The economy strikes again!
- Thread starter So Cal Hugh
- Start date
I am with you Matt. Those in the business who rub contracts in people's faces, who refuse to be flexible with their prices no matter what is going on around them, and see clients as people with their hands out looking for freebees if they refuse to pay the DJ's price up front with no discussion, give the business just as much of a black eye as those using pirated music on "inferior" equipment.
Mike
I have always held to the philosophy:
When you give away something for NOTHING......that is what it is worth---NOTHING!
There are plenty of weekdays to give out freebies!
I did a party for the Yelpsters in Sacramento on a Thursday (3 days before Xmas) in '07.
This produced a direct benefit.....because of my participation at the site and the immediate boost from the reviews that event produced.
So I didn't really do "something for nothing," because I got a quid pro quo (positive reviews that led to more clients).
I'm all for using NON-SALEABLE DATES for advertising & marketing.
And, I'm all for doing a Saturday event if its for a known cause or company (something I believe in), provided there is going to be a direct benefit in "downstream" referrals.
(But that Saturday event will get one of my associates.....because I'll probably be doing something more lucrative on that day, paying the bills!)
When you give away something for NOTHING......that is what it is worth---NOTHING!
There are plenty of weekdays to give out freebies!
I did a party for the Yelpsters in Sacramento on a Thursday (3 days before Xmas) in '07.
This produced a direct benefit.....because of my participation at the site and the immediate boost from the reviews that event produced.
So I didn't really do "something for nothing," because I got a quid pro quo (positive reviews that led to more clients).
I'm all for using NON-SALEABLE DATES for advertising & marketing.
And, I'm all for doing a Saturday event if its for a known cause or company (something I believe in), provided there is going to be a direct benefit in "downstream" referrals.
(But that Saturday event will get one of my associates.....because I'll probably be doing something more lucrative on that day, paying the bills!)
Matt the difference I see here is your established and have the means to still do this....nothing wrong with that.....BUT why is it wrong for someone who doesnt have associates but have the means....again we each have a business philosophy that we go by....Im not knocking yours why knock someone elses....
No knocking here......just coming from experience!
Once a group or organization gets used to FREEBIES, they won't ever pay again.
As an example, look at all the DJs who have been burned by ACS and their RFL's.
You don't see as many threads about DJs doing RFL's any more.....that's because so many have been burned out on charities and their crappy attitude.
Once a group or organization gets used to FREEBIES, they won't ever pay again.
As an example, look at all the DJs who have been burned by ACS and their RFL's.
You don't see as many threads about DJs doing RFL's any more.....that's because so many have been burned out on charities and their crappy attitude.
The recurring problem with RLF and others is the promise (or inferred promise) of exposure to paying engagements. This exposure rarely produces paid engagements because of the nature of the audience. People who attend these things do so because they don't have to pay. They're not there looking for DJs.
The seasoned DJ companies won't touch these freebies. But there are always more new DJs to come.
The seasoned DJ companies won't touch these freebies. But there are always more new DJs to come.
I donate time to the RLFL but at each one...the first one I donated a service and what the value was to be auctioned off to the highest bidder. This gave people a chance to book me for free at a function they wanted....yes I know free show but the exposure has been good and I can track shows that paid to these freebies....you have to do it once and let the thing grow...its seems to work for me. As far as donating to RLFL thats my choice and one Im proud of. Cancer touches so many people and this is my way of giving....no blinders as to think Ill get great exposure...but then again the relay Im doing this for always tells people to work with the sponsers....and it seems to work for now anyway
regular clients are great...
but I never assume they call me every year because of ME!
I always assume it's for convenience.
Personally, I don't like to do the same Company Xmas party every year.
In fact, after a few years in a row, I usually SUGGEST that they find someone else.
There's a definite burn-out factor (for me AND for the client)
Even if everyone is happy with your work...
they may want to try something different,
just cause it's DIFFERENT!
you may be surprised and they DO call you next year...
if not...move on!
but I never assume they call me every year because of ME!
I always assume it's for convenience.
Personally, I don't like to do the same Company Xmas party every year.
In fact, after a few years in a row, I usually SUGGEST that they find someone else.
There's a definite burn-out factor (for me AND for the client)
Even if everyone is happy with your work...
they may want to try something different,
just cause it's DIFFERENT!
you may be surprised and they DO call you next year...
if not...move on!
I agree 100%. These few kept me well past what I thought they would, and it was because they genuinely liked me. They all stressed that it's the economy. Only one was a non-profit, so they get the good treatment. When things turn around it is back to the old price or good-bye.
If your relationship with the client is strong, this kind of stuff won't happen. They had no qualms about dumping you for less than honest reasons. When you probed, they told the truth. If they cared, they would have told you up front.
I disagree with giving them the gig for free also. They dumped you. They didn't place a value on your services, but you did....nothing.
That's the way I see it.
Dave
I'm not interested in a race to the bottom of the pay scale.
I disagree with giving them the gig for free also. They dumped you. They didn't place a value on your services, but you did....nothing.
That's the way I see it.
Dave
I'm not interested in a race to the bottom of the pay scale.
tell many of my re-occuring clients who continue to book my new and improved show. Oh and though they seem to prefer me they are amazed at the different show I bring one yr to the next. The secret is to not gain familiarity with a crowd. Often why I dont create a play list from the past gig or take it. I love to begin the night with a clean slate. It allows me to create a new masterpiece. I learned this technique when working some night clubs which allowed me the ops to continue at the same place where most DJs lasted a month. I left when I felt I wanted a new adventure. The club owners were always begging to return. Im not saying this as some sort of big headed person but just a simple guy who found a way to create new fresh events night after night.
I only made this offer to the non-profit. The others were let go. I told the non-profit that this year was the only free one. It's a gift from me to them.
I regret starting this thread. Can't believe some of the attitudes it brought out. Even in me.
Sorry if I offended anyone. I'm done with this.
I beg to differ. My largest customer ($50k+ a year) came from me doing a job for them for free and they are not the only one. I would say that 30%-40% of my clients are former freebies.
Mike
Winner winner chicken dinner! Gotta keep yourself/your show fresh. I don't see how you guys survive without repeat customers. I know it is a different situation but 80% or so of my business is repeat customers. I would never think to tell them to try someone else. In fact there are several events for each client that I don't do every year, and I campaign constantly for them to give me those events too.
Mike
Hugh,
I don't know you personally, but I have had the pleasure of talking to you and I know that you are a warm, caring person. I don't know what others have said, but if I left you with the impression that I was attacking you personally, I'm sorry. I should have read all the posts more clearly, but my response was a general one and not meant to slam you.
I hope you understand that it was in NO WAY personally directed at you, just a frustration overall.
Peace!
Dave
ps. If there is anyway I can be of assistance, please let me know. BTW, this has been a great exercise and I applaud you for bringing it up.
I don't know you personally, but I have had the pleasure of talking to you and I know that you are a warm, caring person. I don't know what others have said, but if I left you with the impression that I was attacking you personally, I'm sorry. I should have read all the posts more clearly, but my response was a general one and not meant to slam you.
I hope you understand that it was in NO WAY personally directed at you, just a frustration overall.
Peace!
Dave
ps. If there is anyway I can be of assistance, please let me know. BTW, this has been a great exercise and I applaud you for bringing it up.
I have found you to be the same type of person, and I was not in anyway put out by what you said. Thanks for the courtesy though. I am certain that given the opportunity to be courteous or not, you would be the most courteous person around.