Would YOU do this?

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rickryan.com

rickryan.com

Mac Daddy DJ
ODJT Supporter
Dec 9, 2009
20,050
18,442
62
Hendersonville, TN
www.rickryan.com
I got a call from weddingwire. They're doing a vendor networking event (2 hrs) in a couple of weeks (Monday night) and they've asked me to DJ (basically provide background music). Before I committed, I asked the girl for the address, which she didn't event know. She sent me an email with the info. Here's what caught my attention:

In exchange for placement on all email communication (approx. 4 correspondences) to over 1,000 area professionals, on-site exposure and opportunity to showcase services and placement in pre- and post- reception social media promotion on Twitter and Facebook, we are seeking the below:
· Light music as background to the networking
· A/V equipment (sound, screen and projector for presentation)
· Lighting for the event space
· Photobooth, if you are interested
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So basically, they want me to provide DJ, all their A/V needs (screen/projector and obviously sound), and they're wanting me to light the warehouse space for them (http://www.oznashville.com/
). Yea, it's a good way to show off my stuff to a lot of vendors at one time but still not convinced if I'm just being taken for a ride or whether it's a good trade. What do you guys think?
 
Sounds like you'd be taken for a ride, but I guess if you don't, someone will jump in to do it. I would agree to all but the lighting (if you have the other pieces), as the room looks like it might need a lot.
 
steve149 said:
Sounds like you'd be taken for a ride, but I guess if you don't, someone will jump in to do it. I would agree to all but the lighting (if you have the other pieces), as the room looks like it might need a lot.
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My biggest concern is the vid screen. My biggest is a 7ft tripod and I'm afraid it would give a chintzy setup impression. As for the rest, it'll cost me an extra 1.5 hrs of setup time but the stuff's already loaded in the van. I'd just drive it in to work that day, leave early, and do my usual setup. Part of me wants to get taken as this would be a great way to show off my perimeter lighting en masse. I might also even put up a light tree and show off the searchlight entrance stuff. I dunno, I've gotten pretty good penetration into the market but this would be the first time I'd appear as "the big dog" DJ service. Guess it comes down to how many and what players show up.
 
See if they'll spring to have you rent a larger screen (maybe even from the OZ) ... they must be paying something to rent the place.
 
steve149 said:
See if they'll spring to have you rent a larger screen (maybe even from the OZ) ... they must be paying something to rent the place.
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That's exactly what I just did a few minutes ago. I tapped the girl that what she told me over the phone was much less than what the email requires. Told her I wasn't writing it off yet but that they'll need to provide a larger screen and that I'm expecting a break on my yearly ad fee. We'll see what she comes back with, assuming she hasn't already booked one of the other guys.
 
I would imagine in this day and age that someone will take a loss to get something like this Rick. Rent a bigger screen and do it. Check around maybe someone has a bigger one you could borrow.
 
I used to do these types of things for local wedding professionals, perfect wedding guide, WPCC, etc.... Really nothing comes from it. If your wanting to show off all your gizmos it's a great opportunity but no one is impressed and the other djs steal your ideas or tell their "click" they offer the same thing. Thats wedding wires game, tell'em you get to set up do your thing for the who's who but really you are just missing out on the party cuz your work'n it! I would suggest you get really drunk and bring your R rated show, they'll never forget you then! :trismug:

Paul
 
Rick Ryan, you like to get yer chain yanked don't ya? As PT Barnum said ...........:) I agree with Paul and Rick.
 
ahoustondj said:
Rick Ryan, you like to get yer chain yanked don't ya? As PT Barnum said ...........:) I agree with Paul and Rick.
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I haven't agreed to it, yet. Have been waffling but having my competitors see my full lighting rig is a strong reason to not do it. So far, they're way behind in this arena.
 
Marketing generally costs (either money or time), so do it if you think there is a return. Personally, I would, going with the least amount of gear I thought would suit.
 
steve149 said:
Marketing generally costs (either money or time), so do it if you think there is a return. Personally, I would, going with the least amount of gear I thought would suit.
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What she pitched me on the phone was to do a simple music-only setup. Just play background music for 2 hours. When I got the email, there's this laundry list of items of their REQUIREMENTS. That part irks me that I'm paying hundreds of dollars per year and they're going to try and treat me like crap for the privilege of helping them get more vendors to compete with me on their website?
 
If they are willing to do an actual trade for what your charge would be, then thats the only way I would do it.
 
You can always tell them just what you WILL provide.
 
steve149 said:
You can always tell them just what you WILL provide.
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DING DING DING we have a winner.....don't let them dictate to you what you have to provide....you are giving up a service to them for free, you should control what that service is.

I have done these type of events in the past, and as had been said already, very rarely do they ever materialize any true leads.
 
Oh dang, this chick just pissed me off. Check her response:

Thanks for your follow up, and the partnership consideration for the upcoming Networking Night event. We certainly understand that it is a commitment on our DJ partner’s end, and try to make the event as mutually beneficial as possible. In regards to the screen, this is an element that we do need for the event, and we do not have another one accessible at this particular venue. I think we would be able to make the 7 foot tripod work, but again it is entirely up to you if you feel comfortable moving forward.

I followed up with your local representative, Amy, to request a discount to your advertisement renewal in exchange for your partnership. She is able to provide $400 off the current list price of $1,680 for your renewal in addition to your review discounts as well.

Please let me know if you think you would be willing and interested in the partnership, and again thanks so much for your consideration! We really appreciate it, and certainly hope you are able to make the event, regardless!

I look forward to hearing from you at your earliest convenience.

Thanks again,
Kari
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Okay, so they want ME to provide lights, sound and video for THEIR presentation. WOULD YOU LIKE ME PARK THE D#%N CARS AS WELL? Pretty nervy, right? Check the "discount" blurb. I've paid just over $600 per year the past 2 years and now she's trying to tell me my rate is $1,680? And she's going to generously knock $400 off that? Obviously, I've already replied and told her I'd pass. I also added in that she needs to pass it along to my account rep. that if my rate goes to $1,680 they can forget it. I additionally, sent a pretty scathing email to a higher-up rep. at the company as well. I'm royally pissed off that they'd do all this and for the express purpose of increasing THEIR exposure in my market which certainly would put more DJs into competition with ME on their website. Chicka better be glad she wasn't sitting across a table from me. GRRRRR.
 
rickryan.com said:
Oh dang, this chick just pissed me off. Check her response:



Okay, so they want ME to provide lights, sound and video for THEIR presentation. WOULD YOU LIKE ME PARK THE D#%N CARS AS WELL? Pretty nervy, right? Check the "discount" blurb. I've paid just over $600 per year the past 2 years and now she's trying to tell me my rate is $1,680? And she's going to generously knock $400 off that? Obviously, I've already replied and told her I'd pass. I also added in that she needs to pass it along to my account rep. that if my rate goes to $1,680 they can forget it. I additionally, sent a pretty scathing email to a higher-up rep. at the company as well. I'm royally pissed off that they'd do all this and for the express purpose of increasing THEIR exposure in my market which certainly would put more DJs into competition with ME on their website. Chicka better be glad she wasn't sitting across a table from me. GRRRRR.
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In other words, this translates to the fact that they think what you are going to provide is only worth $400.00. You need to counter offer that figure.
 
Good move. She values your services at $400 but expects to charge $1680 a month for your participation on WW? BUT! be sure and attend the "networking night event" Drink like a fish, eat as much as you can, dance like a drunken fool and top the networking night event off by regurgitating all that finger food sh t at the front door of the venue!

Paul
 
Let another DJ do all the work, go to the event, and steal THEIR customers ....
 
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