How to Start a Career in Karaoke

You have hit your local bar scene for Karaoke Night faithfully the last two years. The spotlight attention and bar-house claim to fame has given you thrills and excitement that have earned the notable title of Karaoke Queen or King, and you have built a steady following of fans that actually come up to you and request you to sing one of their favorites. You know the song choice booklets backwards and forward, and your observing eye has even learned how to run the equipment that accompanies your talented voice. So, now what do you do? Why not embark on a career in karaoke?

Starting your own karaoke business can be a great opportunity for the right person, a person who is outgoing, personable, and has some business savvy. As with any business venture a person challenges themselves with, they need to do a bit of research before they leap blindly. Look at how much money you have to invest, because on average it could take about $5000.00 initial start-up funds to get your business up and running. Canvas your local area bars, bowling alleys, coffee houses, and clubs to see if you will have any competition from others in your soon-to-be business venture, or if these local establishments have any interest in implementing a Karaoke Night. You should also think about how far you are willing to travel to host a Karaoke Night, and whether or not you are strictly hosting in establishments or are you willing to host karaoke parties (weddings, sweet sixteen's, anniversaries, etc). Sitting down and mapping out your business strategies will help you see if you have what it takes to run a successful business.

Okay, so you really think you can do this? It is time, then, to invest in your equipment. There will probably be some initial worries about investing too much money only to have the business flop. Before you actual purchase equipment, you should think about what type of system you would like to work with. The most widely used karaoke system is the karaoke CDG disc system. However, there seems to be an increasing movement towards using compressed files or digital formatted (MP3+G) systems, which can be stored on a laptop hardrive and implemented with software "hosting" programs. You can choose to look for karaoke equipment at discounted cost, buy second hand via auction sites like EBay, shop the "for sale" advertisements in your local newspaper, or invest in a brand new system.

If you choose the karaoke CDG disc system, you will need the following components to get started: karaoke CDG player ($200 minimum), mixer/amp ($200 to $500 minimum), speakers and speaker stands ($700 minimum), 2 wireless microphones ($250 minimum), RF Converter ($30 minimum), 19" color TV (as little as $100 new unless you can find a used one), component racks, disc storage system, and various cables and accessories. You can also find all-in-one component systems which will allow you to get everything you need in one shot, and can cost you as little as $1500. Now, if you are interested in digital formatted (MP3+G) systems, you can expect to pay around $3000 for a karaoke ready laptop computer and hoster software.

Once you have all your equipment, you will need to start marketing and drawing in your clients. The best way to do this is to canvas your local area, and areas you are willing to travel to. Print up professional looking business cards, flyers, and business pamphlet detailing your business and booking costs. If you are running a professional business, then dress and act the part. Also, draw up a standard contract document so you can properly document your business and keep track of your bookings and services provided. This will also show your future clients that you run a tight reliable ship, which is a good selling point for any new business - gain trust.

Good places to dredge up clients and business:
Hotel lounges/hotel resorts
Coffee Houses
Bowling Allies
Night Clubs, Bars, and Pubs
High Schools (PTA, Sweet Sixteen's, Homecoming and Prom Committees, Graduation parties, etc)
Catering Halls
Wedding Expos
Country Clubs
Senior Citizen Communities

Other ways to advertise your karaoke business can be as simple as placing an ad in your local paper, or buying a commercial slot on your local radio station. You can hang flyers wherever your community legally allows you to. Create a professional website. Most of all, talk about your business because word of mouth is always a great way to draw in future clients.

Now that your business is up and starting, you will want to spend 3 to 4 hours during the day following up with possible clients, confirming gigs, organizing your schedule, marketing and advertising, and maintaining your equipment and music. Remember, this is your business so you make your own hours, and make sure you do not over-schedule yourself. You are dealing with people, and must be rested and prepared to handle everything that comes with working with people.

Karaoke was your hobby, and now you have made it your career. You know what people like about doing karaoke, which should make your job easier to carry out, and even allow you to still have fun while you do it. Share you love of singing with your community, and bring them the most professional karaoke business possible. Because you never know, your hobby may have found you a lucrative and rewarding career.