Local Association Quandry

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Folks:

I have been in my local associatioon for over three years now. I am currently the Program Director and have been in that position for two years. I do not plan to seek that position or any othe BOD position in the upcoming elections.

When I first got into the association I thought this would be a great way to share ideas, build up my business, and help other DJs build their business. Also, when I first got in I did not believe any of these other businesses were competition (well, maybe a little) but were compatriots that I would be willing to share jobs with.

These feelings have changed. I now feel that several members are now my competition and I also feel that there are several members I would not give jobs to because I feel that they could hurt my company's reputation.

As Program Director, it is my job to build a program for each month that is informative and educational. It should help each member grow their business. I am now finding difficulty doing this (hence the decision not to seek office agian) because there are some members whose business I'd rather see fail.

I was thinking about not renewing the membership; however, I thought about the old adage, "Keep your friends close but keep your enimies closer."

What would you do in this situation?
 
Definitely.............. "keep your friends close and enemies even closer".......

I think the times are tougher this year then last, there are fewer weddings, and I can't prove this ;but I think less is being spent on weddings, and parties in general then years past....it gets cutthroat in times like this, regardless of the business you're in...............
 
Tom,

If you took up tennis, would it suit you to play someone better than you or should you hang with people who play at or below your level?

Do yourself a favor and join an association for small business people whose membership might have compliments to your field - yet still offers a diverse range of markets and products.

You need fresh perspectives, from people who sell and deliver stuff you don't. It's time to give up this lateral exchange with people who all do the same thing.

Stop hanging out with other DJs. It's like choosing to hang out with your employees rather than a group of other highly experienced CEO's.
 
Tom, I would finish out and let someone else worry about it. You are donating your time and it doesn't sound like you are enjoying it all.

For the time you have remaining in office, have you considered bringing in different vendors to speak?
 
Tom,

Not to bust chops, but you wrote this:

I was thinking about not renewing the membership; however, I thought about the old adage, "Keep your friends close but keep your enimies closer."

What would you do in this situation?
Click to expand...


If you are truly a man of God, there is no reason to ask that question, as you have no enemies...
 
DJ Gray said:
Definitely.............. "keep your friends close and enemies even closer".......

I think the times are tougher this year then last, there are fewer weddings, and I can't prove this ;but I think less is being spent on weddings, and parties in general then years past....it gets cutthroat in times like this, regardless of the business you're in...............
Click to expand...

Do you think this is because some of us followed PM...and are seeing less business! So we came together as a group and "dissed" the bottom feeders...now we wonder why we are seeing less jobs??

We are idiots!

Lemme rephrase that....

So we "collectively" raised our prices....then we got less bookings...and we say..."less weddings??"

Now all the other "bottom feeders" are cleaning up the market!

Its just common sense fellas!

I bet if some of you guys lowered your prices...you might see those weddings!
 
GoodKnight-
I would recommend getting out of the leadership position, but maintaining membership for another year or so. See how you feel after that. Make sure jumping ship is not a premature decision. I think it is important to support such an organization; but only if you believe in the direction it is going. Your reason to quit should be based on the overall goals of the organization, not on the individual members. If you disagree with the general objectives, then it's not for you.

You always have the option of sharing information or not. Just because you are a member does not mean you have to share all the little details of your own success. While it is important to associate with those at and above your current level, it is also important to associate with those 'below'. After all, should those 'above' you associate with you? To network with those at all levels of business should motivate you; either to be better or to be better. Also, find professionals outside of your industry to associate with. You need a break outside of the very industry of your livelihood. It really opens your eyes that the problems unique to DJs really aren't all that unique. We are not the only industry struggling with ______; just perhaps the only ones who care. Sometimes we get to absorbed in our industry that it begins to drag us down instead of help build us up.
 
GoodKnightDJ said:
What would you do in this situation?
Click to expand...
Greets, my friend. :)

I would do what Val suggests. This may be a simple case of burnout on your part.

When I was a pup, my father was involved with several fraternal organizations. Moose, FOP, Masons, Elks... and Lord knows what else. We always knew when he'd been elected as an officer because he was hardly ever home. It's a lot of work and responsibility. Officers rarely ran for reelection.

Take a break from the bull work and enjoy being a member again. Let another member take on the responsibilities of program director. :)
 
I think Bob has the right idea. When looking to build a business you have to remember there is alot more going on than what you see inside the box

Keep your membership for another year to see if your feelings change but look in to your local Chamber of Commerce and other small business assosiations. You will be networking with people that are will give you business instead of those trying to take it
 
Membership aside, I feel if you are having problems with the position you hold, and don't feel you can do this job "with out reservations", you should quit the position and let some one else fill it.

You are only doing yourself and others an injustice by doing the position without reservations. The others elected you to do the job to the best of your ability.

As for as the association itself... Only you can decide the value of the information and networking gained. I do think you may (by position) be feeling that you are giving too much of 'you' vs what you gain.

They do say it is hard to soar with eagles when surronded by turkeys.

Do you think this is because some of us followed PM...and are seeing less business! So we came together as a group and "dissed" the bottom feeders...now we wonder why we are seeing less jobs??

We are idiots!

Lemme rephrase that....

So we "collectively" raised our prices....then we got less bookings...and we say..."less weddings??"

Now all the other "bottom feeders" are cleaning up the market!

Its just common sense fellas!

I bet if some of you guys lowered your prices...you might see those weddings!
Click to expand...

If someone "blindly" raised their rates "just because" some one else said to, then they are a idiot!

If they took what was truly said, comprehended, and raised rates as their "worth" (read value to the client) was also raised they should not have a problem.

I agree with their philosophies... But you will see my rates are $795.00.

My value (thus worth) is not at a higher level...yet...

If someone raised their rates and is loosing clients, it is their "worth" (value) that is in question. Not the principle. The client does not see the higher price is worth the service.

People will pay for what the see value in.
 
Tom,

I understand your pain. I tried to get an association started in my market a few years ago and I learned a very valuable lesson. Most DJ's are not worth the time of day (sorry if that offends, I did not say all, just most). They are only worried about what's in it for them, not the industry as a whole.

There was bickering, back biting, and serious lack of trust. One DJ flat out told me that he wasn't going to give up his secrets (this guy is a bottom feeding fool, so other then charge less, I have no idea what "his" secrets he thinks he has, but I digress). All I got out of it was that I was not going to spend my valuable time trying to help people that could care less about me or the industry that I love.

Now, I'm currently sandwhiched between 2 different associations about 1 hour away and either one of them might be worth it as they aren't direct competitors and seam to be interested in making things better for everyone, not just themselves. Maybe a break from the association might be a good thing for you. We can talk about it when I come up ;)
 
I also think Val has the right idea. You've been putting on the show for 2 years...now it's time to be a guest. Let others step up to run the meetings and invite speakers. You'll see there's quite a difference in dynamics when you're not the one "up there" but in the audience. When it comes to local organizations, I think it's best when the structure is flat as possible. Everyone can invite speakers, everyone can bring up topics. There seems to be more drama, friction and jealousy when some members - either consciously or subconsciously - hold themselves up to be "better" than the other members.

I wouldn't bail early though; go ahead and finish out your term. As for people you wouldn't recommend...what's the rule that just because you're in the same organization you're compelled to acknowledge they have the same experience and talent and would do the same quality of show as you? I wouldn't feel bad or wrong about that. I have my name on the line whenever I recommend someone for a show. I love meeting new DJ's and getting to know how they do what they do. That's the best benefit of local associations; making connections can put real money in your pocket.

Wish I could say as much about national organizations, but that's a whole other story.
 
The overwhelming majority has confirmed what I have been thinking about layely; not seek office for the next term and keep the membership for at least another year.

Dan McKay, you always surprise me. You and I have had our battles yet you come up with this great advice for me when I've been such an idiot to you in the past. I appologize for the past battles and truely promise to keep my idiocy in check in the future. Than you sir, as the posted thanks indicates.
 
SoftJock Rick said:
If you are truly a man of God, there is no reason to ask that question, as you have no enemies...
Click to expand...

Rick:

Unfortunately in this world of matter that we are forced to live in for a time, there are some folks that you have to put on an enimies list in order to protect yourself, your family, and your business. These are the folks that make unconditional love very difficult.

But, above that, Satan or pure evil and anyone that associates with pure evil is always the enemy.
 
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