Never copy other DJs. Develop your own style and be unique. It's the quickest way to get noticed.
The skill of DJing is reading the crowd. You can have a rough set list but you'll need to adapt it, depending on how the punters react to particular tunes. Give the people what they want, not what you want to play
Know your records. If you know the tunes in your box thoroughly, you can respond to what the crowd want.
Practise to a crowd. Getting gigs is tricky so put on your own. Find a small room you can use, hire some decks and a PA and invite your mates down. You get to practise and they have a laugh.
Take risks. You can fill the floor with a succession of anthems but you won't stand out as a DJ. Try some oldies, unusual records and strange mixes. You'll probably get it wrong a few times but when you get it right, the place will blow apart!
Don't worry about the mix you muffed up. Most people in a club are out for a good night and they don't listen to mixes critically like you do as a DJ. You can make a hideous mess of things and most people won't even notice.
Take plenty of material for a gig. Make sure you have more records than you need. The crowd may want something different or the next DJ may be late so you may have to play on.
Build your rep. If you're new to the game, getting an agent probably won't help you yet (even if you can get one!) Building your reputation is a matter of gigging and getting experience. Once you're ready an agent will find you.
Get the right headphones. Clubs are loud places, so get some closed-back cans. Mixing is a nightmare if you can't hear!
Don't just DJ with your head down! Try and keep an eye on what the audience are up to.
If you're sending out mix tapes, make sure you label the actual CD or tape. Don't rely on the promoter not to lose the box!
