Jarrod Brake is the founder of Atmosphere DJs - a DJing company that covers the Sunshine Coast, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Canberra and Perth.

From chocolate fountains to bikini competitions to frozen cocktails Jarrod is definitely in the party business.

What is the biggest misconception most people have about DJs?

That there is a huge difference between mixing vinyl and mixing CDs. A few years ago, yes there was a difference. But these days the technology easily can imitate a turntable and the technique that you use to mix is “close” to the same but the difficulty level is the same.

What was the biggest challenge you’ve had running the business?

The biggest challenge would definitely be being able to find DJs that can DJ for all types of events. Most people box themselves into a single style.

Can you share some of your favorite sources for business inspiration and ideas?

Exercise or or a bottle of wine (Can i say that? It’s true though).

Tell us about the jobs you’ve had around the world.

All the jobs I have taken on around the world have been for the experience and never for the money. I have chopped wood in freezing conditions in the Mamuku forest from sunrise to sunset. Killed possums for fur around the north island of New Zealand (okay maybe this had something to do with money! But we where contracted by the government to do it as they where a pest!) I’ve also poured pints of beer in London and hosted bikini competitions in Prague in winter!

What marketing has been more successful than you anticipated? And has anything totally bombed that you would never try again?

The best advertising I have done has been television advertising. The worst advertising would be with Yellow pages - their customer service is the worst I have experienced in my life, and the majority of the leads from them are price enquiries. From other advertising methods I get more “Are you available?” enquiries.

What’s the plan for the next few years. Do you see yourself continuing to work on Atmosphere DJs or have you got some other ventures in mind?

Expansion and diversification! We have expanded now to most major centers in Australia and we’re currently starting ventures which complement the DJ business. For example, we also now have a chocolate fountain hire business (which ties in well with our wedding clients) and also due to be launched in the next few weeks is Sunset Cocktails, which will be providing frozen cocktail machines for hire for birthday parties and other special events.

If you could explain the key to success in one sentence what would it be?

Reality doesn’t exist, only perception.

Thanks Jarrod. Jarrod runs Atmosphere DJs.

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Posted on August 23rd, 2007 by Ross