Wow, we're getting quite the Vocabulary lesson today ...
You already know the words I'm think of...
Wow, we're getting quite the Vocabulary lesson today ...
Not the intention but learning is a participatory exercise.Wow, we're getting quite the Vocabulary lesson today ...
Me learnted a hole lot.Not the intention but learning is a participatory exercise.
Exercise as you wish.
Have we set a baseline definition here for what a "bottom feeder" is? This term may all mean different things to different people on this thread.
I hear bottom-feeders using 3 words, "cheap", "inexpensive" and "budget-friendly". In my book, they're all the same thing as "bottom-feeder".
I had a similar experience last fall. I have a regular gig for my local church teen dances (that my kids go to), and I only charge $200 because they don't have a big budget. But they threw an outdoor dance and somehow found money for a bunch of portapotties (probably at least $1,000). I don't mind helping out, but I've got to be worth more than the toilets!
I'm strictly in the hobbyist category, and I'm not focused on getting a lot of gigs (I do it because I love the equipment, the music, and having fun). But I gave a good price to a friend-of-a-friend for a wedding on Saturday, and when I showed up, I started thinking about how much they spent on tables, flowers, food, etc., and realized I was only hurting myself (and my ability to buy even cooler equipment).
I had a similar experience last fall. I have a regular gig for my local church teen dances (that my kids go to), and I only charge $200 because they don't have a big budget. But they threw an outdoor dance and somehow found money for a bunch of portapotties (probably at least $1,000). I don't mind helping out, but I've got to be worth more than the toilets!
That's what Rick is getting at. So many DJs value themselves at less than the value of a Toilet. Their financial minds are in the gutter literally!
At $200, I can earn that much money and potentially more bartending for the night, and I would not need to bring thousands of dollars in equipment, carry insurance, etc. etc. to do that! ...Getting a bar ready/tearing down/cleaning up is less work/easier to do compared to setting up a DJ sound system, lighting, and loading in/loading out as well.
I may be on the cheaper side (weddings starting at 600) but even I would not go that low.I'm expecting to hear that she wants to spend $250.
This Brings me back again to attracting the right clientele and also the network you create and associate with. This person shows that they don’t really value what a good dj brings to the table... otherwise they would have never thought of doing it themselves. This isn’t what you should be attracting. You should attract couples who prioritize music and even if they get the cheapest venue they’re willing to spend on a dj. Whoever this other dj is isn’t someone that you should network with either if this is the client he is attracting. If you never heard of who this dj is that referred you, then that says something about your perceived value, as he probably figured out this person wants cheap and simple and that you offered that.Got a lead in this evening. It's on-going, but I suspect the lady is choking on my price, right about now. Here's the thread:
Bride: Hey there, I was referred to you by another booked DJ. Are you available 6Oct2018? Thank you.
Me: Yes, we are available.
Bride: Okay that’s great. How does you pricing work? I was going to do music myself but it’s becoming excessive and too much trouble. It’s an outdoor venue, reception under a tent. Five Sense Farm in Murfreesboro. I would need services from 5-930pm. The ceremony is at 5. Thank you!
Me: Here's our wedding DJ/MC pricing: DJ Weddings It's pretty simple. $850 is standard DJ service. If you need ceremony sound, that adds $150 (separate sound system).
Anybody care to guess what her reply will be (if she replies at all)? I'm expecting to hear that she wants to spend $250.
This Brings me back again to attracting the right clientele and also the network you create and associate with. This person shows that they don’t really value what a good dj brings to the table... otherwise they would have never thought of doing it themselves. This isn’t what you should be attracting. You should attract couples who prioritize music and even if they get the cheapest venue they’re willing to spend on a dj. Whoever this other dj is isn’t someone that you should network with either if this is the client he is attracting. If you never heard of who this dj is that referred you, then that says something about your perceived value, as he probably figured out this person wants cheap and simple and that you offered that.
Got a lead in this evening. It's on-going, but I suspect the lady is choking on my price, right about now. Here's the thread:
Bride: Hey there, I was referred to you by another booked DJ. Are you available 6Oct2018? Thank you.
Me: Yes, we are available.
Bride: Okay that’s great. How does you pricing work? I was going to do music myself but it’s becoming excessive and too much trouble. It’s an outdoor venue, reception under a tent. Five Sense Farm in Murfreesboro. I would need services from 5-930pm. The ceremony is at 5. Thank you!
Me: Here's our wedding DJ/MC pricing: DJ Weddings It's pretty simple. $850 is standard DJ service. If you need ceremony sound, that adds $150 (separate sound system).
Anybody care to guess what her reply will be (if she replies at all)? I'm expecting to hear that she wants to spend $250.
Anybody care to guess what her reply will be (if she replies at all)? I'm expecting to hear that she wants to spend $250.
Two thoughts:
1) Why do you assume that she’s a bad lead when she hasn’t indicated anything negative towards you or your service? This seems to be another example of just assuming the worst.
2) If you suspect she’s price sensitive... why not set up a call so you actually have a chance to impress her versus just sending a number?
Clients will spend more with someone they feel good about. The only way for someone to feel good about you is to have a positive interaction with you or our brand.
She’s coming to you as a referral... somebody was kind enough to tell her you are worth her time and money. I would never ever refer again if I thought clients I referred were being dismissed as cheap by the provider I sent them to.
Maybe she has heard enough good things about you to overcome the underwhelming repose to the inquiry. But you could improve this a lot. This is where your close ratio is falling apart.