What is your best idea?

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Galager

Galager

DJ Extraordinaire
Feb 5, 2016
87
118
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I want to learn what has been your best ideas, changes, decisions you have made as a DJ. I am looking for ways to set myself apart from the competition and hope that I might find just that in your responses.

Here are three things.

1. First is I stress to potential clients that I am a family friendly DJ. I know that MOST mobile DJs can be family friendly but the average client probably doesn't know it. This instantly sets me apart from my competition. For the corporate client I stress that they won't need to worry about offending a client or creating a hostile environment for some of their employees who might be more sensitive to things like profanity. For schools I stress that the new popular songs I play are 'exclusive' radio edits not available to the average individual (I'm referring to the songs I get from Promo Only) so the music will be what the kids want to hear but it will also be parent approved. For weddings I stress that there will be children present and you really don't want to offend grandma with a random 'F' bomb being dropped in the middle of a song. Granted, most DJs wouldn't do that but I am reassuring them that if they go with me they won't have to take that chance. It's salesmanship, plain and simple.

I am sure I may have lost some gigs to people that would be worried that if they go with me they might be getting a very limited and bland music selection but that is OK. I have had quite a few clients (especially brides) that have told me they really like the fact that I am family friendly and many have told me it was the deciding factor to use me. I am sure I get more business because of it than I loose.

2. The OTHER thing I will share with you that I think is brilliant is this:

US Cable Ties TA5YL100 5.4-Inch EZ Off Tear Away Ties, Yellow, 100-Pack - - Amazon.com

These cable ties are strong enough to hold my rolled up cords and cables but only take a second to break off when I am ready to use them. They are cheap too. It saves me a couple minutes each gig during set up and take down and saves me a lot of frustration.

3. I use a lighting tree when I have DJ lights and it was always so heavy to raise once all the lights were on them. Then I got the Ultimate Support TS-110BL speaker stand,
Amazon.com: Ultimate Support TS110BL Speaker Stand: - None -: Musical Instruments
and purchased the optional lighting crossbar
Amazon.com: 48" T-Style Lighting Crossbar: Everything Else
and the vertical extension bar
http://www.amazon.com/Ultimate-Stan...xgy_236_2?ie=UTF8&refRID=19F6H808HF14J1A93VC5
and two lighting sidebars
http://www.amazon.com/Ultimate-Stan..._UL160_SR160,160_&refRID=0FK1V9RVHBC8GJ2BV7WZ

Now my lights go up and down with ease. You need the larger TS-110BL stand because of its wider footprint for more stability and it gives you more height.

Alright. I am ready to be amazed with your collective brilliance. :cool:
 
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The thing with the music part is that a true professional does what you said you do. A hack DJ doesn't care so long as they get paid. I know DJs in this area that pay close attention to the music and that they have clean versions of a song. That's really nothing new and I let a potential client know about this.

What I've seen are those DJs who play songs with explicit lyrics usually will come dressed inappropriately most times and the clients that book them are low paying customers.
 
MIXMASTERMACHOM said:
The thing with the music part is that a true professional does what you said you do. A hack DJ doesn't care so long as they get paid. I know DJs in this area that pay close attention to the music and that they have clean versions of a song. That's really nothing new and I let a potential client know about this.

What I've seen are those DJs who play songs with explicit lyrics usually will come dressed inappropriately most times and the clients that book them are low paying customers.
Click to expand...

I agree completely. I guess the difference is does the CLIENT know this? Usually not. And because of that, I get more business.
 
Giving some thought to your good question. The first thing that comes to mind is using these instead of the bright yellow ties. They also double as strapping the speaker cables to the stands and stand out a lot less than the yellow.
Keeper 8 in. Tarp Bungee (25-Pack)-06345 - The Home Depot You can find these even cheaper sometimes if you look around. They are also re-usable so more environmentally friendly.
 
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Ron said:
Giving some thought to your good question. The first thing that comes to mind is using these instead of the bright yellow ties. They also double as strapping the speaker cables to the stands and stand out a lot less than the yellow.
Keeper 8 in. Tarp Bungee (25-Pack)-06345 - The Home Depot You can find these even cheaper sometimes if you look around. They are also re-usable so more environmentally friendly.
Click to expand...

I've used the white plastic ties on my spandex screen I find it holds it much better and is easier to take off but for cables I usually use this

Velcro® Cable Ties - 3/4 x 6", Black S-17101 - Uline

You can usually pick them up at a dollar store ten for a buck
 
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OK, being able to say that all of your music is clean edits is a good selling point. Points 2 & 3 are things that make your job easier, but I don't see them as things that will set you apart from competitors.

So I guess we can discuss both? I like Ron's post because I started using tarp bungees last year. I got tired of using velcro because it can be frustrating trying to find the end when striking. And it can stick to other things that can also get messy. I haven't used cable ties very much. I guess you need a knife when tearing equipment down?

I've been using a Hercules crank stand for lighting for years. The problem I had was aiming the lights once they were mounted. I figured that an easier way to lower and raise them a few times would make things much easier. It's either that or bringing in a step ladder (depending on how high you want the lights). I've seen photographers use a case or chair to step on to adjust their lighting.

As far as a best idea to set myself apart from the competition - I honestly haven't found it yet. But from what I've seen from other successful DJs it's all about being a great MC or entertainer.
 
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With all respect, I don't see "clean edits" as a major selling point, to anyone. In my book, it's a sideline statement that I add only if/when the client mentions they want clean music. Lighting stands or cable ties are nice, but again, not what I'd consider a selling point. One of the things that I notice connects is when I describe the process of how we gather their details and specifically how we program music. "Read the crowd" seems to be old hat, speaking only for myself. I tell them how we use 4-song cycles where we mix genres and tempos to connect with every age bracket in the room during each cycle. The end result is that it connects with them that I KNOW what I'm talking about and that I KNOW how to take any crowd and get the most energy out of them. The client gets it that THEIR event is going to be superb, at my hands, and that their guests will remember THEIR wedding fondly, as having a great time.

Hope this helps.
 
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What sets me apart from the competition is... ME![emoji4] I don't mean to be immodest, but my personality is what sets me apart. I make people laugh... however, I don't have jokes that I tell. Sometimes it's a funny true story, and sometimes it's just a witty response. If I get a face-to-face meeting with a prospective client, it's pretty likely I'll get the job. I'm basically an upbeat person all the time, and pretty much everything triggers bazaar thoughts... be it a sign of some sort, something someone says or does, TV commercials... almost anything. I've learned how to filter it over the years, so I don't just say whatever crazy thing that comes to mind, and I've learned how to be funny without insulting someone. A former mentor once warned me; "That sense of humor of yours will get you in trouble someday"[emoji2], so I learned to tamp it down a little at work. But most of my former employees have told me the thing they liked most about working for me was the way I made work fun. I've always had a knack for making the mundane and most boring tasks into sort of a game. [emoji4] After many, many years of honing this skill, I do it without even thinking about it... but I still have to be careful to apply the filter, because there's a lot of crazy thoughts in there![emoji2]


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
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Music selection Read the crowd, 4 song cycles, whatever you want to call it...

The fact is people hire me because they belived I'll play the right song at the right time. And I will. I'll mix the right genres with fun songs for all age groups that are there.

I don't promise 4 song cycles because I don't know that 4 songs is the right number each time or each genre. I often change it up sooner if I don't see it working.

Then there are other things that are important. But that right there is number 1

Some djs think mixing is the most important. For weddings, I don't believe it is. Mixing can certainly enhance a dance set. I highly reccomandations learning how to do it. But if you are mixing the wrong song for that crowd, no one cares how great the 2 songs mixed together.

The 2nd most important thing is to make the client feel very confident that I understand what is important to them, and make them feel confident that I will give them the evening they want. Then I have to follow up that confidence with actually doing it. Mcing is an important part of that.

There are a lot of things that need to happen to make it all go well, but typically I find the client doesn't care how I get it done, as long as it gets done.

I feel it's because of this that I have very little drama with my events. People are very confident They'll get the evening they want. I don't find weddings hard or stressful.
 
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But to answer the actual question, my best idea was to realize that I don't know everything and to seek advice of people better at things than me.

I'm a good listener. i know what I'm good at, and understand the things I'm not good at.
 
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Jas said:
I haven't used cable ties very much. I guess you need a knife when tearing equipment down?
Click to expand...

That is why I prefer these specific ties. They don't require a knife. You just pull them apart.
 
Jas said:
I've been using a Hercules crank stand for lighting for years. The problem I had was aiming the lights once they were mounted. I figured that an easier way to lower and raise them a few times would make things much easier. It's either that or bringing in a step ladder (depending on how high you want the lights). I've seen photographers use a case or chair to step on to adjust their lighting.
Click to expand...

I will tell you that using the Ultimate air powered speaker stand for my lights was the best decision I've made when it comes to my lighting. It is soooooo easy to raise and lower I don't cringe every time I have to lower it to readjust the aiming of the lights. It's a piece of cake. Once I saw how easy they were I went and got 2 more for my extra set of speakers. They are worth the money.
 
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Galager said:
For schools I stress that the new popular songs I play are 'exclusive' radio edits not available to the average individual (I'm referring to the songs I get from Promo Only) so the music will be what the kids want to hear but it will also be parent approved.
Click to expand...

FYI, be careful with PO songs - I have come across a few with the F bomb in it. Do not assume that it's clean just because it's not marked (explicit).
 
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rickryan.com said:
With all respect, I don't see "clean edits" as a major selling point, to anyone. In my book, it's a sideline statement that I add only if/when the client mentions they want clean music.
Click to expand...

Please don't take this the wrong way because I honestly am not trying to offend. It is DJs in my area that think that same way as you that allow me to capitalize on being a family friendly DJ. The other DJs don't work it into their pitch to clients so I do. That creates a seed of doubt in the client that works to my advantage. I realize this tactic may not work for you but it works great for me. I do sincerely appreciate your input.

I do find your 4 songs rotation an interesting idea to investigate. I already do something like that but haven't thought to work it into my sales pitch.
 
OK, scott, how does a cold prospect believe anything about you? You're ASSUMING they have the same reference point as yourself. bad idea.

Google 'what should I ask my dj for my wedding' and you'll get some great lists - things that apparently are common enough that it's suggested brides ask about them - one being "will there be silence between songs or will the songs blend into each other" - and I've been asked this.

I bring up clean songs because a popular DJ here makes it prominent in his literature - and EVERY bride is grateful that F this and that won't be heard by Grandma and the kids at the wedding.

Explain reading the dancefloor, song rotation, etc - it shows YOUR an expert - and that you do more than play an itunes list. To NOT say this is a big assumption that i"m finding is a bad one - brides DO NOT KNOW. I also mention that I play a wide variety of music early so that everyone from 12 to 100 will hear something they like. This also goes over very well with brides.

Learning to sell, er, close, is allowing me to up my prices this year- 20-30% so far with another bump soon.

As for 'wire ties' - I use two kinds - one is this, cut ot lenght and used on stands, etc. They sticdk to themselves, i leave them on the stands.
VELCRO brand 15 ft. x 2 in. Industrial Strength Tape-90197 - The Home Depot

and for all my wires -
VELCRO brand 8 in. x 1/2 in. Reusable Ties (50-Pack)-90924 - The Home Depot
 
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Galager said:
Please don't take this the wrong way because I honestly am not trying to offend. It is DJs in my area that think that same way as you that allow me to capitalize on being a family friendly DJ. The other DJs don't work it into their pitch to clients so I do. That creates a seed of doubt in the client that works to my advantage. I realize this tactic may not work for you but it works great for me. I do sincerely appreciate your input.

I do find your 4 songs rotation an interesting idea to investigate. I already do something like that but haven't thought to work it into my sales pitch.
Click to expand...

No offense taken. If it works for you, go for it. Like I said, I do tell them "We use radio edits on our material" (i.e. "clean") anytime they ask. I use it as a selling point, but only after they bring it up first. The 4-song rotation thing is what I term my "rule of rotating 4s". Here's a typical pitch;

"On music programming, you may already know that a lot of DJs use the 'old people' music first, then work their way up to more modern material. My opinion, it's a waste of time and you lose guests because of it. For music programming we use what I call the 'Rule of Rotating 4s'. What means is we work in 4-song blocks and within each block, I'm flipping genres and feels, trying to tap every age bracket in the room. What I've found is grandma is okay with Lil Wayne, or Ludacris, as long as there's something that will tap her within a few songs. Same thing for the younger people. They're okay with Chubby Checker or Commodores, just as long as there's something cool coming up within a couple of songs. The basic idea is that we keep things fresh for the entire evening by constantly changing things around. The end result is we get more participation and energy from the guests and it keeps them in the room, longer."

The usual response is heads nodding and they say, "That makes sense." When I see that head nod it means I've set my hook. They think, right or wrong, that I'm 'the man' and the expert on how to make their party fantastic. Once you've won their confidence, quit talking and pull out the paperwork, they're ready to sign.
 
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IceBurghDJ said:
OK, scott, how does a cold prospect believe anything about you? You're ASSUMING they have the same reference point as yourself. bad idea.

Google 'what should I ask my dj for my wedding' and you'll get some great lists - things that apparently are common enough that it's suggested brides ask about them - one being "will there be silence between songs or will the songs blend into each other" - and I've been asked this.

I bring up clean songs because a popular DJ here makes it prominent in his literature - and EVERY bride is grateful that F this and that won't be heard by Grandma and the kids at the wedding.

Explain reading the dancefloor, song rotation, etc - it shows YOUR an expert - and that you do more than play an itunes list. To NOT say this is a big assumption that i"m finding is a bad one - brides DO NOT KNOW. I also mention that I play a wide variety of music early so that everyone from 12 to 100 will hear something they like. This also goes over very well with brides.

Learning to sell, er, close, is allowing me to up my prices this year- 20-30% so far with another bump soon.

As for 'wire ties' - I use two kinds - one is this, cut ot lenght and used on stands, etc. They sticdk to themselves, i leave them on the stands.
VELCRO brand 15 ft. x 2 in. Industrial Strength Tape-90197 - The Home Depot

and for all my wires -
VELCRO brand 8 in. x 1/2 in. Reusable Ties (50-Pack)-90924 - The Home Depot
Click to expand...

I believe you are mistaken as to what I meant. I don't assume they have the same reference point as me. I see these parties every week. They don't. I don't assume anything, except that they've never done this..until they tell me otherwise. I ask them about what's Important to them. I ask them if they believe people dancing is important to them. I certainly explain reading the floor, I never assume they know what that means or why it's important.
My point was it doesn't matter what we call it, it only matters to the customer as to why and how it will affect them and their event.

If you are really good at reading the crowd, and can relay that to a customer effectively, you'll probably be successful in getting bookings

If you are good at reading the crowd, and are an effective mc, you'll most likely get plenty of referrals. Well over 70% of our bookings are from referrals or they mentioned good reviews from websites.
 
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The best decision I've made in my career, was to buy the trailer.
Everything just fell into place perfectly when I purchased it,
and I cannot tell you how much pain, time, and hassle it has saved me in the past few years.

PAIN - Loading gear in the back of my old Blazer was beating me up.
TIME - One less load in and load out every gig. And no equipment left in the vehicle.
HASSLE - Knowing I am ready to go at all times, and that I won't forget anything, cause it's already packed.

Naturally, none of it would matter if I didn't make the decision to get into this business in the first place,
but I guess we can ALL say that.
 
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rickryan.com said:
No offense taken. If it works for you, go for it. Like I said, I do tell them "We use radio edits on our material" (i.e. "clean") anytime they ask. I use it as a selling point, but only after they bring it up first. The 4-song rotation thing is what I term my "rule of rotating 4s". Here's a typical pitch;

"On music programming, you may already know that a lot of DJs use the 'old people' music first, then work their way up to more modern material. My opinion, it's a waste of time and you lose guests because of it. For music programming we use what I call the 'Rule of Rotating 4s'. What means is we work in 4-song blocks and within each block, I'm flipping genres and feels, trying to tap every age bracket in the room. What I've found is grandma is okay with Lil Wayne, or Ludacris, as long as there's something that will tap her within a few songs. Same thing for the younger people. They're okay with Chubby Checker or Commodores, just as long as there's something cool coming up within a couple of songs. The basic idea is that we keep things fresh for the entire evening by constantly changing things around. The end result is we get more participation and energy from the guests and it keeps them in the room, longer."

The usual response is heads nodding and they say, "That makes sense." When I see that head nod it means I've set my hook. They think, right or wrong, that I'm 'the man' and the expert on how to make their party fantastic. Once you've won their confidence, quit talking and pull out the paperwork, they're ready to sign.
Click to expand...

In my experience, this works only in some situations. I sometimes have groups that dance primarily to their genre and sit while another is happening. I don't believe I'd feel comfortable in committing beforehand to tapping all age brackets within every 4 songs consistently throughout the night before With some crowds, it could just make everyone mad at you.
I do mention that we will work in all necessary genres of music and focus on keeping it fun for all ages. If it's that type of crowd that will dance to lots of different genres, great. But I'll abandon that quickly if it's a deversive crowd. I'll typically play a few songs from a genre if it's working then move on to another, depending on how well that genres is working. How quickly I come back to that genre is sometimes also based on how effective it was earlier.

Sounds like your way is working for you. But I don't believe it would work for me. Because I don't believe in it. My way works for me.
 
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