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View Full Version : Potential silver lining?



Shakermaker Promotions
02-04-2008, 09:47 PM
Hi all and welcome back everyone,

The past few days have been a bit wierd for me so sit back, get a beer and have a read of this.

I have documented my dealings with my hotel contract on this forum in the past. I mentioned the sales manager lady (lol) and her interferring and basically not having a clue. I've also mentioned on here that after the christmas period she called me up with 6 days notice asking me if I would be able to do their staff christmas party when I was already booked. (remember, I mentioned that their parties were usually on a sunday and this time it was a friday). They ended up getting the resident DJ at the venue they had their party at.

This brings me on to my first point. Everything was cool after that, they understood my position and all was well. Since then though a new C&B manager has started who I have met and get on well with and this week I contacted them again regarding my new contract which they still have not signed. I put my prices up slightly but stipulated that the contract is for 2 years now and the prices won't change. They provisionally agreed this and said I would have it back by the beginning of February. I haven't had it back as yet and was told on monday when I called the C&B manager that they had received another quote for the contract from another company (It's the guy who did their works party). Now, I don't blame this other company for touting for work, I would do the same BUT...I have spoken to the manager of the hotel today and asked him if the reason for even thinking about using another company was because there was a problem with the service I provided or was it just down to the price. He confirmed that it's just the price and that my services don't even come into doubt at all.

Whether this is right or wrong I don't know but what I said was...If there isn't a problem with my services and it's just the price then I can keep the prices as they are now. They will get back to me.

The other thing is - Last friday I received a call from a company about 20 miles away from me. They were having a presentation day at a hotel that I am booked to do a wedding at in July (by coinsidence) and needed a small P.A. and background music, radio mics etc for the day (9.30am - 4.00pm). The reason I mention this is because, they had asked the hotel if their resident DJ could do it about a month ago and he never got back to them. The company then complained and were given my number. I went and did the days work on monday and had 100% positive comments from all involved, including the hotel. I was told by firstly the company that they would now use me for everything that they do in the future and secondly, I was told by the C&B manager there that there could potentially be lots of work for me there as although the other DJ was their resident (and very good by all accounts), he had let them down and they were not impressed.

So, to summarise - My current hotel contract could finish after the next 4 bookings I have (last one currently being at the end of June) but another contract could be on the horizon?

One more thing (while I'm here lol)...I mentioned that April was pretty quiet for me. Fridays were full but only one saturday...Well, I did some calling about and when I mentioned that I was free to the local venues, they snapped me up so I now have one more saturday to fill. So, to those out there that may be in the same position, why not make some calls rather than hoping that enquiries come in?

wensleydale
02-04-2008, 10:18 PM
:) i love your short posts!:)

rob1963
02-04-2008, 11:21 PM
So, to those out there that may be in the same position, why not make some calls rather than hoping that enquiries come in?

I only have one disco this month, although I STILL don't need to worry about trying to get more.

This highlights the importance of having more than one string to your bow (in my case the pub quiz nights, or presumably for many of you a daytime job).

:)

PropellerHeadCase
03-04-2008, 12:45 AM
Shakermaker, I think you and I, and maybe a couple of others hereabouts should change our occupation from DJ to DJournalist ;)

Solitaire Events Ltd
03-04-2008, 01:05 AM
Shakermaker, I think you and I, and maybe a couple of others hereabouts should change our occupation from DJ to DJournalist ;)

I reckon there could be something in that.

You both have a great way with words and could do this industry and forum a great favour.

KaraokeDJ
03-04-2008, 07:05 AM
So, to those out there that may be in the same position, why not make some calls rather than hoping that enquiries come in?

A very good point!!! Sitting back month after month waiting for the phone to ring is one way of getting nowhere fast. I work hard to get my diary full and, as such, have very few available dates between now and October.

Excellent post by the way - enhoyed reading it.

Shakermaker Promotions
03-04-2008, 09:14 AM
Thanks for the comments guys.
I do ramble I know but I hope it all makes sense when I do.

I was actually going to write a piece on a typical day or a review or one of a function and the way I do it but it would be long.

Solitaire Events Ltd
03-04-2008, 09:58 AM
Thanks for the comments guys.
I do ramble I know but I hope it all makes sense when I do.

I was actually going to write a piece on a typical day or a review or one of a function and the way I do it but it would be long.

I could edit it down a bit if you like?

Shakermaker Promotions
03-04-2008, 10:21 AM
Ok mate, I'll do it today and pm it to you and see what you can do with it ok.
Cheers, G

Solitaire Events Ltd
03-04-2008, 11:10 AM
Ok mate, I'll do it today and pm it to you and see what you can do with it ok.
Cheers, G

Cool - I'll return it back and if you don't like the editing, then no problem. :)

Shakermaker Promotions
05-04-2008, 11:06 PM
Update for you - The guys at my hotel residency called me this afternoon and confirmed that I will be staying at the hotel. We negotiated and everything is cool and everyone is happy.

I found out who the 'other company' were and I was actually surprised as I know them...and quite well too and as I understand it, they also KNEW it was me who had the contract. I know business is business and all that but there is also a bit of respect to be had especially when you know the people. Honestly...and I am saying this 100% truthfully, IF I had gone to a venue to get some business and was told by the venue that their regular DJ suppliers was someone I knew...I wouldn't step on their toes and I would look elsewhere. Not everyone is like that and I am far too honest for my own good sometimes but...well...hey ho!

For the record, they were undercutting my NEW revised prices so rather than lose the contract I just reverted back to last years prices. I've been assured by the venue that now they are fully staffed..everything is looking better and positive for this year and there will be a lot more bookings coming in.

Cheered me up a bit....although I don't like this staying in on saturday night lark!