In part two of my interview series with small businesses, I sat down (virtually) with a childhood friend DJ ALX to learn how Covid-19 has affected his bottom line and how he's adapting his business for the new normal. If you missed the first interview in this series, you can still access it on my blog. If there's a type of business you'd like to hear about feel free to comment below. Most importantly, let's #supportsmallbusinesses.
Interview with:
DJALX - an open format DJ performing in nightclubs, lounges, weddings, private parties and other events.
Resident DJ for @bluemoonmexcafe
IG: @djaalex
Soundcloud: DJALEX
Q1: What is your business and When did you open?
My name is DJ ALX. You can follow me on Instagram @djaalex. I am a DJ and started DJing about 12 years ago. My “why” is because I have always loved music and everything to do with it. I know that’s a very simple and generic answer, but it really is that simple to me. Music moves me in a way that what I do is not a job. I do it because I love it. That’s why there’s that saying, “Do what you love, and you’ll never work a day in your life” I am one of the fortunate people that have been blessed with a talent for music and loves what I do.
Q2: How has Covid-19 effected your business?
This pandemic has changed the landscape to nightlife in a very unpredictable way. The best way for me to describe what I am going through is that I feel like someone has pressed the reset button. Logistically I do not know what to expect moving forward because it is ALL predicated on the guidelines the government comes out with for clubs, lounges, catering halls and restaurant’s. My job is to keep people entertained. Keep them spending money at the bar. Keep them in the venue. I’m in charge of setting and keeping YOUR mood throughout the night. It’s going to be difficult to do that with less people at said venue due to government restrictions if they decide to cut capacity in half. So, then that in turn affects me financially. If I’m not keeping people there to spend money, the owner turns around and says, “Well I can’t afford to pay you because we aren’t generating enough money to justify having entertainment.” The catch 22 is people go out to have a good time. Without entertainment most people won’t stick around in said venue.
Q3: Have you applied for/received any help from SBA grants or loans?
No. I have not applied for or received from PPP. I own all my equipment so I’m in a good position not to have any overhead.
Q4: What are you doing to adapt your business in order to survive and grow beyond 2020?
Currently all DJs that I know are on a learning curve to try and bring what we do to LIVE Streaming. It is not the same feeling at all but right now this is what I am currently doing to keep in constant contact with my clients and continue to branch out and meet new potential clients. While face to face interaction is the best way to stay in contact with people, social media now is the best platform to continue to do that while continuing to practice social distancing. So right now, it’s about adapting with what we are all currently going through and making sure I stay consistent with my followers to bring them entertainment while we are stuck at home and they still all have access to me while keeping safe.
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