Client wants to see me "In Action"

I have a client that I am talking about their reception later in the year, they have ask when and where they could come see me at a reception. I've mentioned that I wouldn't feel comfortable having them come to someone's reception, just as I wouldn't bring anyone to theirs but they just keep asking. How do you normally handle this? :sqconfused:

I agree, that is not a good thing. I always suggest a public event if possible. I do not think I have ever booked someone with this request!!!

Stick to your guns another job will come. We do not allow it either it's cheezy, tacky and not professional

Record yourself at your next gig or gigs and let them see you in action from the comfort of their home. A 6 minute DVD should do the trick. I never let anyone come to my events.

I have a client that I am talking about their reception later in the year, they have ask when and where they could come see me at a reception. I've mentioned that I wouldn't feel comfortable having them come to someone's reception, just as I wouldn't bring anyone to theirs but they just keep asking. How do you normally handle this? :sqconfused:

Can you record one of your events for them....? Then show them later...

I too wouldn't be comfortable inviting a non-guest to a private wedding reception.... and frankly how would you even approach your couple to pose the idea? Second, reason it would be uncomfortable is that it would put undue pressure on me to perform not only for the current client but for the potential client as well. Also, what if the event they attend has music that is not their cup of tea... that would not bode well either....

Yes, a public performance such as a bar gig would be much more appropriate.

ditto to what everyone else is saying.

No public events booked, the closest I have is a Class reunion that will be in the lobby area of a local hotel, so anyone could walk in the lobby and see what is going on, but I would not be able to talk to them. He has ask 3 times now, seems nice but definitely locked on it. I am going to suggest giving him some of my past clients that said I could use them as references, email addresses.

I think I will try to setup a camera at my next reception and see how it comes out. Hopefully this will work for them.

I have clients ask about that also.

I handle it by inviting them to our "Open House" at the warehouse.
We set up all of the systems, (mine, and my partners 3) They schedule an appointment, come down check out all of them, meet us and as many DJ's that can make it.....

Works very well.....And we get many up-sells to larger systems also,
Because they can see all of them at once.

They seem to like the one on one attention, we give them some beverages,
And have a lil cozy chit chat. We started this last month, and haven't lost a booking there yet.

I have had the same question many of times. I answed the sday way you had done.

On my list of things to do is hire a Video company to film my work at a wedding. I'm figureing it will cost $2000 to $3000.

My other thought is to actually throw a scripted wedding. Bring a bunch of people make people act and provide free booze and entertainment.

That is genious Cam....

Mock wedding....I should do that...

Sounds like a fun party, and a good idea.

sI've turned down a potential client because they asked me the same thing but they said "Can we go see you out at an event so we check out yo skillz". Lol. Right there and then I just told them I was not the dj for them.

Here is what I used to tell clients when they asked this:

"On the day of the event, my attention is 100% devoted to pleasing the happy couple, and I would prefer not to conduct other business on that day. Just as I am sure you will want me at my best on your special day, so do my other clients. I am sure you can understand this, as you would not want me conducting business with others when I work for you".

Kind of turns the tables on them and let's them see that they would not like it if it happened at their event.

"I'm sorry, however I don't have the authority to invite you to somebody else's wedding."

Kinda hits the nail on the head without hitting them on the head.

I too have thought of doing a mock wedding, I'm actually researching a similar yet different idea.

Now, I have a bit more time to put into my post. I'm think aloud in my post as I talked about this with my wife and she thinks it's a great idea. We both feel we may be able to get 5 years out of the video. Before we and the styles of clothing change and it will be noticeably old.



Mock Wedding


1st Part of Day:

Filming of Different sound and Lighting setups.

Conventional Sound or Bose

Optional 42" LCD TV for Title Slide

Optional Rear Projection Screen for Photo Montage.

Optional Room Up-lighting.

Standard Lighting In Action.
Currently 2 Martin Raptors - May Move to 2 Acrobats

Upgraded Lighting In Action
4 Scanners - 4 LED Par and 1 EFX 600

Deluxe Lighting In Action
4 Scanners - 4 LED Par - 2 EFX 600 - 2 Raptors - 4 Intimidator Spots

Them Film: All Packages with Custom Gobo Projection.




Take 2

Film 3 different Types of Grand Entrances:


Standard

Deluxe - Using 4 Moving Heads in Haze to create Walk Way

Deluxe - Room Black Out With Follow Spot and Chase Lighting.


Take 3

Film Dances and events: 1st Dance, Mother / Son, Father / Daughter, Garter Bouquet, Anniversary Dance ( This will be hard might need to film at wedding), and Bridal Dance.


Take 4

Filming of Open Dancing.



I think most of this will be able to be done. It may be costly. I will begin to look further into cost.

Cam perhaps you can invite Jay in the Chicken Suit Lol sorry couldnt resist but I must say great idea on the staged production. You could different dance sets to enhance genres. Appealing to almost any potential.

It could be one of two things:

They like you, but are uneasy about you......

They like you and a ready to buy.....

BUT, and it's BIG but, there are some questions that have been unanswered and you need to ask them "why" they want/need to see you in action.

Dave

Ask them that if they hired you, would they like it if you brought strangers to their reception so they could see what you do? Just show them the reverse situation and ask them if they'd like the same treatment.

Another issue..and it's the same with play lists...is that I stress every reception is tailored to the wants and desires of the clients. Those wants and desires could be totally different from reception to reception.....Client A may want a DJ who says nothing; Client B wants an interactive DJ. Imagine that client walking into a reception and hearing Macarena, followed by the Chicken Dance; they despise these songs. Will they understand that the client wanted these songs played and that you have the choice to not have them played...or will they now be sour on you?

WRT a mock, or staged wedding...the only problem is that the prospect may see it as that and it will have no impact on their decision. That being said it might be a way to "show" the prospect what you can do and may help with upsells on lighting, etc.

I invite all my clients to the some Bar gig and explain them that they hear and see only the basics.Everything else(games...)are pluses to that.I love to meet every client in person and i bring to the meeting my music library(printed on paper)and the client can choose music for its event.So with this i avoid mostly requests and if something is not right with music - its not my guilt.

I had a Bride to Be ask me the same thing yesterday. I just told her unfortunately we have a policy that states that since most of our events are private, and we cannot let anyone see us perform so we can protect the privacy of our clients and we will pass the same courtsey to you. Also Wedding Receptions are different from one another and what she saw at one might differ from what she is expecting.

Her reponse:

I didn't think about that. I thought people did it all the time. Ok, can I set up an appointment to meet with you.
I said no problem.....

Perhaps by looking a little deeper into the question itself might help better understand where and why it comes from.

"Where can we come see you?"

Don't get defensive...yet.

"What are you expecting to see? What are you looking for in specific?"

Evaluate the response. Is it legit? Is it because some idiot DJ web site lists an audition as one of their 10 Things To Do Before Hiring A DJ [as most of those lists are idiotic and slanted anyway]? Do they have a concern based on being at event with a DJ they didn't like? Was it because the DJ played horrible music (of COURSE they blame the DJ even though it was probably the bride and groom's choices that the DJ was playing, or, the DJs wasn't playing their favorite rap and hip hop tracks). Most often it's because the DJ missed the mark on painting a successful vision in the clients head that eliminated the thought of an audition. It might help make one realize that additional photos or vid clips might be needed to bolster a weakness in verbal presentation.

If emotionally accepting a request for an audition in a positive manner and seeing it as a perfect opening to a fact finding exploration, it can be a fun trip.

Trying to find out WHY first just may lead to a deeper understanding of this potential client and it will help with two major things...allow the DJ to uniquely provide personal solutions, or, reveal that this couple is going to be your worst nightmare, meaning it's time to quote your fee times two?

Telling any client no is not wise. Making them come to that conclusion on their own is pure artistry.

Yet still, there is the one or two cases every five years where it's time to lay on some real leverage. In those cases, they are told that an on-site is doable and thank them for volunteering to have their event as a future show case for you. Only those that agree contractually to this in advance are invited to live auditions. Just say "Fair is fair and it's your business policy".

On site auditions, yes or no, have nothing to do with "professionalism" so waddaya say we not go there for a change, this time, on this one?

I have a client that I am talking about their reception later in the year, they have ask when and where they could come see me at a reception. I've mentioned that I wouldn't feel comfortable having them come to someone's reception, just as I wouldn't bring anyone to theirs but they just keep asking. How do you normally handle this? :sqconfused:

We try and steer clear of this...but if they persist, we ask the bride and groom of the wedding that the prospective couple will be attending. They're usually ok with it. We just ask the prospective couple to dress up in wedding attire if they do come out to see us.
A few times we have had the bride rave about us to the prospective clients at her very own wedding...unusual but it has happened.

Clever as alwais Cap!Thanx

Yet still, there is the one or two cases every five years where it's time to lay on some real leverage. In those cases, they are told that an on-site is doable and thank them for volunteering to have their event as a future show case for you. Only those that agree contractually to this in advance are invited to live auditions. Just say "Fair is fair and it's your business policy".


I owe you a beer for that one Cap I remembered you posting that one before and I had the opportunity to use it at the Bridal show last weekend

Here's what I did.

1. Get with the videographer at the wedding you are dj'ing at.
2. Have him edit together 60 seconds of people having a killer time.
3. Pay him. I spent $50 and refer business to them all the time.

4. Ask B/G if you can use 60 seconds of their wedding on your website.
5. Post it.

Potential clients 99% never ask me for more and a majority of the clients only need 60 seconds to make a decision base on what they see.

If they do want to see me at another wedding, I ask them what they would think if I brought potential clients to their reception.

I'm sure this isn't going to fly for some of your beliefs, but I very rarely have B/G ask for more demo than that.

I totally agree with most of you here, I simply tell them I can not send them to a party.
I then ask as Doug and Patrick said " You wouldn't want people coming into your wedding and standing in the back of the room "just to see me". I consider that tacky and unprofessional. If they are that persistant that they have to see you in action, tell them you are not interested in doing their wedding. Odds are they will be even more demanding than you will want to put up with for other things as well. Good luck!

I owe you a beer for that one Cap I remembered you posting that one before and I had the opportunity to use it at the Bridal show last weekend

Hey Jef-Thats Cap not Rick!:sqwink:

If I were to go back to DJ'ing right now, the first thing I would do is get some video done at a few events, edit it down to a nice promotional, and get a few hundred DVDs duped.

I'd send them out to all the venues in my work area, use them at bridals/etc., and also send them to potential clients who asked for it. I would charge them for getting a copy (shipping/handling fee), that would be a refundable discount (come off their fee) if they booked me.

In this day and age, an entertainer not having a promotional video, will lose lots of potential work, IMHO. And it totally negates the need for anyone to even ask if they can come to a gig.

Thanks for all the suggestions. I have actually tried once in the past to get the videographer to send me some video. We talked about it before the reception, which turned out to be a great one. He said he would send me a full DVD that he was going to send the bride, I offered to pay him but he said, not a problem. We exchanged cards and the reception started. THe next week I emailed him with all my contact info and again offered to pay him. A month goes by no response, called and got a voice mail system. Left a message , no response, emailed no response. Not sure what happened butnever heard from him again. He is in another state about 3 hours away so I just let it go. Really wish I had the video now.

Latest Update.

I have meeting scheduled with the B&G this Friday afternoon. Hopefully I can satisfy them some. I am planning to carry a reference list with me so they talk to some past clients.

I understand their side of it. They don't know me and don't know anyone I've DJ'd for, and I think they do understand the problem with attending someone else's reception.

Cap thanks again for showing your Diplomatic touch. My technique in sales envelops the idea of helping my clients come to the best decision even if in most cases it was my idea to begin with. Allow your client to own the decision and you have them eating out of your hand.

Recently I had a meeting with a potential Bride and she too wanted to either see an upcoming event though she was only one month out on her reception date. I gave her the best option by offering venue managers numbers of places I had played many times. This gave her a wider range of information versus a past client. The venue managers can relate various styles and technique you have used for each client whom you provided services for at their venue on previous occasion. This successfully giving them much more idea than a one time previous client.
Hope this sheds some new light for a broader option.Latest Update.

I have meeting scheduled with the B&G this Friday afternoon. Hopefully I can satisfy them some. I am planning to carry a reference list with me so they talk to some past clients.

I understand their side of it. They don't know me and don't know anyone I've DJ'd for, and I think they do understand the problem with attending someone else's reception.

Here is what I used to tell clients when they asked this:

"On the day of the event, my attention is 100% devoted to pleasing the happy couple, and I would prefer not to conduct other business on that day. Just as I am sure you will want me at my best on your special day, so do my other clients. I am sure you can understand this, as you would not want me conducting business with others when I work for you".

Kind of turns the tables on them and let's them see that they would not like it if it happened at their event.

I'm the same way as this above. I have surveys and people that will allow phone calls and I tell the possible future client that they may call them if they choose to.

Jeff: I owe you a beer for that one Cap I remembered you posting that one before and I had the opportunity to use it at the Bridal show last weekendAnd I fully intend on collecting!!!!

If you have a bar gig or some public event, have them come to that, then have a few pictures and maybe even videos of your rig in action...
They dont like it, too bad... It sounds like the movie "Wedding Crashers" to me... If they ask if its open bar, then really worry...

Hmmm...you guys gave me an idea...I think I'll use this as my promo video from now on (should at least help me sell the groom)...

YouTube - Wedding Crashers - Shout

Instead of a props package, I'll offer cases of champagne.

There are many ways for clients to "see you in action" without actually seeing you. The ideal thing would be to put together a DVD. This can be a bit of work, but like some have suggested you can have a videographer do it for you. They may even be willing to produce a professional (edited) video for you free of charge if they can add their logo to it. They get their name in front of every bride you give it to, after all.

Something I have done instead (because the video thing is too time consuming at this point) is to create an AUDIO demo. Basically I walk through a ceremony and reception from beginning to end exploring each component and offering suggestions and examples. I play music and run through announcements and what not. It is not exactly the same as "seeing you in action" but after listening I think the bride and groom have a good idea of who I am, what I do, and feel that I will do a great job DJing their wedding. The last client I booked told me they wanted to book me after listening to it. They were recommended by my favorite local photographer but were "sold" after listening to the demo. They downloaded it from my website but I often mail out the CD to leads. The couple said I was the only DJ in town who had anything like that.

If you don't have any kind of demo I urge you to take an afternoon and put something together...whether it's a couple of youtube videos, an audio CD, of a full DVD production. My clients have responded very well to mine.

If you'd like to check it out to get some ideas you can find it at:

http://www.aaronsdjservices.com/demo/index.htm

-Aaron

PS: I believe that clients don't necessary "need" to "see you in action" when they ask if they can. What they do want and need is to make sure you aren't a jackass like the lame DJ at their cousin's wedding. Let them examine the evidence in their own time (away from the possible "pressure" of meeting you in your office) and you will be golden.

Just got home from Meeting with the clients. They are an older couple in their 60's. Both very nice, and talk to them for over an hour. Reception is now an hour longer, with added karaoke and quote will also include ceremony setup too. New quote is about 40% higher than the original quote. They said it should be a mostly 50's to 60's type of music reception and I rattled off a couple of dozen titles off the top of my head which seemed to make them happy. They said they would call me on Saturday to let me know either way.

If it books, Cap you can expect a call next week. This will put me over my Getta Bose System Threshold.

If it books, Cap you can expect a call next week. This will put me over my Getta Bose System Threshold.

And another slips off to the Dark Side....:sqlaugh:

And another slips off to the Dark Side....:sqlaugh:

But I'll be keeping my Mackie gear, well most of it too.

That way I can get the Mackie and the Bose abuse, at the same time.
:sqlaugh:

This is another reason why I always STRONGLY advise that any DJ work at least one night a week at a bar. You get free exposure, you get a free showcase, you get free advertising, AND you get PAID for it! No website, ad, or mailing even comes close.

You also get a place where you can tell perspective clients to come and see you in action. What's to think about?

Mike, I answer those inquiries by telling them that the vast majority of venues would not allow outsiders to sit in on a private function. There are a few that have a foyer that they could sit in and listen, but they are not going to learn anything that way unless they are prepared to spend at least three hours carefully monitoring the flow of the evening. Simply hanging around for ten minutes is like trying to judge the quality of a movie by seeing two photographs of it. I haven't yet found anyone who wants to sit on an uncomfortable seat in a hallway for three hours on a Saturday night.
I then tell them that spending an hour or two with me privately to discuss their plans, make suggestions, and describe what I could do for them to make their day even more memorable will give them a much better idea of how their day will turn out. Add referrals to that and I think that you will have them hooked and booked.

Got word today, I did book the job, without them seeing me " In Action" I guess the meeting with them was enough.