Episode 16 - Rich Ellis - Hard to hear advice for a DJ events business...

In this episode, we welcome Rich, a young DJ who has transitioned from university DJing to running his own DJ agency, Zip Events Group. Rich shares his background, starting with his early passion for music and DJing, which led him to perform at local events without any pay initially. His determination and networking in the local scene paid off when he landed his first residency at a bar during his third year.

Rich discusses the evolution of his DJ career, highlighting the shift from weekend gigs to midweek events, and how he managed to create a personal brand through effective marketing strategies. He emphasizes the importance of building connections and being visible within the community.

While discussing the challenges of being a DJ, Rich highlights the difficulties of weather affecting outdoor events and some of the more unexpected hurdles that come with DJing at weddings. Additionally, he dives into the logistics of running an agency, including how he created the Zip Events Group in response to recommending fellow DJs for gigs he couldn’t fulfill. Rich shares insights on how he effectively manages the business aspects of the agency, including SEO and Google Ads, despite being relatively new to those areas.

The conversation also covers the importance of valuing DJs fairly in a competitive market. Rich reflects on the pressure associated with wedding gigs and the responsibility of ensuring everything runs smoothly. He concludes with a discussion about future plans for expanding the agency and how to incorporate other entertainment options while still maintaining a focus on his passion for DJing.