What are things you look for before agreeing to do an event for a potential client?

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MIXMASTERMACHOM

MIXMASTERMACHOM

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Oct 16, 2011
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I'm asking this question for 2 reasons. Just to see what others look for before you agree to do an event for someone and I get beat up sometimes because some on here don't think I do a good enough job with finding out info from a potential client.

The first thing is the type of event it is. Where is the event to take place? The date and time of the event that you need a DJ. It's very important to me that I get a rough idea of the people attending the event. How many people does the person expect to attend the event? The styles of music they want played at the event? That's very important to me because it's not my event. It's their event. Who is the event for?

That's just some of the stuff I like to know to determine if I want to agree to doing the event. If I get a bad vibe from the potential client I don't have any problems with telling that potential client I'm not interested in doing the event. I don't chase after any old event anymore just because there's money to be made. I have to feel it's going to be a fun safe event or I won't agree to do the event. No matter how bad we need the work.
 
I just booked a wedding this evening. We never discussed music.

We discussed what things are important for them.

We discussed our approach to Mcing And how I believed it would benefit them.

I set their expectations for the whole evening. They said this is exactly what we want

We didn't discuss any details like music, formalities etc. I told them we would discuss these things via online planners and future meetings.

We discussed price and gave them payment options.

The music I'll play at their event is the least of my concern when booking.
 
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Maybe you live in an unusual place in this country, or maybe I haven't been exposed to unusual circumstances, but I'll say yes to any event without knowing anything. Except the date, to confirm I am available.

And of course if the distance is out of my servicing area, then I'll turn it down. For the most part, I can accommodate any music style and any size of event.

I'll admit, I live in a rural community with mostly "normal" people with fairly normal behavior. Maybe if my business was located in a metropolitan city (like Mixmastermacho) I would find myself being more choosy.
 
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Bob Kreider said:
Maybe you live in an unusual place in this country, or maybe I haven't been exposed to unusual circumstances, but I'll say yes to any event without knowing anything. Except the date, to confirm I am available.

And of course if the distance is out of my servicing area, then I'll turn it down. For the most part, I can accommodate any music style and any size of event.

I'll admit, I live in a rural community with mostly "normal" people with fairly normal behavior. Maybe if my business was located in a metropolitan city (like Mixmastermacho) I would find myself being more choosy.
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lol no its just his 2 mile radius and how he PERSONALLY chooses to do business and the types of events he looks for... aka... super super low paying ones... as mentioned before... Mix is actually less than 5 miles from NJ's most expensive and exclusive venue.

Personally for me, I need a date, a venue, and an agreement on price to accept an event. Yes, I want to make sure that we're all on the same page in terms of expectations of what my services entail... but in terms of things I can itemize in a sense... those 3.
 
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In a marketing thread you asked for more events. On this thread you say that you don't mind turning down events. Which one is it?

Macho, if you are confused, don't be discouraged. This line of work is not rocket science, but it will challenge you mentally & physically. That's why less than 1% of Mobile DJs will ever make this their profession or at least become as successful as Taso.

I encourage you to maintain your passion for seeking the knowledge you need, but do not be surprised if at the end, you fail to reach your objectives. If it was easy anyone could do it!

BTW, I just noticed that I've been promoted from just a DJ to an Active DJ on this forum. I consider myself more of an active participant. :nod:
 
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Ah-ite, since you axe'd agin, I play it for real:
What are things you look for before agreeing to do an event for a potential client?
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Big titties, nice azz, pretty face and no gender issues...Oh and lots of money.

Also, see all previous responsive posts in the preceding threads in which you already ax'd that.

SSDD.
 
I got to say at times we've been put in situations that we care not to be in. I remember being asked to do an event and when you get there and start doing the event that you can play anything and it's Ok. In other words they are looking for the DJ to play some hardcore music with curses in the songs. From the N word, B word, MF and so on. For that crowd it's normal to them. It's what they are used to. I can't stand playing that stuff at events.

Of course they don't say this is what we want when they first talk to you. Only when you get there do you find this out. Some get highly upset if you don't play that stuff. I like it to be clean with class involved. Once I get a crowd like that I refuse to do anything else for them. I will make up an excuse or just plain lie to get out of doing their event. Either that or make the amount you want them to pay that you know they won't agree to that amount and you can keep it moving.
 
MIXMASTERMACHOM said:
I got to say at times we've been put in situations that we care not to be in. I remember being asked to do an event and when you get there and start doing the event that you can play anything and it's Ok. In other words they are looking for the DJ to play some hardcore music with curses in the songs. From the N word, B word, MF and so on. For that crowd it's normal to them. It's what they are used to. I can't stand playing that stuff at events.

Of course they don't say this is what we want when they first talk to you. Only when you get there do you find this out. Some get highly upset if you don't play that stuff. I like it to be clean with class involved. Once I get a crowd like that I refuse to do anything else for them. I will make up an excuse or just plain lie to get out of doing their event. Either that or make the amount you want them to pay that you know they won't agree to that amount and you can keep it moving.
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Of course, when you have them sign your contract that says you "only play radio edits", then those issues go away .. right?
 
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Albatross said:
I'm not answering any more of your questions until you go back and answer mine about what types of gigs you actually want to do.
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Which type will make him famous and desired as a House Music DJ ?? :)
 
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Albatross said:
I'm not answering any more of your questions until you go back and answer mine about what types of gigs you actually want to do.
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Top priority is safety first. As far as gigs themselves things that we feel comfortable we can handle. We don't claim to be the DJs that are great at any event like some others claim. A sweet 16 is not out of our reach. My partner can do those.

Myself I shine when it comes to oldies but goodies, house music and club classics. Other events as well like a wedding depending on the styles of music the bride wants. Now that doesn't mean we can't research things to see how things should go and the music needed to pull off a successful event.
 
MIXMASTERMACHOM said:
Honestly it's not in our contract but thanks for giving me that great idea!
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bold print and underlined...

i put out mixtapes for years and realize that there are a lot of folks who consider radio edits to be a crime...and i get it... it's the artists expression...and its part of the everyday vernacular... but in a public forum... with a mixed age group...its our duty to present a show that's pg.

If you are an entertainer and mix a great show...creating a vibe thats impossible not to love... people will just dance...and if the guys hanging against the wall waiting on expletives are upset...guess what? they werent gonna dance anyway.

The show i did last weekend was predominantly African American... and during dinner i got the usual eye rolls....white boy...this is gonna be corny looks...lol...i just smiled... and by the end those cats were watching me work... sweaty from dancing.

if you are a confident performer...who knows how to read any crowd... and has done years of homework and earned your stripes... u can play almost anywhere....

cc
 
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