:)

I especially thank: Dan; Jon; Fred; Jeff; Kirby; Papa; Aaron; Travis; and Al. But I also thank everybody else who ever supported me and A DJ REVOLUTION.

I also thank the big shots, who are so good at skirting around questions, putting words in other peoples’ mouths, and even being deceiving to the customers—all of which are contributing to your own problems, as well as mine.

You have all made me see the light and be proud of the fact that EVERY dollar I make is an honest one, with nothing but goodness in mind.

You can insult me all you like; consequently, you are insulting my customers and other good people in my life. If you can honestly look at yourself an say, Johnny is wrong for trying to listen to his customers instead of supporting what the “DJ Industry” does (like trying to manipulate the public), then good for you. Life is easy.

This is my EVOLUTION, and I am willing to go about it on my own.

Thanks again.

The Vinyl Spinner? Johnny Komitoudis? Mr. K.? Mr. I.?

http://integritydj.com

You are The BlackSheep of the DJ world..... and that is a good thing... My wife is the BlackSheep of the BellyDance world, so I respect that.....

You can insult me all you like; consequently, you are insulting my customers and other good people in my life. If you can honestly look at yourself an say, Johnny is wrong for trying to listen to his customers instead of supporting what the “DJ Industry” does (like trying to manipulate the public), then good for you. Life is easy.

Well, I won't tell you that because I agree with you but some DJ (or is he a WED, whatever that is) in California will. But then again, he's a really Happy guy that, instead of tilting at Wind Mills like Don Quixote, he's tilting at couches.

Johnny, in that person's eyes we're both undervalued; however, in our client's eyes we give them the bang they want for their buck.

Stiff upper lip. To hell what the others think and say; the nay sayers are busy trying to drain that extra buck from the client while you and I are out their having a blast with ours.

"You are the most important person" you have to answer to on this earth. If you can't face up to yourself and be happy with what you see, then you will not be happy....!!!

Stick to your guns, live your life the way you know how.......We all have to make those independent choices ourselves, we need to accept those who may disagree, and respect their right to do so...........

Mr. K - Have you read my "Hints and tips" page?

There are movements and associations afoot that will attempt to pursuade you as to what specifically to look for in a disc jockey service and that if you consider a service that is not a member of their association, or guild, you will be “let down”. They will use the term “average dj” and will look to pursuade you that it would be in your best interests not to hire a disc jockey that is a"part time" operator, but to hire a "full time" operator; further suggesting the "part time" operator, for some reason or another, is not qualified. They will affirm that they are not just "average dj's", but specialists; “wedding entertainment directors” and the like. Please do not be fooled by fancy names and designations.


Wow, that'll tick off the Happy guy. I guess I'll get an e-mail from him for just pointing that out.

Steve, I wish I had thought of putting a page like that on my site. Can I borrow the words?

BTW: Many fancy names and/or certifications/designations can be obtained simply by writing out a cheque.

Being in the clique also gets you there. I betcha if I were to put in an application to that guild thing I'd be turned down no matter how good it was just because I ain't in da clique.

Ya know what? Don't wanna be either because I'm client-centric not ego-centric.

Tom...feel free.......

This page really wasn't created solely because of one person or group....I've always said; my web site is me; plain and simple......I didn't want to attack anyone or anything....just inform the prospective client.....

I also understand that it may not be everyone's cup of tea.......I accept that

Ultimately I'm telling prospective clients to see past the "facade" to what's behind...to what's real.

That's who you're hiring.....

The only reason that I mentioned the guild (note I said guild generically) is that I feel at some point a bride may bring this up...I guess , as with most of my site; this is somewhat a pre-emptive call to awareness......

Peter's been to my website, I suspect he's seen that page; He's called me out on a few things...perhaps I should feel honoured? lol

That being said, as much as he feels like a shute under the nails at times, I have to give props for what he's accomplished.....from a business perspective.

The thing I find funny is that DJs if told enough times that one of us DJ'd at the most expensive event ever eventually we get brainwashed into believing it and not only that then we believe that an individual makes this amount at each event.All because a salesman and his website says so.

Personal animosity aside, there's no denying that his accomplishments; I have to give credit where credit is due.......

Actually my page in questions really goes to looking through the forest and seeing the tree's.

I go to the Forest to smoke the trees.

Anyway that whole guild thing will die down shortly. Brides in my area would not buy into that crap. The twenty and thirty something brides and grooms in my area just really wants a DJ to take them on a rocking musical journey. No one has the time to waist with all the fantasy sh!t. I offer a double plasma package and a music only package up to 5 hours. Choose one!! You hire me you get the real deal. Hire the guild and then put on your mask for the smoke that they will blow up your ass.

John the 1 tells it like it is!

Seriously John...you've nailed it.....

OK, while the thread is hijacked and we're on the subject, I offered to lend my copy of "the book" to a bride and she asked about the author. I explained that he is a DJ. She said, "No offense to you, but I don't want wedding tips from a DJ. I want them from a bride that has been through it." I explained that we see many mistakes that are made and she may find something useful. She said thanks but no thanks.

This has been the general response I have gotten from many brides I have offered to lend the book to. Maybe he should have made it a book for DJs (even so called full time DJs, LOL). :sqwink:

OK, while the thread is hijacked and we're on the subject, I offered to lend my copy of "the book" to a bride and she asked about the author. I explained that he is a DJ. She said, "No offense to you, but I don't want wedding tips from a DJ. I want them from a bride that has been through it." I explained that we see many mistakes that are made and she may find something useful. She said thanks but no thanks.

This has been the general response I have gotten from many brides I have offered to lend the book to. Maybe he should have made it a book for DJs (even so called full time DJs, LOL). :sqwink:


As long as it's a complete hijack- which I'll put back on track in a minute:

The author in question is an event planner calling himself a DJ to create a separate market niche. Maybe good business, but not factual.

In all my years in this business the question of belonging to a guild or organization has NEVER come up. My references are all I need.


....and now - Johnny. Like I posted in your contest thread. Get your Vinyl Spinning butt to a BAR! GET THE EXPOSURE AND GET PAID FOR IT, dammit!

....and now - Johnny. Like I posted in your contest thread. Get your Vinyl Spinning butt to a BAR! GET THE EXPOSURE AND GET PAID FOR IT, dammit!

ALRIGHT ALREADY! MY BUTT! TO A BAR!

:p

I offered to lend my copy of "the book" to a bride and she asked about the author. I explained that he is a DJ. She said, "No offense to you, but I don't want wedding tips from a DJ. I want them from a bride that has been through it." I explained that we see many mistakes that are made and she may find something useful. She said thanks but no thanks.

ROTFLMAO ! I can totally see that happening. I rememebr when I had advertising in regional bridal magazines and talking with the brides about the content. There were certain things a Bride appreciated and other stuff they considered worthless bull.

There are at least 2 sources of advice a bride will instinctively reject:

1. her mother in law
2. hetrosexual men

It occurs to me that as a stand alone book - most Brides would ignore Merry's work. He would get more credibility if he published an article within a bridal magazine. Surviving the scrutiny of a female editorial staff goes a long way in establishing your authority with brides.

Don't bother to counter his material on your website, or in print and conversation. Your clients are unlikley to ever see his material and if they do they won't care.

They are equally unlikely to be impressed by your pre-occupation with the topics. You are as unlikley to improve your own image this way as you are to tarnish his.

Treat your selling points like Cheez-its - and get your own box.

Goodnightdj wrote:
OK, while the thread is hijacked and we're on the subject, I offered to lend my copy of "the book" to a bride and she asked about the author. I explained that he is a DJ. She said, "No offense to you, but I don't want wedding tips from a DJ. I want them from a bride that has been through it." I explained that we see many mistakes that are made and she may find something useful. She said thanks but no thanks.

Interesting, but expected response. This response could easily be expected, considering what the b/g tend to expect from most dj's.

Seriously, Consider the fact that we generally have a reputation of cheese, not doing what they want, playing music they don't want, acting like ego maniacs, etc. (This may not apply to YOU, however, it is the general perception). I could easily see and expect rejection from the b/g if I just tossed out the book. (not saying you did.)

I have had entirely different response, after I have set the foundation. I start suggesting different things that the b/g can do to enhance their event. Different ideas on how to name tables as opposed to numbers. Different was for bridal party introductions, different ways for doing the entire event. Then, I have the stage set in the b/g mind for options. I have laid the foundation that I, a dj, do know what I am talking about! Then present the "book" and state there are many more refreshing ways to make their wedding reception more a reflection of them, their love, and their personalities in this book. I also tell them there are many other resources out their to make their wedding reception better... do some work!

I do find it crazy that you would let her get away with the thought...

"I want them from a bride that has been through it."

(Yes, you did state you made the comment about experience, but she blew you off.)

Hmm, so one event planned makes them (another bride) an expert? Yet hundreds performed, seen, delt with good and bad of, different personalities, different halls, etc, is not worthy of reading because of his "job title" in the performance???. If that is the case, how can they trust any suggestions YOU make to them at all??? You are a dj too???

Personally, if a bride told me that, I'd say no thanks to the entire event.

Proformance wrote:

made and she may find something useful. She said thanks but no thanks.
ROTFLMAO ! I can totally see that happening. I rememebr when I had advertising in regional bridal magazines and talking with the brides about the content. There were certain things a Bride appreciated and other stuff they considered worthless bull.

There are at least 2 sources of advice a bride will instinctively reject:

1. her mother in law
2. hetrosexual men

It occurs to me that as a stand alone book - most Brides would ignore Merry's work. He would get more credibility if he published an article within a bridal magazine. Surviving the scrutiny of a female editorial staff goes a long way in establishing your authority with brides.

Don't bother to counter his material on your website, or in print and conversation. Your clients are unlikley to ever see his material and if they do they won't care.

They are equally unlikely to be impressed by your pre-occupation with the topics. You are as unlikley to improve your own image this way as you are to tarnish his.

Treat your selling points like Cheez-its - and get your own box.

Another very good response.

If anyone has ever been open enough to get past it... Peter, Mark, Randy,... all of the so called "others" have continually and strongly emphasized the point...

This is how I do it. It works. Take these ideas, and make them your own. Become your own dj. Your own style. Don't copy me. Just use these ideas to get your own creative juices going.

What I do isn't going to work for Goodnightdj, nor Proformance, nor anyone else. What the "leaders" do won't work for me either. We all have better strengths and weaknesses. Capitalize on you strengths, work on the weak areas.

Just as we are all different, so are our markets. So are our ideal clients we go after.

I really don't think Peter moved to your town he'd take your clients away any more than you'd take his away.

Bob, I also agree that writing articles and submitting to national bridal magazines would have been a better strategy for getting some name recognition and credibility with the bridal market first.

"get your own cheez it's." I love it!!!

I also find it interesting that a Bride would prefer receiving advice from someone with 1 event's experience over someone who has been at hundreds of weddings. However, we are talking about Brides so logic has absolutely nothing to do with things. lol

If anyone has ever been open enough to get past it... Peter, Mark, Randy,... all of the so called "others" have continually and strongly emphasized the point...This is how I do it. It works. Take these ideas, and make them your own. Become your own dj. Your own style. Don't copy me. Just use these ideas to get your own creative juices going. I agree 110%. A lot of their stuff won't work for me so I don't copy the material, I twist it to fit my own style.
A local DJ just ordered 10 copies of a certain book to pass out to his clients. More power to him. I know this guy and I am sure he will try everything in the book and will blow them all, and I know someone will be having a Merryer Christmas because of the purchase.

For me, the book in question has given me ideas about what NOT to do.

Whenever one of the complex ideas gets mentioned (obviously right out of said book), I'll mention the name of Mike D, or one of the others who perform at that level.

Recently, a bride for May 25, told me about an idea given to her by a local DJ, who was planning to meet with her. His price is around 2k, including the special foo-foo from the PM book.

I also gave her my price w/o the foo-foo (around $1100), and sent her on her Merry way.....hehe. actually I tell 'em to meet with everyone they wanna, and then when they are done, and have decided on our service, then and ONLY then will we meet. By that time, if their budget is under $1.2 k and we are the right fit for them, they'll be 90% likely to book us.

This morning, another bride called for May 25......someone who doesn't want or need any foo-foo. I am sending the contract in the mail today, and when we meet at the facility she is bringing her checkbook! (She already checked my references B-4 calling).

My "Wheaties" Box, the one with DJ-MC on the front picture, says "No Foo-Foo!"

...that a Bride would prefer receiving advice from someone with 1 event's experience over someone who has been at hundreds of weddings.

It's a whole lot simpler than that: "she'd rather hear from a woman than a man."

If you want to read a good wedding book try: "Congratulations - you're girlfriend's engaged."
It's about how far out of the loop the groom is when it comes to what weddigs are really all about.

Bob I agree with you 95% though in the past two yrs I have had atleast four or five grooms who were put in full charge of the Music.

This is true. Brides tend to concentrate on the ceremony and reception details. Getting the right colors for the BM dresses and shoes etc.

Grooms are often left with the "party" planning aspect, lol. His fishing buddies having some beer and a party. It's the last time he's gonna see 'em anyhow. :D

Bob I agree with you 95% though in the past two yrs I have had atleast four or five grooms who were put in full charge of the Music.

Jon,

Think about that... It is quite sad in reality.

The bride wants choice of hall, colors, flowers, food, cake, etc, to make sure that they are special and what the brides want for their perfect "dream".

The dj can be picked by the groom>>???

That means in those brides eyes there isn't enough of a difference between dj's. No matter what or whom the groom comes up with, they'll probably be the same. Which also tends to lead to the wonderful question.

All things being equal...

What is your PRICE?

actually Dan it means she figures she doesnt care about the DJ as long as she has the other things she most desires yet giving the Groom something he might relate to in the big scheme of things. Sort of like picking a car she will want to choose the visual part (color, style etc) The Groom to select the sounds (motor and audio)!

Interesting Thread.........Good!!

It speaks to the basics of selling as a professional. When you buy a new car, would the salesman you are talking to, enhance the chances of you buying that say "Chevrolet" from him, if He used the local "Ford" dealer as a "Sphere of Influence", an expert as to whys, how to's of buying a new car ? :nah:

Using a competitor's endorsement/idea's only hurts you in the eyes of the buyer. It suggests that you don't have the skills necessary to do your job. The two # 1 and #2 rules in any form of selling..........

#1. Salesman "Know Thy Product".

#2 Salesman "Know Thy Customer".

By indicating that the Bride, is wrong in her not wanting to read this book, and your indicating that in fact, her reading this book is the appropriate thing for her to do, is wrong. You don't know your customer. Her wanting to hear from other brides who have been through this, is a fundamental part of rule #2.

In my 35 years of selling I never once had a potential client ask if I had information from another Broker, on how they should set up their Policy? An Expert in the business or not......?? :no:

However I have had numerous requests from potential clients of mine, as to the type of job I do, by asking for references from clients I deal with today. That is valuable information as to how their experience may go with me, as their Broker. In the minds of these brides, this is "their special unique day", and though we as DJ's may feel we have the answers, and many of us do, that's not what your customer wants to hear. Listen......they are trying to tell you how to "close" the deal???? :icon_cheers:

One thing theses brides are seeing, that some of us are not, is they are not hiring the books author, they are hiring you. :wideeyed:

Think about that... It is quite sad in reality.

The bride wants choice of hall, colors, flowers, food, cake, etc, to make sure that they are special and what the brides want for their perfect "dream".

The dj can be picked by the groom>>???

That means in those brides eyes there isn't enough of a difference between dj's. No matter what or whom the groom comes up with, they'll probably be the same. Which also tends to lead to the wonderful question.

All things being equal... What is your PRICE?

No, I don't think you can attribute it to perceptions and price.

It's more about traditional gener roles:

Do you really want to put a man in charge of stationary, flower arrangements, and table linens?

Also, put it in perspective - the groom isn't in charge of the wedding - just picking a DJ. (..with all that gear don't cha know!)