Community dance

[djtaso]

True. I look at you, and how you've crafted your brand and marketing and it inspires me. Breaking out of that "price leader" mentality is super difficult for a lot of us. I also theorize that in Mix's case, a lot of it is the culture and the clique he's around. If all you know are people with no money, then that's your market and will determine the price you can draw. In your case, my perception, you're in a premium market and with high-value people. It enables you the maximize your profit potential, although I realize you've succeeded in some lesser-affluent markets. In my own case, Alabama is one of the poorer states in the nation, not to mention that I'm 50 miles away from the nearest large city. It remains to be seen but I suspect that by the time I get a few more years under my belt and get a few more construction projects done (paved parking, concrete area out back complete with garden, etc) that that $7.5k will look more like $10k and my top end should be $12k-$15k. If I can keep my costs at $3k-$5k then I think I have potential to start putting up some real numbers. It's all just a process. You come up with a game plan, execute, adjust, execute, etc. etc.

Yes, I've done many events in what are lesser affluent markets than that of North Jersey. Some with avg household income levels not much higher than that of Oneanta, AL. However, I'm of the perspective that people who value something... anything... will try to find a way to make it happen. Some ultimately just won't be able to, some may make financially bad decisions to make it happen, some will sacrifice other things, and some have responsibly been saving to get the things they value.

To further put this in perspective... Rocky River OH, Richmond, VA, or Fayetteville, NC have household incomes 30-50% less than towns in North Jersey where I often work. Yet, in order for them to book me, they have to pay 2.5-3x MORE than NJ clients to book me due to travel costs and the inability to book other events.

You need to determine where your VALUE is, and then learn to properly portray and MARKET that value to the right set of eyes. I think it's why so many are telling you to stop trying to do everything, and focus on one thing and do it super well. Create a stunning venue, that is well ran, offers unique immersive experiences, and has an owner that is attentive, responsible, responsive, and dedicated, and you will have a winning formula. Do too much, certain categories will take a step back and a weak link starts to form.

 

[dunlopj]

Sorry to say, but in my mind, this place is getting less fun to read....even with Mixxy on ignore....

 

[DJ Ricky B]

Sorry to say, but in my mind, this place is getting less fun to read....even with Mixxy on ignore....

I agree. I mean after you have been here reading the forums and participating for 8+ years it gets old. We have covered pretty much everything there is to cover. Most of the same stuff are re-iterated, and the pool of DJs who participate here is rather low so it's the same people, and for the most part the same conversations and view points over and over again. I have lasted a long, long time on this forum and still check in on a daily basis, but it has become redundant. I've seen many people come and go, and then there are some that have been around longer than I have on here, BUT they only pop in once or twice a month, or only 10 times or less per year now, and are barely active these days.

Outside of that, it's for the most part, the same active 20 people or so every week with a few stragglers who chime in here and there it seems. All of us are for the most part pretty much set in our ways at this point, and none of the continuous active users are newbies, so everyone has their opinions set, and we all know what their opinion/view point is on the subjects we talk about at this point.

I'll continue to drop in on a daily basis, but I do foresee myself becoming less and less active on here as time marches on. If there is ever a forum wide ODJT in person meet up that takes place in the future somewhere, I would try my best to be there if I am still active on here, but after all these years, I don't really see that happening. Mainly because we are too far apart and everyone's schedules are vastly different so nobody has ever tried to put something like that together.

 

[rickryan.com]

Sorry to say, but in my mind, this place is getting less fun to read....even with Mixxy on ignore....

I, for one, value these friendships very highly. Sure, we've talked about it all but that doesn't mean I don't like the friendships here.

 

[rickryan.com]

I think it's why so many are telling you to stop trying to do everything, and focus on one thing and do it super well. Create a stunning venue, that is well ran, offers unique immersive experiences, and has an owner that is attentive, responsible, responsive, and dedicated, and you will have a winning formula. Do too much, certain categories will take a step back and a weak link starts to form.

As you know, I have taken the advice offered here and have setup a basic DIY rental. I've had exactly one inquiry for it and after we talked, she changed her mind and went all-inclusive. Contrary to what has been said here, I do not personally try to "do it all". I have a team assembled who each have their own piece they're responsible for. Each of them answer to me. In my view, and based on the feedback I've gotten from both prospects and clients, the formula is working and all-inclusive is precisely why people are booking with me. BTW, I just picked up another booking today for May, 2024 (a mid-week elopement).

 

[djtaso]

As you know, I have taken the advice offered here and have setup a basic DIY rental. I've had exactly one inquiry for it and after we talked, she changed her mind and went all-inclusive. Contrary to what has been said here, I do not personally try to "do it all". I have a team assembled who each have their own piece they're responsible for. Each of them answer to me. In my view, and based on the feedback I've gotten from both prospects and clients, the formula is working and all-inclusive is precisely why people are booking with me. BTW, I just picked up another booking today for May, 2024 (a mid-week elopement).

I think the nice thing about the basic option is that it helps show the value of the all inclusive and will make people gravitate to that option on their own. But also offer an option for those that want to save money overall, but still allow you to make money.

 

[rickryan.com]

I think the nice thing about the basic option is that it helps show the value of the all inclusive and will make people gravitate to that option on their own. But also offer an option for those that want to save money overall, but still allow you to make money.

Agreed. Believe me, if prospects start leaning towards basic and it's what they want to book, I'll turn on a dime. I do think your advice on listing the add-ons, and putting them at more of a premium price, was spot on. Thank you for that.

 

[dunlopj]

I, for one, value these friendships very highly. Sure, we've talked about it all but that doesn't mean I don't like the friendships here.

I did not mean the friendships.....it's just sometimes there are pointless repeated questions asked and not much in new news to be had except for your venue which I truly love to hear. But it seems many posts are all about value, worth and pricing. Since I'm no longer in the biz, it has no value TO ME.

 

[djtaso]

I did not mean the friendships.....it's just sometimes there are pointless repeated questions asked and not much in new news to be had except for your venue which I truly love to hear. But it seems many posts are all about value, worth and pricing. Since I'm no loger in the biz, it has no value TO ME.

The reality is few on here are trying to be innovative or evolve. Most are just continuing the same pattern of things that they’ve been doing since 2010. But that is generally the state of the industry as a whole. The innovators know they can get more eyes on what they’re doing via YouTube and instagram.

Ricky asks what is everyone doing in 2024 and everyone says they have no need to invest in anything or change anything… maybe an upgrade here or there to an existing item, but no new services, no new appearance updates, etc. Meanwhile in the first 3 months I’ve spent about $7500 on either new add ons to change the experience of my events and a new DJ booth to be more in line with the events and venues I attract, and be different than everyone now getting on the tv booth game.

 

[MIXMASTERMACHOM]

The reality is few on here are trying to be innovative or evolve. Most are just continuing the same pattern of things that they’ve been doing since 2010. But that is generally the state of the industry as a whole. The innovators know they can get more eyes on what they’re doing via YouTube and instagram.

Ricky asks what is everyone doing in 2024 and everyone says they have no need to invest in anything or change anything… maybe an upgrade here or there to an existing item, but no new services, no new appearance updates, etc. Meanwhile in the first 3 months I’ve spent about $7500 on either new add ons to change the experience of my events and a new DJ booth to be more in line with the events and venues I attract, and be different than everyone now getting on the tv booth game.

To be fair you spent $7,500 on things for the business you run so far this year to make changes to what you offer. That's great that you could do that. You had the money to spend. Some don't have that kind of money to spend. Also there are those who are not getting paid what you do for events.

Your starting price is what many would love to say they got paid that much at least once.

 

[rickryan.com]

The reality is few on here are trying to be innovative or evolve. Most are just continuing the same pattern of things that they’ve been doing since 2010. But that is generally the state of the industry as a whole. The innovators know they can get more eyes on what they’re doing via YouTube and instagram.

Ricky asks what is everyone doing in 2024 and everyone says they have no need to invest in anything or change anything… maybe an upgrade here or there to an existing item, but no new services, no new appearance updates, etc. Meanwhile in the first 3 months I’ve spent about $7500 on either new add ons to change the experience of my events and a new DJ booth to be more in line with the events and venues I attract, and be different than everyone now getting on the tv booth game.

Do you ever try something new, only to find it fizzles with clients? In my case, the first thing that comes to mind is a dry ice fogger. I tried it several times but it was more trouble than it was worth. Nobody was really dazzled by it.

 

[tunes4046]

The reality is few on here are trying to be innovative or evolve. Most are just continuing the same pattern of things that they’ve been doing since 2010. But that is generally the state of the industry as a whole. The innovators know they can get more eyes on what they’re doing via YouTube and instagram.

Ricky asks what is everyone doing in 2024 and everyone says they have no need to invest in anything or change anything… maybe an upgrade here or there to an existing item, but no new services, no new appearance updates, etc. Meanwhile in the first 3 months I’ve spent about $7500 on either new add ons to change the experience of my events and a new DJ booth to be more in line with the events and venues I attract, and be different than everyone now getting on the tv booth game.

A big part of that is the age of many of us most over 40 many over 50, personally the DJ is just a side gig for me at this point generating less than a third of my income while requiring the most effort, the only reason I continue is because I enjoy it,

 

[Proformance]

Do you ever try something new, only to find it fizzles with clients? In my case, the first thing that comes to mind is a dry ice fogger. I tried it several times but it was more trouble than it was worth. Nobody was really dazzled by it.

Don't confuse a commodity with a service industry - even on the larger scale of things being intertwined. Taso's DJ service is an example of commoditization, and that is the basis upon which it is sold, and periodically updated.

An event venue (save for an existing nightclub space) cannot operate that way. Adding a fog machine has zero impact on the prospects decision making (even for the commoditized nightclub.) An event space is sold on it's utilization capability and available services - meaning: you have to be able to take care of people's actual needs as opposed to their desires or vanity.

If someone builds an inn, motel, or other lodging facility in your town, venue bookings for events at your space and others will go up as a result of the expanded local services. You're event space is interdependent on the entire community of other businesses in your area. The best thing you can do for your venue is to join the chamber of commerce and connect yourself with the heartbeat and blood flow of the surrounding area. You all sink or swim together.

DJs can talk all day about their 'service' (and we do have to be attentive to what we do for people) but at the macro level Disc Jockeys are a vanity purchase and disposable income is what makes a $5,000+ DJ package possible. That's not going to happen in rural Alabama - but, we could certainly sell $10K-$40K of real services to people getting married if we have attractive solutions for all the associated needs of the event. Ryan Acres needs relationships with other businesses because it is the only thing that can grow a venue business. There is no new "DJ option" that will get you where you want to be.