I am a member of The ADJA. All industries have some sort of a trade association. The DJ industry lacked this for many many years. I have been in this business since 1975, and I only wish that either NAME or ADJA or any other association has existed during this entire timeline.
DJ's had not been recognized as an industry. They were not recognized as professionals either. The struggle to get meaningful rates of pay was hampered by a perception that all DJ's were the same, and that all DJ's were in the business as a sideline income.
This perception still exists today, but not to the degree that we experienced from the 70's through the 90's.
The associations provide networking, as well as educational opportunities for the less experienced DJ's to help get them up to speed.
While no association is ever perfect, nor will any association totally meet one's expectation, the two nationally recognized associations are really all we have. And they have spawned local chapters, both under their wings, as well as independents. One of the big triumphs I see these associations accomplishing is DJ's talking to one another. It is no longer a bitter competition battle for the gigs. Networking has brought about change in the industry.
Last Spring, I had an accident and suffered a major injury. When word went out about this, I received e-mails and phone calls from literally dozens of DJ's across the country, offering to help me cover my scheduled events.
The members of our local association, The New Jersey Disc Jockey Association were right out front to help me. You cannot imagine what a burden it was off my shoulders knowing that I could have help from such fine professionals.
One thing to remember. Any association is only as good as are its members.
As entertainers and radio personalities, we all naturally have egos. We cannot let our egos side track our ability to earn a living. We earn our living performing as disc jockeys. It is only natural that we have some semblance of an organization to somewhat help map the road to success.
Do each and every one of us need such an association to become successful?
Of course not. But it does help. Especially when the association promotes good business practices, professionalism, and ethical behavior.
There are those novice DJ's that can benefit from now knowing that it isn't right to download music, that it isn't right to operate without insurance, that it isn't right to call a client 2 days before an event and tell them "sorry something came up and I am not going to be able to cover your event".
I personally operated for over 25 years without being involved with any association or networking, other than the people at the radio stations that I worked at.
Since becoming a member of two fine associations, the ADJA, and the NJDJN, I now earn more money than ever before, and I work far more comfortable than ever before. I am even learning new tricks of the trade thanks to the members of these associations.
So I will continue to be a member, and continue to say that such associations are not a bad thing.
Mind you they are not a cure all for the pitfalls of our industry, but they offer things which are beneficial to many of us. Low cost insurance, equipment discounts, and a little political clout when other industries get a tad out of hand and slight us.
