Episode Summary:

Welcome back to another episode of "Minding My Creative Business," the top podcast where creative entrepreneurs come to get real-world strategies, structure, and self-development tips for building businesses that last.

In today’s episode, hosts ShySpeaks and Ron "iRonic" Lee Jr. are joined by the multi-talented Sir J—a creative at heart, entrepreneur, and owner of not one, not two, but three thriving companies. From humble beginnings as "Sergey the DJ," Sir J takes us through his journey of scaling a freelance gig into a six-figure business, building value through smart add-ons, and ultimately making the leap to true entrepreneurship by launching separate entities and acquiring new brands. We’ll get the inside scoop on how Sir J turned music, events, and signage into a network of interconnected businesses, all while balancing faith, family, and the ever-present drive to help others level up.

You’ll hear essential lessons about moving from freelancer to business owner, the power of mentorship and networking, and the behind-the-scenes realities of legal hurdles, acquisitions, and building sustainable systems. Whether you’re a DJ, an artist, or just someone looking to monetize your creative skill set, this episode is packed with actionable insights—and a whole lot of inspiration.

So, lean in, get ready to take notes, and discover how intention, consistency, and laser focus can help you mind your creative business!

Timestamped overview

00:00 Creative Entrepreneur Spotlight

03:42 Balancing Family, Business, and Goals

09:21 "Expanding DJ Business with Add-Ons"

11:35 Increasing DJ Revenue Strategically

13:24 DJ Services Business Expansion

18:59 "Creative Shift: Freelance to Entrepreneur"

22:21 "Empowering Success Through Goal-Setting"

26:02 Collaborative Creativity and Impact

29:32 Trademark Conflict Challenges Business Name

30:47 Mentorship Beyond Technical Skills

33:43 "Understanding DFW360 Service Activation"

37:26 Monthly NACE Meetings and Networking

41:57 Rapid Fire Creative Business Tips

45:30 "Capital Access for Business Growth"

48:19 Negotiation Insight: ESPN Deal Experience

50:32 CRM Importance and Industry Specificity

53:28 Opportunities for DJs and Creatives

Key topics and bullets

1. Introduction of the Podcast & Guest

• Welcome and overview of the podcast’s focus (strategy, structure, self-development for creators)
• Introduction of Sir J as the episode’s guest
• Sir J’s personal introduction (faith, family, creativity)
• Establishing Sir J’s credibility (owns three companies, six-figure entrepreneur)

2. Foundations of Sir J’s Business Journey

• Brief background of Sir J’s beginnings as a DJ
• University background and entry into DJing
• Transition from freelance DJ to establishing an LLC
• Comparing income: teaching vs. DJing and decision to go full-time entrepreneur

3. Scaling Up as a Creative Entrepreneur

• Identifying value-adding opportunities within the business
• From $800 gigs to $1,600+ via add-ons (lighting, monograms, photo booths)
• Importance of investment in quality equipment
• Transition from freelancer to business owner
• Creating systems and entities (not just working a job)
• Building a separate photo booth company (DFW360 booth) as standalone

4. Mentorship, Networking, and Community Building

• Role of mentorship in Sir J’s growth
• Key mentor figures (e.g., DJ Bowtie, DJ Tagman)
• The importance of networking and collaborating
• Leveraging industry connections for learning and opportunities
• Membership and leadership roles in professional associations (e.g. NACE)

5. Systematizing and Growing the Business

• Building systems to allow the company to operate independently
• Hiring and training contractors for events
• Developing team members and supporting their career goals
• Empowering employees and fostering loyalty
• Example: nurturing a librarian’s photography aspirations

6. Mindset, Contentment, and Counting the Cost

• Reflection on growth stages and “counting the cost” of scaling up
• Balancing ambition with family and life goals
• Contentment with current level while open to future growth

7. Product & Service Diversification

• Creation of new service offerings
• Launching DFW360 booths (photo/video booth business)
• Expansion to other event services (signage, activations)
• Developing and branding multiple businesses under a holding company

8. Coaching, Education, and Giving Back

• Desire and approach to coaching and sharing knowledge
• Developing digital courses and content for industry peers
• “Community over competition” philosophy
• Mentoring within and beyond the industry

9. Business Structure & Back Office Essentials

• The importance of legal and financial structure
• Formation of LLCs, securing domains, trademarks
• Responding to legal claims and the value of having counsel
• Necessity of back-office tools and advisors
• The critical roles of CPA, lawyer, financial advisor, CRM

10. Acquisition as a Growth Strategy

• Sir J’s first acquisition (DFW Neon)
• Opportunity arising from industry network
• Seller’s motivation and the synergy between businesses
• Learning from previous attempts/acquisition negotiations (profit & loss reviews)

11. Access to Capital and Funding

• Discussing sources of capital for business growth
• Business credit, grants, and capital management
• Importance of building business credit

12. Pricing and Profitability Strategies

• Evolution of pricing across different business lines
• DJ pricing scale (from hundreds to over $3,000 per event)
• Photo booth pricing and margin targets
• Calculating costs and desired profit margins (aiming for 55%)

13. Self-Development and Industry-Specific Skills

• Developing skills for new verticals (e.g., event activations)
• Learning through doing, research, and networking
• Exposure to new business opportunities via trade shows

14. Serving Clients and Impact-Oriented Business

• Emphasis on serving clients and team impact over just income
• Business as a vehicle for serving and uplifting others
• “Leave a thumbprint on as many people as possible”

15. Podcast Closing Remarks

• Hosts’ reflections and gratitude to Sir J
• Takeaways for creative entrepreneurs (mindset, business structure, scaling, mentorship)
• Inviting listeners to join the Creative Corner community and newsletter
• Call to action: like, subscribe, and repeat podcast mantra

Links & Resources:

• [Business Funding](https://www.creditsavnt.com) - Get your creative business funded through Credit Savant.
• [Creativepreneur Gear](https://www.whatstheirony.com) - Get your creative entrepreneur apparel from What's the Irony.

Closing Remarks: Thank you for tuning in to this episode of the Minding My Creative Business Podcast! We hope you found valuable insights and strategies to apply to your own creative journey. If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, follow, share, and review our podcast. Stay tuned for more enriching discussions and expert advice in our upcoming episodes. Keep creating and stay inspired!

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ABOUT US We’re Ron & ShySpeaks, two music industry creators marching to the tune of entrepreneurship. Our goal is to help our creative peers keep in step by taking them behind the brands of some of wildly successful creative entrepreneurs. Our interview-styled podcast gives access to the strategy and structure that turn creative arts into viable 6, 7, and even 8 figure business!