Review: The Best Wedding Reception ... Ever!

[Jon Tuck]

okay I need to address something that has been my only problem. When one claims certain things do we then because they are in the crowd of promoters of seminars etc prove without a doubt then that every claim one makes is in fact the TRUTH? Not calling anyone a liar here but I base my opinion on facts not on what a person claims while selling themselves on the internet or at a DJ seminar. IF in fact the books show Anyone is making 5000 per gig and doing 50 plus events per yr ( eluding to the 50 being all for that rate.) I will be more comfortable believing over the top claims if in fact Im the accountant even then theres potentia for the fudge factor. In light of the least bit of potential for the tall tale factor am I making an educated comment saying a man has gained my respect cause he said he has done all of this? I am known as a brutally honest person having said that I also expect to take another for their word but in todays day and age its a world of deception which requires proof of story. I also believe in the fact that one can choose whatever they like its not going to make me angry for a differing view and if I dont trust or believe in something Im not going to waste much effort downplaying it or buying into it. Either way it leads to being the fool. Unless suddenly a Turkey begins to fly.

 

[Flyingdjdan]

With the cost of living in California, I'd bet 5,000.00 really isn't a lot of money.

Sounds like it to me, but if I did a side by side comparision.. it probably ain't much after housing, travel expenses etc...

 

[Jon Tuck]

So what does that say for someone claiming to be a say 2000 dollar DJ to not pinpoint the magic 5000 but consider it in fact as one claiming 5000 lol and yet a considerable number of a 50 plus schedule in California might be garnering only $899.

 

[Flyingdjdan]

So what does that say for someone claiming to be a say 2000 dollar DJ to not pinpoint the magic 5000 but consider it in fact as one claiming 5000 lol and yet a considerable number of a 50 plus schedule in California might be garnering only $899.

That's the way I am looking at it.

One could say they are making more than Peter Merry if they get $2000.00 in Detroit, where the cost of living is lower.

I wish more dj's would get this point.

It's a liveable and respectable wage for the area you live in. Not a specific dollar amount.

A dollar does not have the same "value" or "buying power" in each part of the country.

 

[Jon Tuck]

unless as stated in my odd question post. Why then will the particular Wedding gown cost a bride in one town and across the country almost exactly the same? Etc Etc.

 

[Flyingdjdan]

That is the part I don't get. And maybe what "they" know and understand that I don't. Untill I understand I can't "sell my services" or "base my pricing" using that knowlege.

Some costs are the same no matter where. Especially with weddings. People are willing to spend larger amounts. And they usually are quite similar in region.

Thanks Jon, more sh** on my plate to study and try to figure out.

Damn, the more I learn, the more I NEED to learn!

 

[Jon Tuck]

Damn I should have saved this info or thought for my book. But ya know Im all about sharing to improve our industry. I feel I will reap along with my brethren and sistren. (lol is there such a thing as sistren ?)

 

[Fred Wright]

With the cost of living in California, I'd bet 5,000.00 really isn't a lot of money.

Sounds like it to me, but if I did a side by side comparision.. it probably ain't much after housing, travel expenses etc...

This is very true.

I have a couple of sisters who live in CA. One's in San Diego, the other is in Palo Alto. When compared with this area, the cost of living over there seems astronomical. Heck, what they fork over for one mortgage payment could make three of mine, lol.

However, the income, dollar-wise is much higher as well. A dollar buys more here than it does there.

 

[Jon Tuck]

Fred what might you think the fact about certain portions of the reception costing nearly the same in Palo Alto versus Delaware is and what the phenomena is making one acceptable across the country but then a DJ being so many different prices low or high in various locations? Hope Im making sense. Its a thought which is intriguing to say the least.

 

[Kirby Ball]

Quote:
Originally Posted by Kirby Ball
If the library system here ever puts it on their shelves, I'll read it. But there is no way I would pay money for it.

Just a biased opinion of a "part-timer."

Cripes Kirby...maybe it's because I have a few drinkypoos in me since I just got home and I'm feeling a little whatever but...c'mon! What is going on with you guys? I give up.....yes...there is ABSOLUTELY NOTHING THAT I CAN LEARN FROM THIS BOOK SINCE THE GUY INSULTED ME WITH THE WHOLE PART TIME REMARK.

Talk about throwing the baby out with the bathwater...I hope more people in MY market think like you Kirby! Awesome!
__________________
Kevin Kelly
Starlight Entertainment
www.starlightweddingsonline.com

Ok, where in my post did I say anything about not learning "anything" from this book?

I simply stated that I would read it if the Library chooses to put it on it's shelves.

There are numerous books on marketing published and I don't go out and buy all of those either. I get them from the library for free. If I read a book that I truly have to have, then I will buy it.

As far as the part-time remark, I'm not insulted by PM's derogatory attitude towards anyone who doesn't fit into his way of thinking, in fact I think it's laughable. There are numerous part-time service providers in my area that are providing superior service over the full-time businesses because they care about their clients and don't see them as a huge dollar sign.

If he thinks that being a leader is "putting down" people and dividing instead of uniting, then more power to him.

Please note, that I have never criticized you for your decisions in this matter and wish you the best of luck.

Man it's just like religion. Just going to church doesn't make you a better person, it's how you live your life. Will joining an organization make you a better business person? It's possible, but it boils down to what you put into it, not what some Talking Head says you have to do.

 

[Kevin Kelly]

Quote:
Originally Posted by Kirby Ball
If the library system here ever puts it on their shelves, I'll read it. But there is no way I would pay money for it.

Just a biased opinion of a "part-timer."

Cripes Kirby...maybe it's because I have a few drinkypoos in me since I just got home and I'm feeling a little whatever but...c'mon! What is going on with you guys? I give up.....yes...there is ABSOLUTELY NOTHING THAT I CAN LEARN FROM THIS BOOK SINCE THE GUY INSULTED ME WITH THE WHOLE PART TIME REMARK.

Talk about throwing the baby out with the bathwater...I hope more people in MY market think like you Kirby! Awesome!
__________________
Kevin Kelly
Starlight Entertainment
www.starlightweddingsonline.com

Ok, where in my post did I say anything about not learning "anything" from this book?

I simply stated that I would read it if the Library chooses to put it on it's shelves.

There are numerous books on marketing published and I don't go out and buy all of those either. I get them from the library for free. If I read a book that I truly have to have, then I will buy it.

As far as the part-time remark, I'm not insulted by PM's derogatory attitude towards anyone who doesn't fit into his way of thinking, in fact I think it's laughable. There are numerous part-time service providers in my area that are providing superior service over the full-time businesses because they care about their clients and don't see them as a huge dollar sign.

If he thinks that being a leader is "putting down" people and dividing instead of uniting, then more power to him.

Please note, that I have never criticized you for your decisions in this matter and wish you the best of luck.

Man it's just like religion. Just going to church doesn't make you a better person, it's how you live your life. Will joining an organization make you a better business person? It's possible, but it boils down to what you put into it, not what some Talking Head says you have to do.

Kirbmeister....I was a bit agitated last night but as you and I both know, this is an argument that can last forever. I just get tired of the attitude - and I'm not saying you have this attitude - that "PM is not getting any of my money!" or "he said this or that about part timers so EVERYTHING he says is worthless" etc. Of all the things that we spend money on as dj's, It's hard for me to believe that for $25 you couldn't learn anything from the book. I'm just glad that I am able to admit that I don't know everything and there are things that I can still learn from other people, NO MATTER WHO THEY ARE. (again, not pointing a finger at you)

 

[Kirby Ball]

Kirbmeister....I was a bit agitated last night but as you and I both know, this is an argument that can last forever. I just get tired of the attitude - and I'm not saying you have this attitude - that "PM is not getting any of my money!" or "he said this or that about part timers so EVERYTHING he says is worthless" etc. Of all the things that we spend money on as dj's, It's hard for me to believe that for $25 you couldn't learn anything from the book. I'm just glad that I am able to admit that I don't know everything and there are things that I can still learn from other people, NO MATTER WHO THEY ARE. (again, not pointing a finger at you)

Ah, but you did point the finger at me by quoting my post.

I will challenge you to find any post that I have criticized you for your decision for joining the "Guild".

I have never stopped learning and am constantly absorbing information and advice to find what will truly work for me and my endeavors.

Just because I choose not to give my money for a certain project and or guild does not make me unwilling to listen to the other sides of an argument.

I made a very clear and concise statement that I would read it, if the library stocks it on it's shelf. I read about 75-100 books a year and do not buy every book that I read.

Bottom line, I listen to what my prospective clients want, not a "self-annointed" spokesman for any industry.

 

[Fred Wright]

Fred what might you think the fact about certain portions of the reception costing nearly the same in Palo Alto versus Delaware is and what the phenomena is making one acceptable across the country but then a DJ being so many different prices low or high in various locations? Hope Im making sense. Its a thought which is intriguing to say the least.

Thanks, Jon.

If memory serves, the average cost of living in a given area is loosely based upon the average income in the area. We can't price ourselves out of the market. Besides, prices are numbers, nothing more.

A wedding gown that's purchased online will cost the same whether it's shipped to Palo Alto, San Diego or Lower (Slower) Delaware. That said, a local service or product will vary in cost depending upon the service provider's cost and competition.

The thing with the DJ business, it's comprised mainly of wildcatters, each doing his or her own thing. Many folks in this crazy biz tend to concentrate on booking shows first and earning a living last. Attempting to organize this biz is akin to herding cats. Sad but true.

To quote Pogo, we have met the enemy and he is us. We as a whole are responsible for the public perception of DJ companies. I honestly believe that we can't sit on our laurels and expect our forbears to carry us forever. We must network with our compadres and discuss methods of improving the overall perception of mobile entertainment.

In order to do this, we'll have to check our egos at the door. This ain't easy to do but it can be done.

 

[Kevin Kelly]

Ah, but you did point the finger at me by quoting my post.

I will challenge you to find any post that I have criticized you for your decision for joining the "Guild".

I have never stopped learning and am constantly absorbing information and advice to find what will truly work for me and my endeavors.

Just because I choose not to give my money for a certain project and or guild does not make me unwilling to listen to the other sides of an argument.

I made a very clear and concise statement that I would read it, if the library stocks it on it's shelf. I read about 75-100 books a year and do not buy every book that I read.

Bottom line, I listen to what my prospective clients want, not a "self-annointed" spokesman for any industry.

I quoted you because you do not feel that the book is worth $25, right? You feel that there is not SOMETHING in the book that you could receive that would pay you back at least $25 on your investment?

I'll open this up to everyone else...forget that he is or is not a "self annointed leader", forget what he said about part timers - for the sake of this argument - forget that you don't want to "give Peter Merry my money"....you honestly don't feel there is at least $25 worth of information by buying this book? That there is not ONE THING that you could gleam from the entire book that you could add to what you're doing now that would not give you an extra $25 in your pocket?

:sqerr: :sqconfused:

 

[Kirby Ball]

I quoted you because you do not feel that the book is worth $25, right? You feel that there is not SOMETHING in the book that you could receive that would pay you back at least $25 on your investment?

Originally Posted by Kirby Ball
Quote:
Originally Posted by Kirby Ball
If the library system here ever puts it on their shelves, I'll read it. But there is no way I would pay money for it.

Just a biased opinion of a "part-timer."

Did I say that the book was not worth $25.00? No, I just said that I would not pay money for it.

Did I say that there was nothing in the book that would enhance my knowledge. No.

Who's to say that I will learn something new from this book? Can you guarantee that? No.

And no, I don't know everything. That's why I read books on marketing and sales that I get from the library.

I'll open this up to everyone else...forget that he is or is not a "self annointed leader", forget what he said about part timers - for the sake of this argument - forget that you don't want to "give Peter Merry my money"....you honestly don't feel there is at least $25 worth of information by buying this book? That there is not ONE THING that you could gleam from the entire book that you could add to what you're doing now that would not give you an extra $25 in your pocket?

I don't think that anyone (especially me) has said that there is not "One Thing" in this book that could add to what I'm doing now.

This is not an "argument". I am just "clarifying" my simple and straight forward statements that are being completely misconstrued.

Do I have to buy this book? No. It's my choice.

Will my business fail because I don't buy this book? I seriously doubt it.

Do you have to join the Guild? No. But it's your choice. And I have not said one negative word about you and your choice.



:sqerr: :sqconfused:

Kirby

 

[Hank Davidson]

You feel that there is not SOMETHING in the book that you could receive that would pay you back at least $25 on your investment?

I'll open this up to everyone else.......you honestly don't feel there is at least $25 worth of information by buying this book? That there is not ONE THING that you could gleam from the entire book that you could add to what you're doing now that would not give you an extra $25 in your pocket?

:sqerr: :sqconfused:

That's right.

I did not spend the last 18 years working as a DJ without learning anything.

*I learned what works for me.
*I learned what kind of client I want and fit best with.
*I learned that there are many clients out there that agree with and shop for my "hands-off", "straight forward" brand of entertaining.

I'm sure an interior designer could visit my home tomorrow and suggest we change many things around. Maybe they would offer some good advice? The thing is, they will never get the chance. You know why?

Get ready.....

Here it comes.....


"I don't believe that there is anything wrong with what I'm doing!"

Help books are for those who need help.

 

[Fred Wright]

I haven't read the book so I can't comment on it. This should apply to the rest of us.

The author of this thread, Tom has read the book. Tom says the book has good points and bad.

Why not take the good and put it to use?

The bad... well, consider its impact upon the industry and comment accordingly.

Thoughts?

 

[Papa Deuce]

Ok, I will say this. I would read the book. In fact, I almost bought the book. I am SURE I could learn SOMETHING about DJing from it. OTOH, I know someone who knows PM fairly well. He says PM get's that $5000 give VERY RARELY, and really gets much less in 90% of his weddings.

Is it true? I don't know. I tend to believe it. My "guess" is that PM needs to make $2000 to be equal to me in the sense of how much more expensive CA is to PA.

Does that make me a $2000 DJ? :sqerr:

 

[DJ SVO]

Fred,
I agree with you. There are great things that can be used from the book. Even though some brides might read the book, a lot of them won't have the time. The plans for the wedding take most of their time and imagination. Usually the brides that read the book are the extremely picky ones and are usually not flexible about things and unfortunately these brides are the ones that are going to be the headache.

Why do I say this? The old saying goes god news travels fast, bad news is even faster. These brides through WOM will start the rumors and blah, blah, blah.

How will you be able to differentiate a "PROFESSIONAL PT DJ" from a low quality PT DJ if you are never given the opportunity to compare what the Pro PT can offer just from a chapter in a book that bunches them all together.

Like I said at the beginning there's a ton of positive information in the book. The part which is a problem is the LUMP SUM in said chapter. Even though PT have another job, they also have families and work hard to bring extra money to their household.

This extra money gives them the ability to have a better life and enjoy it. Why should they suffer from the comment of another person? They have proven they are professionals and deserve respect because they have earned it.

 

[Guest]

I have no doubt...

...there are tidbits of valuable information in the book. But, because of his character, I' won't be learning any of it from HIS book. The information has NEVER been an issue with me. I simply refuse to line his pockets with my money.

If you want to make yourself a better entertainer, spend 8 bucks and buy my DMX book. Then, if you want my certificate of completion and testimonial that you're a first rate DMX light technician, with a certificate to prove it (with a gold embossed seal) , that'll cost you $69.95. Take your pick.