What DJ equipment do you recommend, and how do I find sponsors?

Cari Asks:

Hello Jack,

I really enjoy reading your newsletter and I have a fairly new endeavor that is growing tremendously- to the point that I’m kind of lost. I started a paranormal radio show in February and I do everything for it. I have a co-host, but I do the editing, promoting, and everything else. I have recently had requests for events. That’s great and I’m excited, however, I have to provide my own equipment. Because it is new, I haven’t gotten any sponsors yet, and this is a non-profit organization that I am a part of. Because of this, I’m trying to keep costs to a minimum until I get sponsors. I need to know how to use my laptop like dj equipment (for speaking engagements) with a wireless mic and all. Can you give me suggestions, or even tell me where I can go for help of sponsorship.

Thank you so much for the opportunity to ask you this question.

Response:

Hello Cari,

Thank you for reaching out and asking your question!

I will break your question down in two parts: 1) What DJ equipment is recommended; 2) How to find sponsors

For question 1, I don’t come from an audio or visual background, so I am not really the person to ask for this, but I am all for keeping the costs down. So basically, you need a speaker system, and a microphone. Depending on the type of event, whether being on a stage, or a small stall at an event, you will require different products. You’re laptop should have an audio out and microphone input, so that should be enough to get you started. However, based on your question, you are out of the league of the hardware what radio stations use.

So for a small event, I will probably take my home speakers; so maybe head down the your local sound and audio place to see what they have available for your price range. Or if you have the funds, something like this https://www.storedj.com.au/categories/PA-Speakers-Amps/Powered-Speakers

As you already record your own radio shows, I would assume you would have a decent microphone for that. You could take that, or get a cheap wireless microphone from ebay: http://www.ebay.com.au/sch/Microphones-/29946/i.html
Maybe something like this: http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/DUAL-WIRELESS-CORDLESS-TWIN-PRO-MICROPHONE-SYSTEM-FOR-CHURCHS-SCHOOLS-MEETING-/360506242990?pt=AU_Pro_Audio&hash=item53efd8b7ae&_uhb=1

For Sponsorship, that can be quite challenging to get. You basically have to get your self out there and ask people to sponsor you. Ask your listens to donate, see if people want to place ads within your station. But you have to convey “why should they sponsor you” What do you get out of them. So understand your target audience, and contact companies customers who are the same group of people.

Some recommendations:

1. google “how to find sponsors for your blog” – a lot of bloggers ask this question
2. contact PR agents to see if they have any companies who are interested
3. get on social media

But you just have to get out there. Contact other radio stations in the same niche, listen to their sponsors and approach them.

This article may help you as well: http://www.idealist.org/info/Nonprofits/Dev2

I hope this helps!