sherlock Holmes, Columbo, Kojak or Taggart (to name a few) to work out that it seems to have gone downhill for you since you admitted a while back about your visits to casinos etc. Ok, you only recently mentioned that but it's obviously been going on for a while?

I personally think that too many people look at what we do and think that it's easy money. I'm not saying that you are one of them as it's obvious that you have invested in decent equipment, websites and advertising etc...but (there it is again) is it enough? You can't just think that by doing all of that you can just sit back and let it do it's thing. You asked what makes us all different or what is it some of us do that keeps it working (or words to that effect)...

Well, to answer that - Personally, I have lots of bills to pay and a mortgage just like the majority on here so I HAVE to keep on the ball. I am always thinking of different things I can do, how I can go about improving etc etc. I don't mean to sound funny and repeat myself again and again and again etc etc etc but you ARE lucky and you need to realise that. What would you do if your parents suddenly said...."You know what Charlie, we've decided to emigrate" or "Charlie, isn't it about time you left home and went into the big bad world on your own"....

The last thing (and this will sound really bad - sorry), unfortunately there is nothing you can do about it but it could be that you are so young that it may put people off? Personally, it wouldn't put me off at all. You have testimonials and you also have experience too but the age thing could be a factor? As I said, I've never met you so I don't know what you are like in the real world. I am sure anyone on here that has met you will speak up and say what you are like but all I would say is that if you are the same way when you meet your customers as you are on here at times, it may put people off?

I really think that at the end of the day, it's the whole casinos thing that has taken you off track. I'd bet (no pun intended) that it has crossed your mind more than once that you could win the same amount of money in 10 minutes than you could if you worked all day in a 9-5 or did a Disco for someone. I hope you haven't but it would be easy to think that.

[Leicester Ben]

Just read this, its got to be a van and driving lessons! You will be amazed at how much extra stuff you can do with a van, even if its helping other companies collect in equipment etc and getting paid £8 - £10 an hour + petrol for it.

It will also allow you to take on last minute stuff without having to worry about transport etc.

Although what I do now is fantastic, I spent years doing crappy parties at crappy venues for crappy money, its doing these sorts of events that build up your contacts and give you the experience that you will need to do the larger ones.

You have some great websites, I would push both the standard price and the expensive wedding discos. Then pass on the standard discos if you get a wedding in - easy peasy and should fill up your diary a lot more.

Re an investment, from what I understand you have everything that you need equipment wise, I would get the discos sorted first before expanding into other areas.

Only today you emailed me about those bookings, because you 'had forgotten to reply' previously. That forgetting could of cost you a couple of hundred quid, by the sounds of it you really need to get your paperwork side of the business sorted out. 2 diarys, spreadsheets etc.

There is serious amounts of money to be be made in this industry, I get the impression that you need to get the basics right though before you can push on.
Your only 18, I went full time at 21 and its only been in the last 2 years that I have started to earn the big big money, (I'm 28 now) so thats 5 years of doing just discos every weekend. Once you have done this, then think about expanding.

£10k is a huge amount of money, I was never given any money to invest in my business, I did it all with credit cards, loans and juggling money around.

I would take the money for the driving, get a semi decent van and get doing the discos!!!

Good luck :-)

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Charlie, have you thought about looking at getting DJ work in bars. You're perfectly based for & Nottingham / Derby.

When I was your age (blimey that makes me feel old saying that) I was working 4/5 nights a week in bars & clubs (at one point I was doing 7 nights a week).

When I look back the money wasn't great compared to what I could earn from a one off Wedding booking, but it was a good lifestyle if you know what i mean;) , it was week in week out work that gave me a regular wage. I'm sure if you put your efforts into tarting yourself around some of the bars around the city, you could land yourself a regular night or two, which will give you, albeit a little, regular income, that will take the pressure off, give you something to look forward to once or twice a week and develop your DJ / presentation skills as well (when you work one or two nights a week in a venue, week in week out, it makes you work hard on your presentation & music programming skills when you have to keep things fresh!).

Then, especially if you can get a week night and say a Friday night residency it takes the pressure off a little and will allow you to chase the better paying one off gigs on Saturdays.