Handling your absolute "No Go" zone

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My no go zone is basic and simplified. I will not take any event where I cannot be 100% successful. Any shortcomings I feel during the interview process are discussed at length to ensure we (the clients and I) are on the same page.

My horizons have expanded dramatically by taking on events that push my limits, knowledgebase, and comfy levels BUT only if the confidence level is stronger than the fear of disaster.

There are a few locations where I will not even consider performing. Some due to absurd loading restrictions and setup locations. Some due to jackoff ownership. All are counterproductive to a stellar performance.

My absolute biggest NO GO is extensive must playlists. Buh bye to any and all of those types. Yes, I know. It's their day (blah blah blah) but it's my career. Every event performed is a live audition for maybe two more down the road.

Nobody puts Cappy in the corner.
 
With simple, honest questions.

"Thanks for calling... are you a jackass?"

I can't recall ever turning down a job on the basis of having drawn some line in the sand.
Not every event is "fun" to do - but, this is a career not a hobby.
 
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"Thanks for calling... are you a jackass?"
Your questioning skills are predictable...and evidentiary. IYOW "Speaks more to your own motivations not anyone else's."

I can't recall ever turning down a job on the basis of having drawn some line in the sand.
Do you have a "line in any sand"?

Not every event is "fun" to do - but, this is a career not a hobby.
The core of this discussion is not about "fun" vs. "not fun" to do.
 
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Our group in West Virginia for the cabin is called the He-man Tomato Haters Club(HTHC). I guess that technically makes us a hate group😄
 
Our group in West Virginia for the cabin is called the He-man Tomato Haters Club(HTHC). I guess that technically makes us a hate group😄
We can't be friends ... now if it was a Tuna Haters Club, I'm in ...
 
How would I know if I was hired by a hate group? Does it say that somewhere in the margin of the deposit check?
How would I distinguish that crowd from the score of other a**holes I might encounter at any given event?
It's been like 30 years, and not one event where anyone asked me to play Helter Skelter.

One would think that most DJ's, (especially you)
would have discussed details of the event to figure it out...BEFORE agreeing to do it.
 
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This is interesting to me. I say I don't play today's Hip Hop and I get talked down to. Someone else does it, not a big deal. I like to look out for the type of event it is, where the event is to be at and the client having the event. I hate an event where they tell you that you can play anything. It doesn't matter to them if the songs have bad language. They don't tell you this till you get there. I stay away from such events. I like doing events for people who have class. Also I like a client having an event in a decent venue. Not just any old cheap place that will allow them to have their event in the place.

I do my best to keep myself away from situations where there can easily be drama. The venue doesn't have to be 5 stars. Just a decent venue I can feel comfortable working in. No amount of money is worth me putting my life on the line. The other thing is doing an event where for a private event people will be dressed nicely for the most part.
 
Great ideas - now how are you going to find those events and when are you going to start booking them? Have you finished your business plan? If so, what does it say about this?
 
Did you really just say this
Yes I did. I used to do any event for a client looking for a DJ. It didn't matter who it was for or where it was at. I stopped operating that way as times have changed. Safety first is most important to me today.
 
Yes I did. I used to do any event for a client looking for a DJ. It didn't matter who it was for or where it was at. I stopped operating that way as times have changed. Safety first is most important to me today.
"Used to" .. as in up until yesterday?
 
"Used to" .. as in up until yesterday?
No sir. When I first came back I was excited to be back. So I would chase down any gig that I got that they needed a DJ. I still love to DJ. I just don't feel the need to do just any old event. I'm more cautious today. If I don't feel comfortable about an event I will pass on it.