Stop Doing It All: How to Build a Team and Scale

/ Business, General, Management, Podcast, Training / By

In the world of event entertainment, many DJs start as passionate performers who later find themselves wrestling with the business side of things. But what if you approached it differently? What if you focused on building a business first and let talented DJs handle the performance side? That’s exactly what Glenn McKay of G&M Event Group in Australia did, and his journey offers powerful lessons for DJs looking to scale their businesses.

Glenn recently shared his insights on the Million Dollar Multi-Op Podcast with David Osborne, discussing how prioritizing business acumen over DJing skills has led to massive success. Here’s what you can learn from his experience.

From DJ to Business Owner

“I loved the business side more.”

By focusing on the operational side of the business rather than being the main performer, Glenn was able to develop a sustainable model. This approach led him to:

  • Identify and hire skilled DJs who lacked business expertise.
  • Build systems and processes that allowed for scalability.
  • Create a strong client experience by focusing on professionalism and service.

The Power of Networking and Education

A pivotal moment in Glenn’s business growth was attending industry conferences in the U.S., despite the significant travel costs.

“We tricked ourselves by telling us it was a holiday as well.”

Attending events like Mobile Beat and Wedding MBA helped him:

  • Gain insights that weren’t readily available in Australia.
  • Connect with like-minded business owners outside his local market.
  • Learn new strategies that he could adapt and implement.

Actionable Takeaway:

Invest in your education. Whether it’s an industry conference, an online course, or joining a mentorship group, continuously learning will set you apart from competitors.

Hiring Smarter: Surrounding Yourself with People Better Than You

One of the most important lessons Glenn shared was overcoming ego and hiring people who were better than him in certain areas.

“We often don’t hire people who are better than us because it’s an ego thing.”

By focusing on:

  • Hiring administrative staff to handle client communications and scheduling.
  • Bringing in DJs who excel at performance while he handled the business side.
  • Creating defined roles so that everyone was in the “right seat on the right bus.”

Actionable Takeaway:

Build a team of specialists. Don’t try to do everything yourself—hire people who complement your weaknesses.

Systematizing the Business for Freedom

Many DJs feel stuck in their businesses because they’re handling every aspect of operations. Glenn’s approach was to build systems so he could step away when needed.

“If we wanted to go back to the U.S. for another conference, we had to build a business that could run without us.”

By implementing clear processes and delegating responsibilities, Glenn reached a point where his team was telling him:

“Just go and let us do it so you don’t mess it up, Glenn.”

Actionable Takeaway:

Document and automate processes. Create checklists, workflows, and SOPs so your team can operate efficiently without your constant oversight.

The Importance of Adaptation

Since the event industry varies by location, Glenn emphasized the importance of adapting strategies instead of copying them blindly.

For example:

  • Australian couples prioritize DJs lower in their wedding budgets compared to U.S. couples.
  • Wage costs and regulations in Australia are higher, requiring different pricing strategies.
  • Certain performance styles or song choices that work in the U.S. may not translate well to Australian crowds.

Actionable Takeaway:

Analyze and adapt strategies based on your specific market, rather than assuming what works elsewhere will work for you.

Key Takeaways for DJ Business Owners

Glenn’s success story is full of valuable lessons, but here are the top five that every DJ business owner should implement:

  1. Prioritize Business Over Performance – If you love DJing, that’s great, but if you want to scale, you need to focus on the business side.
  2. Invest in Education and Networking – Attend conferences, workshops, and mastermind groups to gain new insights and strategies.
  3. Hire for Your Weaknesses – Bring in team members who complement your skills instead of trying to do everything yourself.
  4. Systematize for Scalability – Develop processes that allow your business to function without you being involved in every detail.
  5. Adapt Strategies to Your Market – Understand the unique challenges of your location and customer base instead of applying a one-size-fits-all approach.

Final Thoughts

If you’re running a DJ company and struggling to scale, Glenn’s approach proves that focusing on business first can lead to significant growth. By hiring strategically, investing in education, and implementing systems, you can create a company that not only thrives but also gives you the freedom to step away when needed.

Want to take your business to the next level? Start applying these principles today, and don’t forget to seek out opportunities to learn and network with other industry leaders.

For more resources, check out BlueprintLearn.com/resources for tools, courses, and insights to scale your DJ business.

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