Weddings Tell me what you think a 'good' DJ does

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Since this is YOUR personal interpretation of what "a good DJ" does, why don't you just word it in way that explains what YOU do. It's MY opinion that "a good salesperson" doesn't have to lean on comparison. The positive practices you believe in should get by on their own merits.
 
Since this is YOUR personal interpretation of what "a good DJ" does, why don't you just word it in way that explains what YOU do. It's MY opinion that "a good salesperson" doesn't have to lean on comparison. The positive practices you believe in should get by on their own merits.

So much emotion is lost in text. First, allow me to apologize if my intended message was misinterpreted. I think (or perhaps assume) the reader understands it is 'my' opinion since it is authored my me and on my blog. This is why I asked for other opinions, even if they were different.

So let me then re-pose the question... What do YOU think a good DJ does, in a nutshell? Specifically in regard to a wedding.
 
In my opinion only:

A good DJ is going to first and formost listen. Then ask the pointed questions that will get the responses needed in order to formulate what this client is all about, what they need and perhaps even how to accomplish what they want. Who better knows their guests then themselves so if I don't listen to what the client tells me I'm doomed to fail them.

Preparation is 1 part you and 10 parts input from the client. What does that mean? Myself as the DJ can only do so much to prep for any event... but, when I have the input from the client from their planners, timelines and music requests along with information from interviews and emails I can then custom tailor their event based on the information they provide me.

Execution..... WAIT!

Before the gig it is important that I prep. any special presentations, introductions and so forth... this includes prepairing my dialogue on cue cards if necessary and memorizing names and pronounciations.

Now we are ready... planning is done prep is done I've practiced the names and what I'm going to say.... let's do this. (pray that I don't trip over my own tounge in the process)

Execute!

In the end if you do your homework and practice your art... a successful event you will have.
 
In my opinion only:

A good DJ is going to first and formost listen. Then ask the pointed questions that will get the responses needed in order to formulate what this client is all about, what they need and perhaps even how to accomplish what they want. Who better knows their guests then themselves so if I don't listen to what the client tells me I'm doomed to fail them.

Preparation is 1 part you and 10 parts input from the client. What does that mean? Myself as the DJ can only do so much to prep for any event... but, when I have the input from the client from their planners, timelines and music requests along with information from interviews and emails I can then custom tailor their event based on the information they provide me.

Execution..... WAIT!

Before the gig it is important that I prep. any special presentations, introductions and so forth... this includes prepairing my dialogue on cue cards if necessary and memorizing names and pronounciations.

Now we are ready... planning is done prep is done I've practiced the names and what I'm going to say.... let's do this. (pray that I don't trip over my own tounge in the process)

Execute!

In the end if you do your homework and practice your art... a successful event you will have.

First, I disagree that this is 'your opinion only' since it is a sound plan of action it is likely shared by many.

I have never done cue cards (index cards I'm assuming) and I think I will try that at my next event. I'm not sure why I've never tried it as I've heard of the practice before and I can only see it being an improvement to my own strategy.

Thanks for you input
 
First, I disagree that this is 'your opinion only' since it is a sound plan of action it is likely shared by many.

I have never done cue cards (index cards I'm assuming) and I think I will try that at my next event. I'm not sure why I've never tried it as I've heard of the practice before and I can only see it being an improvement to my own strategy.

Thanks for you input

I do read a lot... I visit sites like ODJT a lot as well... I've gleaned everything I can and still do... to help develop and build my business plan and procedures...

It's funny, I work at a hotel and the owner is forever having me wright up procedures for this and for that... it never ends.... maybe that's where the practice started... don't know. But, I've started to wright my own procedures for my DJ business... not sure why cause I don't plan on going multi but I guess it serves more as a reminder to myself of what I need to do and how I should do it.
 
I do read a lot... I visit sites like ODJT a lot as well... I've gleaned everything I can and still do... to help develop and build my business plan and procedures...

It's funny, I work at a hotel and the owner is forever having me wright up procedures for this and for that... it never ends.... maybe that's where the practice started... don't know. But, I've started to wright my own procedures for my DJ business... not sure why cause I don't plan on going multi but I guess it serves more as a reminder to myself of what I need to do and how I should do it.

Well, whatever it is that you end up writing, I would love to see it when it's complete. I have written several procedural manuals and handbooks myself, and I would be more than willing to share those with you as well. I actually had a colleague re-write one I sent him with all sorts of corrections he felt were needed. I appreciated the edit, although some of the points I ended up omitting as I felt they may not work with my overall system. Not to say I didn't give them a try.
 

Well put my friend :)


If one needs to take the time to explain why they are better -- they are in the wrong business, IMHO...

I harp on this point all the time...

Are you an entertainer, or a salesman?
 
Well put my friend :)


If one needs to take the time to explain why they are better -- they are in the wrong business, IMHO...

I harp on this point all the time...

Are you an entertainer, or a salesman?

Did the blog honestly come off as me seeming to say I was 'better' than anyone else?
 
Did the blog honestly come off as me seeming to say I was 'better' than anyone else?

No.

But your presence here tells me that you're just looking for more material and page hits for your blog.

Just some thoughts from an old dog. ;)
 
No.

But your presence here tells me that you're just looking for more material and page hits for your blog.

Just some thoughts from an old dog. ;)

Material, absolutely... but I always credit and link contributors.

Hits? ehhh... i guess if i had paid ads on my blog or there was a chance you folks would book me then yeah, but since that's not the case i think i seek the material first and foremost... but i can see why you might think that.
 
Its allright, too much fluff about working with this and that and the maitre d... etc. Too much stress on being the COORDINATOR.

No mention of professional equipment used ( regardless of personal preference and brand affiliation), Neatness, Being on Time, Having On Site Backup etc. Missing the stuff that makes a DJ a DJ.
 
Its allright, too much fluff about working with this and that and the maitre d... etc. Too much stress on being the COORDINATOR.

No mention of professional equipment used ( regardless of personal preference and brand affiliation), Neatness, Being on Time, Having On Site Backup etc. Missing the stuff that makes a DJ a DJ.

Now that's some stuff I missed. This is the kinda stuff I was looking for. Thanks
 
Its allright, too much fluff about working with this and that and the maitre d... etc. Too much stress on being the COORDINATOR.

No mention of professional equipment used ( regardless of personal preference and brand affiliation), Neatness, Being on Time, Having On Site Backup etc. Missing the stuff that makes a DJ a DJ.

One side question about this. My feeling has always been that great equipment does not make a great DJ. I tell the DJs who work for me all of the time that music knowledge, knowing what to play when, ability to read and predict a crowd far surpass the most advanced equipment.

I just had the chance to see a DJ entertainer (recently actually) do a really excellent job of keeping the dance floor full and being interactive with the crowd, and he was using a pair of old EV 1202's, and an older model Dennon with a (classic) old-school Numark mixer (the kind I used in the early 90's).

Not only did this guy really know how to work the floor, but he had what I would call an unconventional approach to 'sets.' He played a lot of stuff that I wouldn't have played and I came out of it having learned quite a bit. After the even I approached the guy and it turned out he had been doing this since the late 80's/early 90's and this was his original gear. He did it more of a hobby but I was thoroughly impressed.

(I'm starting to think this is a blog in the making)

So - I pose the question - is 'professional' equipment, or the definition thereof - specifically referring to 'new' stuff, or just DJ-grade stuff? Here in 2009 I find myself - being a multi-op - owning four sets of powered speakers all purchased within the last three years, replacing Dennons every 2 years or so, and continually updating technology (we are almost all laptop at this point). This DJ I met was spinning on CD's.

Does dated equipment make it less professional?
 
So - I pose the question - is 'professional' equipment, or the definition thereof - specifically referring to 'new' stuff, or just DJ-grade stuff? Here in 2009 I find myself - being a multi-op - owning four sets of powered speakers all purchased within the last three years, replacing Dennons every 2 years or so, and continually updating technology (we are almost all laptop at this point). This DJ I met was spinning on CD's.

Does dated equipment make it less professional?

I don't think so.... but, dated and shabby that's a different story. Assuming of course we are talking about pro-gear and not that Gemini type crap.... if it looks good and is well maintained the laws of sound don't change so it should sound good. With a seasoned DJ behind the controls I'm sure that you'll get nothing but a professional show.

That being said... the same seasoned Pro could sound and look even better with updated gear and the perception, especially that crucial first impression of the guests as the arrive will drive that professional appearance through the roof garnering more than likely more WOM then if this Pro used old out dated gear... people do notice.

Whether we like it or not.... appearances can mean as much as the performance.... as the old addage goes... "First impressions can never be repeated."
 
One side question about this. My feeling has always been that great equipment does not make a great DJ.

Very true, but at least tell the client at the very least some kind of run through of what you will be bring or what you use. What if you were the DJ that shows up with speakers on a stick and an I pod?


This is an " Equipment" blurb that makes the client feel warm and fuzzy. It shows that yur gear is always fresh and new and chance for failure during an event is unlikely. You could replace the word "Dennon" with " Gear" and the prospect wont care. All they know is that the gear is always new.

replacing Dennons every 2 years or so, and continually updating technology (we are almost all laptop at this point).

Does dated equipment make it less professional?


IMO No. You can literally stick a Facade in front of anything now and no one can tell what you have. Its all in the presentation.
You have 2 cars, both a 1967 Chevey Camaro.
One is dirty and paint is faded and tires are mismatched but it runs like a charm- People call it a clunker.
Second has great paint job, nice shiny wheels and glossy tires Doesnt have an engine. People call it a classic.

Its all in the presentation.
Real DJ skills is very important, yes ( music knowledge, knowing your equipmnet etc...) but looking like a slob wont earn any praises.

See above
 
... So - I pose the question - is 'professional' equipment, or the definition thereof - specifically referring to 'new' stuff, or just DJ-grade stuff? Here in 2009 I find myself - being a multi-op - owning four sets of powered speakers all purchased within the last three years, replacing Dennons every 2 years or so, and continually updating technology (we are almost all laptop at this point). This DJ I met was spinning on CD's.

Does dated equipment make it less professional?

An excellent point. Thank you, Sir.

Does dated eqipment make it less professional? I don't see how it would. Business equipment either handles the job or it doesn't. Most people outside of the SR and mobile entertainment business are not well-versed on the equipment we work with. If one has a good tone, people notice. Conversely, if the tone is poor with mic feedback and ringing, people notice.

Poor tone can be had with a good system. Good tone cannot be had with a poor system. Just because something is new doesn't necessarily mean it's the right tool for the job at hand.

Remember, the way people see you is the way they will treat you. Provide professional sound. Dress like a pro. Conduct your business like a pro. :)