Unfortunately, most don't.
Could we substitute intelligence for experience???
How often does one buy a dj? What questions are appropriate if one doesn't have the experience?
Shoot Rick now... Higher end DJ uses iTunes to DJ.
- Thread starter Papa Deuce
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Unfortunately, most don't.
Could we substitute intelligence for experience???
How often does one buy a dj? What questions are appropriate if one doesn't have the experience?
No. We shouldn't substitute intelligence for experience. They are not the same thing.
Hiring a DJ is not that unique. People hire services all the time, and the most important questions are pretty much the same regardless of the kind of service you are looking for.
Establishing the credibility of the business and people you are dealing with is step #1. If you can't do that properly then you stand a very good chance of being dissapointed with whatever they promise you.
I've always had the school of thought that who cares what tools you use as long as you get the job done and do the job well.
Do you care if your mechanic or carpenter has all craftsman or snap-on tools? No as long as he got the job done to your satisfaction you fork over the dough and will go back to him the next time you car needs a fix.
DJing for all it's differences, isn't much different than other service based businesses.
Same thing with a DJ:
The guy could get RockIt and make his job easier but he chooses to use iTunes. Would RockIt make his job easier? Maybe.. Would it make his performance better? Definitely.
BUT at the end of the day he got his job done satisfactorily..That's really all that counts.
Do you care if your mechanic or carpenter has all craftsman or snap-on tools? No as long as he got the job done to your satisfaction you fork over the dough and will go back to him the next time you car needs a fix.
DJing for all it's differences, isn't much different than other service based businesses.
Same thing with a DJ:
The guy could get RockIt and make his job easier but he chooses to use iTunes. Would RockIt make his job easier? Maybe.. Would it make his performance better? Definitely.
BUT at the end of the day he got his job done satisfactorily..That's really all that counts.
Believe it or not, I sometimes, though very rarely, use MP3s on a memory stick for similar purposes. However, the stick still gets plugged into the USB port of my CD player. Not just because I'm CD based, but because it makes for a better presentation..
I can only half agree. A nice looking rig is just that, and aids the show. However, though all have a CD player, they don't have the collection, they know it, and know "they can't do it too", whereas the iPod owner HAS access at low cost, to anything they want to program for the event. Thus, the iPod DOES present an " I can do it too" scenario, ( forgetting the fact that they don't have the knowledge of a professional DJ) and that IS a bad light.
I can't tell you how much more often I'm running into self-run iPod events. They may be bad, but by the time the people know it, it's too late, and a DJ lost a gig.
PCs can cause similar situations. Not just with self-run events, but also with the increase of DJs in the market with inexpensive start up costs.
It's my personal opinion that many are working with their own personal preferences at a great cost to an already consumer controlled market ( Read: We're shooting ourselves in the foot). But then again, that's just me. Not that there's anything wrong with that. Um,.... Some of my best friends are PC/iPod DJs? :sqerr:
1) Indirectly, it is. See #2
2) I beleive that the "idiot DJ" got into the biz because he saw another DJ running an iPod show and figured that he could do it too, and at a cost of less than a 1000 dollars to start up- including his speakers AND music, and 950 pay for a wedding, why not?
3) I don't know the circumstances behind the hire, so I can't comment on whether the client wasn't thinking, was stuck, or any other possibilities. However, as previously stated, the DJ DID misrepresent himself and his equipment. I was told that by the groom later. Either way, the fact is, each event is only as good as the customer's satisfaction. Also as previously stated, they don't know it will be a bad job until it's over, and then it's too late.
Please keep in mind that I'm not talking about whether iPod music is good or bad, nor am I knocking anyone's setup. I am commenting strictly from a business marketing point of view. If it looks easy or cheap, then the client will want to pay accordingly. Also, I'm willing to bet that if this couple has another event, they'll get uncle Bub to run an iPod rather than chance laying out more money for a pro. They'll just figure he couldn't be any worse than the wedding guy... You see, WE know what went wrong....but they don't.
I still stick by blaming the customer.
If the DJ misrepresented himself the groom would have caught it had he done an adequate job of reviewing the DJ before he hired him.
Well... it isn't always the customer's fault. 
Some of the folks have posted here before about most cold-call clients never having booked a DJ company before. There's a great deal of truth to that. People who have booked DJ companies in the past have done one of three things:
1) They're happy with the DJ company and will plan their engagements around his or her calendar or
2) The DJ company was so-so, ho hum. (This is the Wolfie category, lol).
3) They were dissatisfied and will never cold-call DJ companies again. Uncle Buck can do a better job with his home stereo.
The ones who've found a good, professional DJ company aren't the ones who are ringing phones and asking "How much?" No, Sir. The ones who ring phones are shopping. Give 'em a chance. Give 'em what they want and more. They'll be clients for life.
Remember, we are contractors. Like other contractors in this biz, we compete on professionalism. It isn't about the tools we use. It's how we use 'em. Some of the best tools we have at our disposal are in our heads.
Even in Wolfie's old wooden head.
Some of the folks have posted here before about most cold-call clients never having booked a DJ company before. There's a great deal of truth to that. People who have booked DJ companies in the past have done one of three things:
1) They're happy with the DJ company and will plan their engagements around his or her calendar or
2) The DJ company was so-so, ho hum. (This is the Wolfie category, lol).
3) They were dissatisfied and will never cold-call DJ companies again. Uncle Buck can do a better job with his home stereo.
The ones who've found a good, professional DJ company aren't the ones who are ringing phones and asking "How much?" No, Sir. The ones who ring phones are shopping. Give 'em a chance. Give 'em what they want and more. They'll be clients for life.
Remember, we are contractors. Like other contractors in this biz, we compete on professionalism. It isn't about the tools we use. It's how we use 'em. Some of the best tools we have at our disposal are in our heads.
Even in Wolfie's old wooden head.
Well I got into a little heat at another board over my stance... So, I am not going to beat this over the head, just state my opinion once and move on. This is a subject that our industry is so divided on.
1. I don't believe that anyone calling themselves "professional" should use an ipod as their main or sole source of playback.
2. I personally think it gives the impression that "anyone" can do what we do and does indeed, in my opinion, shoot our industry in the foot.
3. I do believe, though, that it is a tool and does have its uses - backup and velcroed to the back of a powered speaker for remote cocktail format.
4. I personally feel that if you use an ipod as a secondary device, that you should try to keep it out of view.
5. It's a small point (but I mentioned it at Camp Mobile Beat during a DJIS fishbowl session.) If you choose to use an ipod playback system, try to go for one of the black ones and opt for the black ipod to go with it. Most people associate the ipod with bright white, and it won't stick out as prominently.
This is just my opinion. I have said my peace. ...and I am moving on.
Johnny... Feel free to disagree
1. I don't believe that anyone calling themselves "professional" should use an ipod as their main or sole source of playback.
2. I personally think it gives the impression that "anyone" can do what we do and does indeed, in my opinion, shoot our industry in the foot.
3. I do believe, though, that it is a tool and does have its uses - backup and velcroed to the back of a powered speaker for remote cocktail format.
4. I personally feel that if you use an ipod as a secondary device, that you should try to keep it out of view.
5. It's a small point (but I mentioned it at Camp Mobile Beat during a DJIS fishbowl session.) If you choose to use an ipod playback system, try to go for one of the black ones and opt for the black ipod to go with it. Most people associate the ipod with bright white, and it won't stick out as prominently.
This is just my opinion. I have said my peace. ...and I am moving on.
Johnny... Feel free to disagree
How does he feel about the other DJ branded mp3 systems including VDJ,Tractor etc.Walkman CD players or even those meesy stacks of vinyl some still use or even Cassette. I feel 90% of the clients across the universe would care less if your show is flawless and you made the day unique and fun. Honestly its really not much difference than using a generic email on a business card. DJs look at these things and speak for all when in many cases we truly dont have a clue.
I don't interpret this to be a "position" so much as "denial."
Your "impression" is based in fact, and you are simply asserting the fear that drives the self esteem issues in many Disc Jockeys.
We all know that in fact - anyone can indeed DJ.
We know that anyone can run. Some people do it better, faster, and go much farther than the typical person, but to run - well, anyone can do it.
The true measure of your potential resides in the reason people hire you (personally). If it's just DJing - then your fears are well grounded. But if your regular clients seek you out above all others you need to be keenly aware of why, so that you can learn to make that same connection with new prospects as well.
The gear I was forced to use not able to work without a sponsorship here in Canada was far inferior to a slick looking ipod dual dj system.
I worked with a pile of junk. Ask Scottie about some of the horrendous systems the multi's here use per the post about the multi Scottie was asking about the CD MIX3 units for. These are a pure upgrade to what many were using here most recently. My events at times were in the top luxury venues and I was revered with many referrals for this company.
I worked with a pile of junk. Ask Scottie about some of the horrendous systems the multi's here use per the post about the multi Scottie was asking about the CD MIX3 units for. These are a pure upgrade to what many were using here most recently. My events at times were in the top luxury venues and I was revered with many referrals for this company.
I believe it's all a matter of perception. As it has been stated everyone is a DJ, they can play the music, they have stereo's, people used to have record players and they might have thought that the Technics 1200's where just that, they wouldn't understand what the deal was with the large pitch slider since the ones they had at home had a very small knob to adjust the pitch.
They wouldn't have the slightest idea about beatmixing and when CD's came out they had fancy players at home instead of the new dual CD players we use. Things have evolved and people still use LP's, CD's. Cassettes, Mini Discs, etc.. This is the reason why they don't know the difference between consumer grade equipment and pro gear.
An iPod may be a life saver for a DJ in a bind and even with people owning iPod's I'd love to see them try to run a party because they have an iPod just as the DJ BUT, when reality strikes they'll finally understand what a Professional DJ is really worth.
Let's remember that people fall for the dumbest stuff. Do they really think that their boombox with 10 D" Cells will put out 3000 watts??? Even if it says PMPO that number is BS, no way in hell a 3000 watt peak is coming out of the 4" drivers with a .5" voice coil. So a PRO will always be worth it. MHO.
They wouldn't have the slightest idea about beatmixing and when CD's came out they had fancy players at home instead of the new dual CD players we use. Things have evolved and people still use LP's, CD's. Cassettes, Mini Discs, etc.. This is the reason why they don't know the difference between consumer grade equipment and pro gear.
An iPod may be a life saver for a DJ in a bind and even with people owning iPod's I'd love to see them try to run a party because they have an iPod just as the DJ BUT, when reality strikes they'll finally understand what a Professional DJ is really worth.
Let's remember that people fall for the dumbest stuff. Do they really think that their boombox with 10 D" Cells will put out 3000 watts??? Even if it says PMPO that number is BS, no way in hell a 3000 watt peak is coming out of the 4" drivers with a .5" voice coil. So a PRO will always be worth it. MHO.
I agree with your comments Jacob. ITs the pro behind the wheel that makes the gear shine and the shows success.
My friends,
I'd like to play devil's advocate for a moment.
Let us pause for a bit and remember what is truly important. What's really important is the first impression. A first impression is a lasting one. The way people see you is the way they will treat you.
If you're dressed the part and have a nice, skirted professional appearance, this is what people will notice first. They're not gonna know nor care if the music comes from ipods or laptops or 8-tracks. As DJ companies, we can hide all that if we wish.
The important thing to keep in mind is how we are are perceived by others.
I'd like to play devil's advocate for a moment.
Let us pause for a bit and remember what is truly important. What's really important is the first impression. A first impression is a lasting one. The way people see you is the way they will treat you.
If you're dressed the part and have a nice, skirted professional appearance, this is what people will notice first. They're not gonna know nor care if the music comes from ipods or laptops or 8-tracks. As DJ companies, we can hide all that if we wish.
The important thing to keep in mind is how we are are perceived by others.
The problem is that by the time they find out it's too late for both the party giver and the DJ that may have gotten the job.
The bottom line is that the easier we make it look, the more DIY events will be tried, with the above result.
Also, the better and more technical the equipment presentation, the more perceived worth we have to the client.
This is true, Joe.
DIY schemes are not new. They've been with us forever. Why pay a pianist? Aunt Tilly can play the piano. Why pay a DJ when you can rent a PA system and connect ipods or a record player or whatever?
Just my thoughts here... I believe these are different markets. If a client wants entertainment, he or she will pay for entertainment.
Thoughts?
DIY schemes are not new. They've been with us forever. Why pay a pianist? Aunt Tilly can play the piano. Why pay a DJ when you can rent a PA system and connect ipods or a record player or whatever?
Just my thoughts here... I believe these are different markets. If a client wants entertainment, he or she will pay for entertainment.
Thoughts?
This is true, Joe.
DIY schemes are not new. They've been with us forever. Why pay a pianist? Aunt Tilly can play the piano. Why pay a DJ when you can rent a PA system and connect ipods or a record player or whatever?
Just my thoughts here... I believe these are different markets. If a client wants entertainment, he or she will pay for entertainment.
Thoughts?
Agreed.
I will not worry about the DIY or ipod user for they are not my client.