The Wedding DJ Saga (this actually applies to all DJs)
- Thread starter DJ J Mac
- Start date
DjDennis
RIP- My Dad (2011), Sister (2013) and Mum (2017)
Ok I will ask one main question and this I want ANSWERED without all the BULLCRAP I am hearing now
I havew done this for 30 years and Have seen and played at a lot of weddings
Question: When your hiring a Dj what do yopu think why you should hire the dj if you wasnt a Dj in the first place!!
now that should have some outcome if you wasnt a Dj in the first place and know how all this works
I havew done this for 30 years and Have seen and played at a lot of weddings
Question: When your hiring a Dj what do yopu think why you should hire the dj if you wasnt a Dj in the first place!!
now that should have some outcome if you wasnt a Dj in the first place and know how all this works
K
Kirby Ball
Guest
DjDennis
RIP- My Dad (2011), Sister (2013) and Mum (2017)
Nope, they're going with a preprogrammed I-Pod...
see now thats why I hate people that think they know whats best...
well if anything goes wrong dont say you wasnt warned lol
K
Kirby Ball
Guest
LOL, Just kidding...I have no idea what the final decision has/will be.....:sqembarrassed:
DjDennis
RIP- My Dad (2011), Sister (2013) and Mum (2017)
Kirby it wasnt at you - just the oppisite lol
its others that are having a wedding that think they know about Dj's (even dj's them self) have NO idea on how to hire a Dj....
oh just to add....
oh yeah I am the greatest and I know how a real wedding is suppose to run
I see more failures that way
its others that are having a wedding that think they know about Dj's (even dj's them self) have NO idea on how to hire a Dj....
oh just to add....
oh yeah I am the greatest and I know how a real wedding is suppose to run
I see more failures that way
I can definitely sympathize with Mac & Ducky's plight, and its great they posted here on this.
When asked this question ("What makes you different?") I don't even have to think about it - the answer is right there.
Two things pop up right away:
1) Superior customer service. Responsiveness, availability for questions, in-person consultations, all of these are an emphasis of mine. Sad how uncommon it is, as Ducky said, for dj's to answer phones or return calls (in a good number of cases). For "being in business," a lot of them sure don't ACT like a business!
2) Super-detailed event planning. My wedding planner and the resulting itineraries are far more organized and comprehensive than most. I had a coordinator just last night (first time working with her) tell me I was by far the most organized of any dj she has worked with.
I place a ton of emphasis in marketing, site, consultations, etc, on my pre-event planning process. My wedding planner is very detailed - more so than any other planner I have seen locally, or online nationwide for that matter. It is currently 5 pages long with all pages crammed full of info to be answered or filled out
I'll admit that in the beginning, being new to dj'ing, I built this planner for my OWN benefit to make sure I hit on everything, got all relevant info, etc, but it didn't take long at all for me to see, based on their own response and feedback, the amount of positive impact this process and the materials have for the potential client.
It really gives them peace of mind that I have the process down because of all the thought attention to detail, etc. They see the organization in my process and the thorough nature of it and it lets them know that I "get it."
That I then have the "skills" to actually execute it the day-of almost becomes assumed as a given at that point, though I do of course have a very extensive list of testimonials and references as well.
Maybe its just in my market, but more concern seems to be placed by the clients on planning and running of the event from a coordination standpoint than just "what music you are going to play." At least that's the way it SHOULD be, and even if they don't know it coming to meet me for the first time, they leave starting to understand that!
So in a nutshell, that's where I place a great deal of pride, is in my process. It makes sure the job gets done right every time, ensures consistency and complete customization, and it satisfies the emotional and psychological worries and concerns potential clients have about my ability to handle their event from a logistical standpoint. Once they get hit like a steamroller with all my planning materials at that first consult, before they even hire me, that barrier is suddenly removed and we can roll through the rest of the process quickly and painlessly, usually with just two appointments (The initial consult, and the actual planning meeting about a month or so (ideally) prior-to the wedding itself.)
The way this "difference" in my services is integrated into the process, and the way I approach the first free consult, is:
1) "Getting to know you." Asking about them, event details, what they are looking for, etc.
2) Tell them I am going to go through my spiel regarding my process in a linear fashion from that first appointment through the day of to let them know where we will end up and how we will get there (start with wedding planner packet and show them a sample of a resulting final itinerary), and then if they have any questions that aren't answered by me "presentation," I'll be happy to answer them.
3) I answer any remaining questions not previously addressed, usually there aren't many, and a lot of times they will be venue specific, ie special setup considerations for their venue, layout, etc.
That's it! I send them packing with the planning info and a completed contract for them to sign and return to me if they decide to go ahead and hire me, and I leave them be with a very non-obtrusive follow-up process to go about their decision making, and they'll either go with me or not!
P.S. ~ I am always looking for wedding planners from other services online or not to see if anything useful or new can be gleaned that might be beneficial to my materials and process, so if any of you guys have a great one you use that works for you I'd love to see it. I'd be happy to exchange mine as well as long as you're not competing against me in my own market! I welcome feedback and constructive criticisms as well. Thanks!
When asked this question ("What makes you different?") I don't even have to think about it - the answer is right there.
Two things pop up right away:
1) Superior customer service. Responsiveness, availability for questions, in-person consultations, all of these are an emphasis of mine. Sad how uncommon it is, as Ducky said, for dj's to answer phones or return calls (in a good number of cases). For "being in business," a lot of them sure don't ACT like a business!
2) Super-detailed event planning. My wedding planner and the resulting itineraries are far more organized and comprehensive than most. I had a coordinator just last night (first time working with her) tell me I was by far the most organized of any dj she has worked with.
I place a ton of emphasis in marketing, site, consultations, etc, on my pre-event planning process. My wedding planner is very detailed - more so than any other planner I have seen locally, or online nationwide for that matter. It is currently 5 pages long with all pages crammed full of info to be answered or filled out
I'll admit that in the beginning, being new to dj'ing, I built this planner for my OWN benefit to make sure I hit on everything, got all relevant info, etc, but it didn't take long at all for me to see, based on their own response and feedback, the amount of positive impact this process and the materials have for the potential client.
It really gives them peace of mind that I have the process down because of all the thought attention to detail, etc. They see the organization in my process and the thorough nature of it and it lets them know that I "get it."
That I then have the "skills" to actually execute it the day-of almost becomes assumed as a given at that point, though I do of course have a very extensive list of testimonials and references as well.
Maybe its just in my market, but more concern seems to be placed by the clients on planning and running of the event from a coordination standpoint than just "what music you are going to play." At least that's the way it SHOULD be, and even if they don't know it coming to meet me for the first time, they leave starting to understand that!
So in a nutshell, that's where I place a great deal of pride, is in my process. It makes sure the job gets done right every time, ensures consistency and complete customization, and it satisfies the emotional and psychological worries and concerns potential clients have about my ability to handle their event from a logistical standpoint. Once they get hit like a steamroller with all my planning materials at that first consult, before they even hire me, that barrier is suddenly removed and we can roll through the rest of the process quickly and painlessly, usually with just two appointments (The initial consult, and the actual planning meeting about a month or so (ideally) prior-to the wedding itself.)
The way this "difference" in my services is integrated into the process, and the way I approach the first free consult, is:
1) "Getting to know you." Asking about them, event details, what they are looking for, etc.
2) Tell them I am going to go through my spiel regarding my process in a linear fashion from that first appointment through the day of to let them know where we will end up and how we will get there (start with wedding planner packet and show them a sample of a resulting final itinerary), and then if they have any questions that aren't answered by me "presentation," I'll be happy to answer them.
3) I answer any remaining questions not previously addressed, usually there aren't many, and a lot of times they will be venue specific, ie special setup considerations for their venue, layout, etc.
That's it! I send them packing with the planning info and a completed contract for them to sign and return to me if they decide to go ahead and hire me, and I leave them be with a very non-obtrusive follow-up process to go about their decision making, and they'll either go with me or not!
P.S. ~ I am always looking for wedding planners from other services online or not to see if anything useful or new can be gleaned that might be beneficial to my materials and process, so if any of you guys have a great one you use that works for you I'd love to see it. I'd be happy to exchange mine as well as long as you're not competing against me in my own market! I welcome feedback and constructive criticisms as well. Thanks!
G
Guest
Guest
Justin,
So what makes you any different from any other DJ that is online?
Do you spend 40 hours with the bride becoming her bestest buddy so you know everything about her, and rehearsing every aspect of the event?
Do you memorize the names and the order in which the wedding party will be announced?
Do you do a special tribute (complete with tears) to uncle Bob and Aunt Sarah who passed away 10 years earlier?
Do you study the photo albums of the bride and groom and memorize the names of each person so you will know each person you meet on sight?
Do you bring extra sets of wedding rings in different sizes just in case the bride and groom forget to bring theirs?
Do you bring an extra bouquet in case theirs is forgotten?
Do you bring an extra wedding cake?
Do you have your van filled with extra fondue pots and food just in case the caterer doesn't show?
Are you licensed to perform the wedding in case the officiate doesn't show?
Do you learn to sing all the songs accopella in case the venue looses power?
These are just a few things that some DJ's in your area supply
So what do you really do that makes you any different from any other DJ in your area or in the country?
!
So what makes you any different from any other DJ that is online?
Do you spend 40 hours with the bride becoming her bestest buddy so you know everything about her, and rehearsing every aspect of the event?
Do you memorize the names and the order in which the wedding party will be announced?
Do you do a special tribute (complete with tears) to uncle Bob and Aunt Sarah who passed away 10 years earlier?
Do you study the photo albums of the bride and groom and memorize the names of each person so you will know each person you meet on sight?
Do you bring extra sets of wedding rings in different sizes just in case the bride and groom forget to bring theirs?
Do you bring an extra bouquet in case theirs is forgotten?
Do you bring an extra wedding cake?
Do you have your van filled with extra fondue pots and food just in case the caterer doesn't show?
Are you licensed to perform the wedding in case the officiate doesn't show?
Do you learn to sing all the songs accopella in case the venue looses power?
These are just a few things that some DJ's in your area supply
So what do you really do that makes you any different from any other DJ in your area or in the country?
!
This was already answered. May not seem fancy enough an answer or "gimmicky" enough for some, as the things you mentioned, but it does seem sufficient enough for peeps that decide to go with me!
Customer service, responsiveness, and follow-up/follow-through are lacking in a good segment of our industry. These things may seem like a given and unimpressive as differentiating points to us, but that is just because all of us here are professionals. You have to remember that a lot of the service providers we are up against (okay, maybe only me in my area and price range) are not as "professional" as we are. When you're in this market, and I may be the only one on the boards here who is, these factors are very large differentiators between you and the competition."
As simple as the things I pointed out and mentioned seem to be, they are obviously lacking in other providers they are interviewing on either side of my price-point.
Do I travel with a 30' tractor trailer loaded with full on back-up gazebo, alter, 80-person chair and place-setting rental and a spare pair of shorts for the groom? Of course not. Nobody does.
I'm not interested in gimmicks, and neither are my clients. I just offer a rock-solid service from beginning to end, and my customers seem to appreciate it and seem to think I have a process in place is a little more detailed and efficient than some others, and I get told all the time that this played a large factor in many clients' decisions. It is obviously enough of a "difference" to them! Might sound boring but it's my answer to the question
I do what "a dj" does (from the client's point of view... I know there is no 'what a dj does' because we are all different.) and I do it well. Am I interested in becoming a minister, tailor, make-up artist, fashion consultant, florist or anything else? Nah... not at all. As for the entertainment part of it, I'm not interested in fluff presentation, love stories, fake emotional delivery, or any of that, and my clients aren't either. If someone is looking for that I send them packing My clients want low-key, solid, and consistent performance with no window dressing or insincerity. They don't want "an act.""What makes you different than other dj's" doesn't have to imply that you employ gimmicks or include services outside of a dj's "traditional realm." "What makes you different" can simply be that you have differences in the way you do things that help you to do "what a dj does" (or is "supposed to do" in the eyes of the client) BETTER! Quite a concept, I know... right?
If I ever find myself in a position where I am dj'ing full-time at weddings and need to justify the exorbitant rates I am charging because of my "years of experience" I'll start adding in the fluff and traveling with a bigger climate-controlled trailer that includes a live habitat with 6 doves in case the release company doesn't come through for the ceremony
For now I'll keep winning over prospective couples with what I have in place, and I'll keep getting gigs simply because they can see I have my S together and I actually returned their call! As long as it makes them hire me, it makes me "different ENOUGH" from "the other guy."
We don't have to differentiate ourselves convincingly to each other here (though that's where this thread has gone...) because that one-ups-manship can go on indefinitely, and I for one am not really into those kinds of contests. This thread was started, and the question was asked, from the customer's point of view. All that matters to satisfy this question is that the customer perceives a difference. If you can convince the customer one is there, the spirit of the initial question is satisfied. If all it takes to make this difference is that you actually have and show a level of respect for them and treat them professionally starting with that first call, then so be it!
DjDennis
RIP- My Dad (2011), Sister (2013) and Mum (2017)
So Justin you want to tell us how many weddings that didnt go the way you wanted them to ?
you want to tell us how many Dj's that you supplied that stuffed up a wedding and had to give back money ?
I aint going on just seeing if thats what you think about when it all comes down to it
oh and how many years you doing this again?
I think now this thread has run its course its more of a match to see ho has a bigger D@#$ than the other
you want to tell us how many Dj's that you supplied that stuffed up a wedding and had to give back money ?
I aint going on just seeing if thats what you think about when it all comes down to it
oh and how many years you doing this again?
I think now this thread has run its course its more of a match to see ho has a bigger D@#$ than the other
G
Guest
Guest
OK Justin good answer,
You have made a point of telling us what makes you the same as everyone else, now tell us what makes you different! So far you haven't pointed out anything you are offering that 99.9% of the DJs on this board also say they are offering!
The people on this board are simply a cross section of the DJ's out there today so there isn't a whole lot of difference between all of them and all of us!
You have made a point of telling us what makes you the same as everyone else, now tell us what makes you different! So far you haven't pointed out anything you are offering that 99.9% of the DJs on this board also say they are offering!
The people on this board are simply a cross section of the DJ's out there today so there isn't a whole lot of difference between all of them and all of us!
DjDennis
RIP- My Dad (2011), Sister (2013) and Mum (2017)
Steve but you havent told all of us you offer an extra service once a year!
You do Father Christmas
As I already said, we don't have to convince each other of what we do differently, the question was framed from the standpoint of a consumer, and I have already given a tangible (as in can be seen, touched, experienced, etc.) that is different from my contemporaries, many here included, and have already stated clearly how this item is received and perceived by the clientele. You seem to be stuck on the notion that "a difference" has to be a unique item or service offered, whereas my contention, borne out of feedback from clients, is that differentiation can be made just in the way something (that "all dj's" do) is done. All of us go about the business of planning receptions, timelines, gathering information, etc. I just answered the question at hand "what makes you different" by making note of some of the materials I have developed and use, and how it is perceived by the client, and it's a perfectly legit answer. Sorry I don't have something "flashier..."
I simply do things differently, and clients see it and respond to it! Obviously we all do if we get gigs! I don't see why "what makes you different" has to be something corny or over the top that makes it look like you're trying to get featured in the second edition of "Best Wedding Reception... EVER!"
Luckily the clients are the ones I have to convince of a difference to get paid, not y'allz!
G
Guest
Guest
Justin,
I don't know if you are missing my point or simply ignoring it!
The majority of wedding DJs use planners, make contact with the clients, have planning meetings with those clients! Most have been doing it for many years it is not something new, it is just something that is done not so much for the client but for the DJ!
I would be willing to bet that if a poll was done on this site that 99% of the DJs here that market themselves as wedding DJs will respond that they.
.... Meet with the clients at least once and more likely more than once!
.... Have and make use of a planner!
.... Go beyond the call in helping the B&G coordinate the reception!
.... Have back up systems for the just in case situation that may arrise!
.... Have a back up plan to have the wedding covered in case of accident or illness!
You have already stated you aren't a RB where you spend 40 hours detailing every possible aspect of the process. You have already said you aren't a PM where you carry the little extras with you in case the Bridal party should forget something. (I agree this is clown stuff) but it does set them apart from the rest of us.
So what makes you any different from the rest of us?
You have yet to give an answer to that! So far you say you are different, but then state things that everyone else is doing as well to set yourself apart from the pack!
I don't know if you are missing my point or simply ignoring it!
The majority of wedding DJs use planners, make contact with the clients, have planning meetings with those clients! Most have been doing it for many years it is not something new, it is just something that is done not so much for the client but for the DJ!
I would be willing to bet that if a poll was done on this site that 99% of the DJs here that market themselves as wedding DJs will respond that they.
.... Meet with the clients at least once and more likely more than once!
.... Have and make use of a planner!
.... Go beyond the call in helping the B&G coordinate the reception!
.... Have back up systems for the just in case situation that may arrise!
.... Have a back up plan to have the wedding covered in case of accident or illness!
You have already stated you aren't a RB where you spend 40 hours detailing every possible aspect of the process. You have already said you aren't a PM where you carry the little extras with you in case the Bridal party should forget something. (I agree this is clown stuff) but it does set them apart from the rest of us.
So what makes you any different from the rest of us?
You have yet to give an answer to that! So far you say you are different, but then state things that everyone else is doing as well to set yourself apart from the pack!
DjDennis
RIP- My Dad (2011), Sister (2013) and Mum (2017)
Steve thats what happens when Dj's just like Justin think they know what they are doing
they become the same as ANYONE else as a Dj and then try and convince others they are better....
I have never said I am better than anyone else I learn from them all the time even after 30 years doing this work
they become the same as ANYONE else as a Dj and then try and convince others they are better....
I have never said I am better than anyone else I learn from them all the time even after 30 years doing this work
I am sorry about the fact that I could not read anymore after I got about halfway down the final page (my settings make the most recent posts come to the top). edit: I finally decided to skim down until the last time I posted, which wasn't really that long ago--but reading through this makes it feel like that
I see one thing, and this is that it is unfortunate that we cannot just be ourselves--maybe it is easy for me to be myself because I am so awesome (I dunno).
I have even told inquisitors that I suck, and they hire me. Why? I dunno--maybe it's because I spin vinyl, or maybe it's because I talk funny, or maybe it's because pronouncing my last name is a challenge.
But the bottom line is that I am absolutely honest. And I don't think that everybody here is being totally honest with everybody else, or even themselves.
You can say that you are unique, but if you have to go into great detail convincing others that you are unique, then you probably aren't. Or, maybe you are not being transparent enough.
Too many people here have nothing to show, yet plenty to say.
Show us the money! And keep it fresh, like I just did in the last exclamation!!
I see one thing, and this is that it is unfortunate that we cannot just be ourselves--maybe it is easy for me to be myself because I am so awesome (I dunno).
I have even told inquisitors that I suck, and they hire me. Why? I dunno--maybe it's because I spin vinyl, or maybe it's because I talk funny, or maybe it's because pronouncing my last name is a challenge.
But the bottom line is that I am absolutely honest. And I don't think that everybody here is being totally honest with everybody else, or even themselves.
You can say that you are unique, but if you have to go into great detail convincing others that you are unique, then you probably aren't. Or, maybe you are not being transparent enough.
Too many people here have nothing to show, yet plenty to say.
Show us the money! And keep it fresh, like I just did in the last exclamation!!
I am not missing your point, or ignoring it. I could just as well throw the same back at you
This is the answer:
YES. Other dj's do these things. All I said (in about 5 different ways) was this:
That my clients just happen to see a difference in my planning process compared to the other dj's they interview that eventually helps them decide to go with me.
Again, not a difference so much in what is done, just a difference in HOW it's done.
It's simple.
If it's not clear after that, I'm done. At this point, it almost seems like you're just gunning for me.
No Mr.K, They hire you cuz you play cool stuff like ELVIRA!!! (And Stompin Tom Conners)
This is just plain rude. I don't see the need for insults here, and I certainbly haven't spoken ill of anyone else here or claimed superiority. I know enough about what I am doing to have a list of satisfied clients, and I have never been dishonest with anyone anywhere, other dj's or clients, as to my level of experience or years in business, what I have experience doing, etc.
And I never tried to convince anyone here I was "better." The question was, "What is the DIFFERENCE." I simply explained what the difference is.
As for willingness to learn, did you not read in my very first post that I welcomed exchanging planners and processes with others here so I could improve what I have? Did you not read that I welcome constructive cristicisms from others?
Scroll up. Those things are there, so it's best we don't go around making assumptions or saying someone thinks they are above question or improvement when they aren't.