All the gear, and no idea

[Bruce Weldy]

Don't give your work away. Also don't rent out anything that you don't mind having destroyed. Rent your services as a DJ or live sound engineer along with your gear. A website is a must, and they're not expensive.

Absolutely. My gear goes nowhere unless I'm with it.

I've done some freebies for charities.....no more. Most of them are fund-raisers that bring in tens if not hundreds of thousands of $$. If it's something you care about, then ok. But, you don't want everybody looking for a freebie. Instead tell 'em that you'll give 'em a discount and that payment is up front before you load in. Hate to sound like a hard-ass, but you have to protect yourself. There are some real bastards out there that will take advantage of you.

I'd suggest that you get out to venues on a regular basis and meet the bands and the management of the venue. Let 'em know that you are available whenever they are putting on a bigger event and want to provide PA support for multiple bands. Explain the time saving and how much better the shows and the turn around times will be with you there.

Get on the good side of some bands that are popular. They know the club owners and can suggest you to them.

Anyway, good luck out there.....

[Keryn O'Shea]

Thanks for the great advice gentlemen, and also the perspective on devaluing the service for everyone by not charging, good point there Anton

Also don't rent out anything that you don't mind having destroyed.

My Dads advise was to a similar tune, though with a couple of swear words, and a story about the guy who borrowed and straight fueled his chainsaw

My gear goes nowhere unless I'm with it.

Yes, 100%

I'll just have to be patient, and get out amongst the scene, cheers