If you can't do, or don't want an event, do you refer other DJ's?

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Sometimes we do refer clients to another service, but there are only 2 people in this area that I would feel comfortable sending business to.

I would say the majority of the time we just politely decline and move along.
 
We have a great network in NJ. We do give referals but we also work for each other.



Yes we do. Competitive, yet those of us who know each other are usually willing to help out. Not only with coverage, but other things too. Amazing in a state not noted for being super friendly ( when in fact, we ARE, if also a bit careful)
 
Unfortunately I really have never met any of the other single op DJs in town. I think my New Year's resolution is to start trying to get together with a couple of them. I am friends one guy, but his company mainly does Live sound, with some occasional small DJ jobs. I have gotten a few jobs through them, and sent a couple of people to his guys.

I've talked to one guy about 30 miles from me, but he was very very tight lipped about his setup, his music, and his pricing. This was even after I had told him my info, which is all on my website anyway.
 
Though its a dog eat wild west show here in the Greater Metro Vancouver area. I have had the great fortune of meeting my dear good friend The Maestro aka Steve Milani. He and I feel that the other will provide exceptional service to our clients with a quality unsurpassed by the local competition. I have also experienced what Cap was eluding to sending a couple events to one of the Maestro and mines acquaintances which I had to curtail the offers. This individual has taken my clients and made them his. Lesson learned. Steve and I have an agreement. When doing these events we work loosley under the others name to allow keeping a client in ones database for the future. It has worked really well. I dont mind being a Music Maestro DJ on a day I could have sat home.
Thanks a milly Steve and no I dont mean your wife, but you can thank her too if you wish.
 
I have some what "partnered" up with another local guy.

It has it's benefits i guess. We pass work back and forth all the time, while keeping each others names and clients seperate.

Very similar to Jon amd Maestro's deal.

Dan has his strengths. (sales, marketing, weddings)
And i have mine. (Equipment set-up,building, fixing things,)

So it works out pretty well.
If Myself, or Dan cannot handle the work, I do not refer to our competition. they're on there own
 
Yes.

When my business was active, I often gave the contact information for other DJs when I couldn't take the gig. That was appreciated by the potential client and by the DJ who got the gig. Other DJs returned the favor.

Now that I'm semi-retired and living out of my original service area I get the occasional call from a previous client or a WOM referral. I always pass along the contact information of a few DJs back home, whom I trust.

Cap,
I know you said "Nuff said" but I'd like to read more about your thoughts on this topic.
Maybe in another thread so as not to derail this one.
Thanks.
 
I would love to do it more. I used to, until the ones I referred decided to hire other DJs and the reciprocation stopped.

Anyone in So Cal want to refer a highly professional solo-op let me know. I would love to network with you.
 
The North Carolina ODJT Constituency does a great job of referring back and forth.
I swap referalls with Greg and lil brian.. and Wavvy throws me bones constantly.
 
Cap,
I know you said "Nuff said" but I'd like to read more about your thoughts on this topic.
Maybe in another thread so as not to derail this one.
Thanks.
Not to get into Cap's head as it's very crowded in there and sometimes scary, I'll give you my thoughts on this.

Referring to others could have an impact on your business either good or bad.

Good: I had a DJ refer me to friends of his that he was unable to accommodate. I must say I blew these people away. This other DJ is a nice guy but his talents are very limited. If and when these clients decide to hire a DJ agin or refer someone, knowing the difference between the two of us, who are they more likely to call first? I'm not really sure but it is just a thought.

Bad: This could be just the opposite. I refer out another DJ who turns out to be a poor choice. Something goes wrong, they screw up or don't even show up who do you think will get blamed. A few years back I had a small function I had played for a couple of years in a row. One year I couldn't do it so I referred out. That DJ couldn't make it after expecting the job and gave it to another DJ. A week before the event that other DJ decided he didn't want to do the function. Who do you think the clients called? You are correct, me. Needless to say they have never called me back again. Since then I am very cautious of who I send referrals to.

I do send out referrals to a few but I also send out a disclaimer to the clients. I tell them they must check out anyone I send them to completely. To make sure they are satisfied with their capabilities and confident these DJ's will do what they expect. But, I try not to leave the clients to fend for themselves. If I can assist them with finding a DJ I will. I just don't make any guarantees.
 
I do but I have rules:

1- the DJ must charge at least as much as I do. It's stupid to send someone to a cheaper DJ.

2- The must be a single system operator.

3- I must know them and their style personally.
 
I do but I have rules:

1- the DJ must charge at least as much as I do. It's stupid to send someone to a cheaper DJ.

2- The must be a single system operator.

3- I must know them and their style personally.


You hit the nail on the head. The 4 on my list all charge accordingly and are single ops. More importantly, they actually have been at it at least as long as I, and the top 3 were mentors of mine. Allan Carpet, Gerry Porto (Geryoke), and Mary Pasquale ( Pasquale Music ).
 
when I get extra shows for set dates I pass them on to other Dj's that live locally
(Ones that are at thier best at what they do and I know they wont stuff the show up)

as if they do - dont ask for any more....

also they have to be "non smoking" and "non drinking (alcohol)" dj's

if you want to go on to you cant do this and cant do that then that is MY decision and if you dont like it then you dont have to do this

I pride myself of being professional and not a hack dj that will in my opinion well I wont say seen too many that drink and smoke ruin shows I have given them so 5x years ago decided thats how its going to be take it or leave it....

have a nice day