Thoughts on the business card
- Thread starter simplyAl
- Start date
Lol, never said you said I did. My business is word of mouth and referrals only at this time; no Bridal Shows. If I get that busy, I will think of registering the domain. But until them, I guess I'll be 'That Guy' who has unprofessional looking business cards.
Al, I've always loved your posts; I'm just trying to be helpful.
Steve, yes, I am dead serious about the domain issue and yes I do think prospective clients know the difference. In fact, I have had conversations about this very topic with different people and they all agree that those using a gmail address on their card or in their ad, must not be very professional and they are less likely to call them before the ones using their own domains. It's all about perception. Do you want people to perceive you as a professional?
So call me ridiculous if you want. Oh wait, you already did. I am ridiculous but busy.
Steve - I hope you grasped the sarcasm....
Let me preface my response by saying these are simply rebuttal comments; no 'dis meant....
We'll have to agree to disagree...I don't think the average clients really notices or cares.....many businesses in New Brunswick use the suffix; nb.aibn.com....Frankly; I think no less of them.....Steve, I note on your website; no where do you have a physical address listed. I have a Box number at least. Would the lack of a physical address not suggest to many that you don't run a real business if you can't afford an office. It might suggest to some a "fly by night" operation....Anyone can put up a web page with an email address....Question prospects; they may have a bigger issue with that, then using gmail.com or bellaliant.net....
@ Wes...sure you notice; you're a dj...just like its unprofessional you have messy wires, use i-tune to play cocktail music, charge $500 for a wedding, use Behringer gear.....Ultimately; in my opinion, the client rarely cares about all the thing we dj's maintain are "unprofessional". We are our own worst enemy.
Major companies have IT departments that handle all of this; websites, email, etc. many small biz operators are not so computer savvy; they have someone host a webpage and it's simply easier to handle email through the internet provider (as i do), rather than mess around with all that is required otherwise. Bellaliant/Gmail rarely breaks...
I note you don't have physical address either.....When a client gives you the retainer, they don't even have a location to follow up on, oe even a mailing address. You could be in India for all they know; what would be the perception the clients have?
Steve, I don't list my physical address on my website because I don't want some yahoo trying to rip me off. It does state, "Music Maestro DJ Service is based out of Port Moody, BC and services all of Greater Vancouver and the surrounding Lower Mainland." Once they take the time to contact me and set up an appointment, they receive the address to my custom built home-based office. They also receive a Google link complete with Google map photo: http://g.co/maps/uxdkd Looks legit to me!
I've had my domain for over 10 years and you are the first to ask about the physical address and you my friend are a DJ. On a personal note, I have bypassed MANY businesses that display a gmail type address in their advertising and no domain. To each his own but I prefer the more professional looking approach of using my own domain and email.
I've had my domain for over 10 years and you are the first to ask about the physical address and you my friend are a DJ.
On a personal note, I have bypassed MANY businesses that display a gmail type address in their advertising and no domain. To each his own but I prefer the more professional looking approach of using my own domain and email.Why do almost all threads end in a "What your worth" thread? Anywho, I have placed the order for the last image posted with a small correction. I have removed the space in simplyAl. Thank you all for your comments, even you Ceaser; as I do take them all to heart.
stick to your guns Al I have surveyed this across the globe far and wide and not had a non DJ point out the gmail account etc. I find it funny Steve we had this talk yrs back and through my research and its simply not true. DJs are the only ones who see a basic yahoo or Gmail addy as anything other than an email address. My email for business is used due to the free email via the web domain.
When my clients open my contract (.pdf), there is my address in the upper left corner. I don't want my address easily found for security reasons.
I like them.... but... and you knew there'd be a but... but, I still say if the backside is blank why not simply put two lines: Line 1 - "simplyAl", Line 2 "Disc Jockey Services"
I know this post comes late since it seams you have already placed your order....
I know this post comes late since it seams you have already placed your order....
Let me clarify. I have never had a non DJ via questionnaire and survey say as a DJ business my email address looked unprofessional. Certain professions in the corporate world even use non domain email addys. I also poo poo the myth that black is a bad color to use for our websites. I have researched and spoken to many current modern web designers that dont believe the myth about brides or other clients not liking a black background. Over analysis with personal overtones often seem to take precedence.
You should see mine.... I went from nearly every color in the book and a fancy looking EQ background to just Black on both sides of my cards... I think it looks much classier and a lot less cluttered....
Steve, I don't list my physical address on my website because I don't want some yahoo trying to rip me off. It does state, "Music Maestro DJ Service is based out of Port Moody, BC and services all of Greater Vancouver and the surrounding Lower Mainland." Once they take the time to contact me and set up an appointment, they receive the address to my custom built home-based office. They also receive a Google link complete with Google map photo: http://g.co/maps/uxdkd Looks legit to me!
I've had my domain for over 10 years and you are the first to ask about the physical address and you my friend are a DJ.
It's all about perception Steve, as you've stated....A prospect viewing you website initially might think you're the yahoo....... Since 2006, I've never had anyone bring up the issue that I use an isp email address; once they make initial contact, they know I'm for real...I just don't think it's the issue you make it to be. Heck, it could be argued operating out of your home, or being a part time dj is less professional....we won't go there though
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Yes...you prefer YOUR perceived approach of using your own domain email address....Realistically; I think you'd be the only one....other than Wes
It could be argued that a true, professional business would have a physical office; doctors, lawyers, bail bondsmen, etc. How do they deal with security fears?
Again, just talking perception.
I don't post my street address for the same reason; I don't meet clients at my home. If one looks at email address versus physical location; I think lack of a physical address would be more of a "red flag" than a gmail address.
I agree that some people will see it that way, but consider this...
Why does there need to be something special about his services? In a market where everyone is claiming to be the best and most unique, that's sort of refreshing and honest. There's a client for all of us. There's a huge market of folks that just want a basic, no-frills, professional DJ/MC service.
Sometimes, instead of striving to "be the best", it's more practical to just "be".
You make a good point, but you are also giving a lot of credit to the average joe.
Most people have gmail or similar accounts and hardly anyone knows what a URL is or cares. Sometimes we have a hard time looking past our own knowledge and opinions. Not everyone out there is looking at those things and it's THOSE people that will be attracted to the type of service Al want's to provide. And their money is as green as anyone's.
It's not damaging or lowering the image/reputation of professional DJs. Every type of client has their own "professional" to fit their needs. If we or anyone else looks down of those that don't operate the way we would like, then shame on us/them.
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It's not Google I'm worried about. It's the low-life local crooks coming to rob me I'm worried about.
Business cards, websites, email etc. I have some rather high profile clients and for the most part if you are good at what you do and you make a lasting impression all of the above is worthless. Every one has a cell phone and my cell phone/business number winds up in their cell phone right then and there. You lose business cards, you forget websites and emails get sent to spam. Yes, I have business cards, flyers, website(s) facebook etc. Every type is advertising that will appeal to different prospective clients. It does not hurt to have it all, especially that most of it is free and takes a few hours to just get it all done. I hate SEO but it works. Facebook I see is my largest return.. After a wedding or any gig I check my stats on my website and it is usually around 5-10 hits. My facebook page after a day or so with people tagging and sharing I get over 50 hits easy. I know this is off track to the thread but some what relevant.
I do like the business card. Mine are plain and simple and to the point. The only point on your card though is that you are simple. Not a bad thing but simple with what? Just slap Disc Jockey on the back and your covered.
My .02
J
I do like the business card. Mine are plain and simple and to the point. The only point on your card though is that you are simple. Not a bad thing but simple with what? Just slap Disc Jockey on the back and your covered.
My .02
J