In this episode, David Osborne discusses the importance of technology integration for scaling a business. He covers various tools and systems that can automate tasks, save time, and improve efficiency. TakeawaysTechnology integration is essential for scaling a business and improving efficiency.ERPs and CRMs are powerful tools that can handle client communications, contracts, finances, HR, logistics, and supply chain management.DJEPSMPL Calendar automations, like Calendly, can save time by managing scheduling and availability.Gmail filters and templates can help organize and automate email management.QuickBooks is a popular financial management software that can generate accurate and detailed reports.Training resources like HireVire and Blueprint can streamline the training process and save time.Event planning tools like Vibo can improve communication and organization with clients and DJs.Library syncing methods, like Drew Pierce's, can ensure DJs have access to the most up-to-date music libraries.Inventory management systems are crucial for tracking and managing equipment.Podcast production tools like Riverside.fm can simplify the recording and editing process.Video editing tools like CapCut offer built-in effects and easy editing capabilities.Social media scheduling platforms like Later can automate the posting of Instagram content.Zapier and IFTTT allow for platform integration and automation by connecting different programs.Start with the most problematic task or area and find technology solutions to solve the problem.Consider the specific needs and challenges of your business when choosing technology tools and systems.FREE RESOURCES https://blueprintlearn.com/resources

SummaryIn this episode, David Osborne interviews Eric Massengale, owner of Dow Oak Events, about the power of automation in the DJ industry. They discuss the benefits of using CRM software like DJ Event Planner and SMPL, and how automation can save time, increase efficiency, and improve profitability. Eric shares his workflow for automating the client process, from lead generation to review collection. They also touch on the importance of finding the right pricing sweet spot and not overcomplicating things. Overall, the conversation highlights the value of automation in running a successful DJ business.TakeawaysAutomation can save time, increase efficiency, and improve profitability in the DJ industry.CRM software like DJ Event Planner and Simple can streamline the client process and automate tasks.Finding the right pricing sweet spot is crucial for success in the DJ industry.Simplifying and automating processes can lead to higher profit margins.It's important to use automation tools that you are comfortable with and can effectively utilize.Free Resourceshttps://blueprintlearn.com/resources/

SummaryIn this episode, David Osborne discusses the concept of operational independence and how to start working towards it by building systems. He explains the process of documenting tasks in video format and creating playbooks or standard operating procedures. David emphasizes the importance of training and delegating tasks to achieve true operational independence. He also provides tips on which systems to start building and the role of administrative and executive assistants.TakeawaysOperational independence means that the business can run without relying on the owner to perform daily tasks.Building systems and documenting tasks in video format is essential for achieving operational independence.Start by creating systems for the tasks you most urgently need someone else to take over.To achieve true operational independence, you need both rockstar systems and rockstar people to operate them.Inspect what you expect and provide mentorship and development opportunities for your staff.Consider hiring administrative or executive assistants to handle specific tasks and support the company or executive.https://blueprintlearn.com/resources/

SummaryIn this podcast episode, David Osborne interviews Troy Adams, the owner of Carolina DJ Professionals. They discuss Troy's diverse speaking topics, his love for business and leading people, and the challenges of managing multiple locations. Troy shares his approach to creating systems and empowering his team members. He also talks about the importance of strategic planning and balancing personal and professional life. The episode concludes with a discussion on upcoming conferences and resources for further learning.Free Resourceshttps://blueprintlearn.com/resources/

In this episode, David Osborne discusses the importance of making decisions for profitability rather than ego in the multi-op DJ industry. He shares his personal experience of expanding his business to include live musicians and the financial challenges it created. He emphasizes the need to focus on core offerings and maintain a healthy profit margin. Osborne also provides industry standards for profitability and explains how to calculate costs of goods sold and fixed expenses. He encourages listeners to make decisions based on profit and scalability, rather than following trends or trying to look cool on social media.TakeawaysMake decisions for profitability, not ego, in the multi-op DJ industry.Focus on core offerings and maintain a healthy profit margin.Understand industry standards for profitability, including costs of goods sold and fixed expenses.Consider scalability when making business decisions.Avoid following trends or trying to look cool on social media if it doesn't contribute to profitability.https://blueprintlearn.com/resources/

SummaryIn this episode, David Osborne interviews Chad Brown, a tax expert and business owner, about common financial mistakes made by business owners. They discuss the importance of focusing on business improvement, avoiding the mistake of trying to serve everybody and everything, the need for long-term planning, and the dangers of putting too much money in one place. Chad emphasizes the importance of staying focused on your niche, planning for the future, and diversifying investments.TakeawaysAvoid the mistake of trying to serve everybody and everything. Focus on your niche and avoid adding multiple revenue streams that can lead to a financial mess.Plan for the future and have a clear vision for your business. Map out your goals and financial needs for the next 5, 10, or 15 years.Be cautious with your investments and avoid putting too much money in one place. Diversify your investments to minimize risk and protect your financial future.Resourceshttps://blueprintlearn.com/resources/

SummaryThe conversation revolves around the theme of authenticity and the importance of being true to oneself in the entertainment industry. David shares personal experiences and insights on how trying to copy others can hinder personal and business growth. He emphasizes the need to embrace one's unique qualities and attract like-minded individuals. The conversation also touches on the challenges of fear and comparison, and encourages listeners to bet on themselves and be their authentic selves.TakeawaysIt is normal to emulate and copy successful people, but it is important to go beyond that and embrace one's authentic self.Being authentic attracts like-minded individuals and creates a clientele who resonates with who you are.Building a business off of your authentic self accelerates growth and success.Fear and the desire to fit in can hinder personal and business growth.Embracing and being true to oneself is key to personal and professional fulfillment in the entertainment industry.Resources Free Resources: https://blueprintlearn.com/resources/How to Train an Event DJ Course: https://blueprintlearn.com/product/how-to-train-an-event-dj/

SummaryIn this episode, David Osborne interviews Rob Ferre, owner of Life of the Party, an event DJ company. They discuss the agency model of the business and how Rob has built a team of talented DJs. Rob shares his experiences and mistakes made along the way, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and mentorship in the industry. They also touch on the topics of showcasing, branding, and teaching MC skills. In this conversation, Rob Ferre discusses the importance of asking questions and seeking feedback in order to improve as an MC. He introduces the MC Masterclass, a comprehensive training program that covers the fundamentals of being an MC. Rob emphasizes the need to attract individuals who are looking to elevate their skills and offers insights on avoiding the pitfalls of winging it and mimicry. He explores the three roles of an MC - cheerleader, coach, and counselor - and the importance of authenticity in engaging the audience. Rob also shares tips on crafting the first words at a ceremony, using your voice effectively, and building trust with the audience. He highlights the course's focus on managing the minutes, crowd connection, and developing conversational and commanding skills.TakeawaysThe agency model can be successful in the event DJ industry, with 1099 contractors and a focus on talent and client satisfaction.Building a team of DJs requires finding individuals with the right personality and skills, and providing training and mentorship.Collaboration with other DJs in the industry can lead to referrals and opportunities for growth.Showcasing at industry conferences and events, as well as effective branding, can help attract clients and establish a reputation. Asking questions and seeking feedback is crucial for personal and professional growth as an MC.The MC Masterclass is a comprehensive training program that covers the fundamentals of being an MC.Attract individuals who are looking to elevate their skills and avoid those who are content with mediocrity.Authenticity is key in engaging the audience and avoiding mimicry.ResourcesThe Master MC Course Link  https://blueprintlearn.com/resources/

SummaryIn this episode, David Osborne discusses the importance of communication and how it plays a role in optimizing opportunities. He shares insights on how to have a sync meeting, which is a synchronous meeting where all participants actively contribute to the discussion. David emphasizes the need for a purpose, active participation, a set agenda, and a cadence or system for next steps in sync meetings. He also highlights the importance of asynchronous communication tools for offloading tasks that don't require real-time participation. Additionally, David shares how he applies sync meetings in his personal life. TakeawaysCommunication is key in optimizing opportunities and building successful relationships.Sync meetings are important for aligning vision, reporting on execution, and fostering active participation.A sync meeting should have a clear purpose, active contribution from all attendees, a set agenda, and a cadence for future meetings.Asynchronous communication tools like Slack, Loom, Google Drive, project management software, Canva presentations, shared calendars, and Fathom can enhance collaboration and efficiency.https://blueprintlearn.com/resources/

SummaryIn this episode, David Osborne interviews Brian Bonassisi, also known as DJ Brian B, about running a healthy and scalable multi-op business. Brian shares his journey from being a DJ in the nightlife sector to starting his own multi-op in Florida. He discusses the importance of running a business like it's sellable and the challenges of transitioning to a remote multi-op. Brian emphasizes the need to delegate and empower others, as well as the importance of open communication and setting expectations in both business and personal life.TakeawaysRunning a business like it's sellable is important for its health and scalability.Transitioning to a remote multi-op requires clear communication and empowering a general manager.Delegating and empowering others is crucial for growth and success.Balancing multiple responsibilities requires open communication, setting expectations, and prioritizing self-care.Resourceshttps://blueprintlearn.com/resources/

SummaryIn this episode, David Osborne discusses the importance of brand recognition and quality in building a successful business. He emphasizes the need for consistency in performance, sales, and marketing to create a strong brand identity. Osborne highlights the three categories of performance and operations, sales, and marketing, and provides insights and tips for each category. Overall, the episode emphasizes the importance of delivering consistent results, aligning core values, and creating a cohesive brand experience.TakeawaysConsistency in performance, sales, and marketing is crucial for building a strong brand.Aligning core values with your brand helps attract the right clients and team members.Investing in training and mentoring ensures consistent service delivery.Every touchpoint with clients should reflect your brand's identity and values.Link to "How to Train a DJ" Course: https://blueprintlearn.com/product/how-to-train-an-event-dj/Free Resources: https://blueprintlearn.com/resources

SummaryNicole Nell, owner of Visual Sound Productions, shares her journey of starting as a DJ and expanding into AV and production. She discusses how she integrated her background in dance choreography with DJing and production to create unique experiences for dance competitions. Nicole also explains the importance of brand recognition and quality in her business and the process of creating divisions within her company. She emphasizes the value of cross-pollination and utilizing versatile staff members. Finally, she highlights the significance of profitability and scalability in building a successful business.TakeawaysIntegrating different skills and services can create unique experiences and set your business apart.Focusing on brand recognition and quality can help establish your business as an expert in your industry.Creating divisions within your company can provide focus and specialization.Utilizing versatile staff members can enhance cross-pollination and efficiency.Profitability and scalability are crucial for long-term success.Resourceshttps://blueprintlearn.com/resources

In this episode, David Osborne discusses the concept of 'Done is Better Than Perfect' and how it applies to various aspects of life and business. He emphasizes that perfection is subjective and constantly changing, and that taking action and embracing imperfections are key to success. David also highlights the power of storytelling and learning from others' experiences. He encourages listeners to embrace failure and fail loudly, as it is a crucial part of growth. The episode concludes with motivational quotes and the reminder to focus on trending positively.blueprintlearn.com/resources

In this episode, David Osborne interviews Mike Walter, owner of Elite Entertainment in New Jersey, about his experience in the DJ industry and his insights on building a successful multi-op. Mike discusses the importance of building a sustainable company and the challenge of trusting others to represent your brand. He also shares his thoughts on centralized sales versus DJs doing their own sales, the benefits of regular sales and staff meetings, and lessons from his 35-year career. The conversation concludes with with some Super Bowl predictions.https://blueprintlearn.com/resources/

SummaryIn this episode, David Osborne discusses the importance of core values in personal and business growth. He emphasizes that core values are essential for self-awareness and for creating a cohesive and successful team. David explains that core values are the behaviors and beliefs that are innate to an individual and should not be compromised. He uses the analogy of different pizza styles to illustrate how core values are the foundation of a brand. David provides a three-part framework for discovering and defining core values, including exploration, reflection, and filtering. He also shares a quick hack for finding core values and explains how to implement them in recruitment and training processes.TakeawaysCore values are essential for self-awareness and business success.Core values are the behaviors and beliefs that are innate to an individual and should not be compromised.A three-part framework for discovering and defining core values includes exploration, reflection, and filtering.Implementing core values in recruitment and training processes can help build a cohesive and successful team.Free Downloads: blueprintlearn.com/resourcesCore Value Inventory

SummaryIn this episode, host David Osborne and Malik Adigun discuss the role of branding in the DJ industry and how to differentiate your brand. They also explore the process of building a multi-op brand and provide insights on finding the right DJs to represent that brand.TakeawaysBranding is essential in the DJ industry and can help you stand out from the competition.Telling your story and connecting with clients on a deeper level can lead to stronger relationships and increased bookings.Building a multi-op brand requires identifying your core values and finding DJs who align with those values.Free Resourceshttps://blueprintlearn.com/resources/

SummaryIn this episode, David Osborne emphasizes the importance of legal protection for DJ businesses. He highlights the need for a suite of professionals, including lawyers, CPAs, and insurance brokers, to ensure the security and success of the business. David introduces Leah Weinberg, a lawyer who specializes in helping the event community with contracts and legal agreements. He discusses the significance of agreements in establishing trust and protecting both the DJ company and the clients. David also provides insights into finding an exceptional lawyer and the different types of agreements needed, such as client agreements, employment agreements, and subcontractor agreements.TakeawaysLegal protection is essential for DJ businesses to ensure their security and success.Having a suite of professionals, including lawyers, CPAs, and insurance brokers, is crucial for the proper functioning of the business.Agreements play a vital role in establishing trust and protecting both the DJ company and the clients.Finding an exceptional lawyer who understands the event industry is important for creating effective legal agreements.Free Resourceshttps://blueprintlearn.com/resources/

SummaryIn this episode, host David Osborne interviews Leah Weinberg, a lawyer and former wedding planner, about her journey from wedding planning to starting her own law firm. They discuss the importance of client contracts, including force majeure and payment provisions, as well as the challenges of distinguishing between employees and independent contractors. Leah emphasizes the need for proactive legal measures to avoid client disputes and the importance of taking care of both clients and industry colleagues. She also introduces her Legally Set contract templates and shares her vision of infusing creativity and hospitality into the legal profession.TakeawaysClient contracts should include provisions for force majeure, rescheduling, and cancellation, as well as clear payment terms.It is important to distinguish between employees and independent contractors to comply with labor laws and avoid legal issues.Taking care of clients and industry colleagues is crucial for building a successful business.Legally Set contract templates provide a convenient and affordable option for small business owners to ensure legal compliance.Free Resourceswww.blueprintlearn.com/resources

In this episode, David Osborne discusses the importance of prioritizing time and how to triage your tasks effectively. He introduces the concept of the DRIP matrix, which includes four quadrants: delegation, replacement, investment, and production. David explains how to identify tasks in each quadrant and delegate or replace them accordingly. He also emphasizes the significance of time blocking and aligning your schedule with the tasks that contribute to growth and revenue.TakeawaysPrioritize your time by using the DRIP matrix: delegation, replacement, investment, and production.Identify tasks that can be delegated or replaced to free up your time for more important and revenue-generating activities.Invest time in tasks that align with your long-term goals and contribute to the growth of your business.

blueprintlearn.com/resourcesSummaryIn this episode, David Osborne interviews Rich Cranston, owner of Encore Events in Rochester. Rich shares his experience transitioning from being a police officer to a full-time entrepreneur and how his background in law enforcement influenced his approach to building systems and delegating tasks in his business. He emphasizes the importance of taking care of your team and creating a positive work environment. Rich also discusses the success of their virtual open house and VIP events in showcasing their talent and booking clients. Overall, the conversation provides valuable insights into running a successful multi-op DJ business.