If Another DJ rang you

[JTRS]

I've now got all the equipment I think I need to put on a mobile disco, I've played around with it and know how it works and how to set it up, so I'm actively ready to start looking for jobs.

Sooner or later a website will probably get sorted out, but I was thinking about ringing around established DJ's introducing myself and asking if they would refer any enquiries that they couldn't do.

So, my questions to the established DJ's are as follows

1) If another DJ rang you, introduced himself and asked if you would refer work you couldn't do, would you do it, or would you view it as competition and not help. Basically I am asking if it's worth doing

2) Would you refer someone to a new DJ, or would it worry you that if the DJ you referred someone to was rubbish (I'm not saying I am rubbish, but I'm just starting out) then it would come back to you and perhaps damage your reputation.

3) Any hints or tips about how to get my name known locally, anything from cards in fish and chip shops to visiting venues would be welcome.

Thanks in advance

JTRS

[A1DL]

3) Any hints or tips about how to get my name known locally, anything from cards in fish and chip shops to visiting venues would be welcome.

Thanks in advance



Simon, if you are going to market yourself and your services, you may find the trading name you have adopted as shown in your forum profile, "Join to Read Sucks Mobile Discos" will hinder your efforts.

If I were planning my wedding I would not take someone seriously with a name like that and therefore they would not even be shortlisted to win my custom.

[Excalibur]

You should find that any reputable DJ will be happy to extend their network of contacts. They shouldn't view you as competition if they're established.
However, I reckon they'd need more info, or to see you in action before they refer work to you. In my opinion, contacting other DJ's personally is preferable to them finding out by a third party that there's a " New kid on the block". Good luck.

[rob1963]

1) If another DJ rang you, introduced himself and asked if you would refer work you couldn't do, would you do it, or would you view it as competition and not help. Basically I am asking if it's worth doing

I wouldn't do it, not because I would view the other DJ as competition, but because I wouldn't know what they were like, as the way they came over on the phone & what they were like in reality might be two very different things.


2) Would you refer someone to a new DJ, or would it worry you that if the DJ you referred someone to was rubbish (I'm not saying I am rubbish, but I'm just starting out) then it would come back to you and perhaps damage your reputation.

No, I wouldn't refer someone to a new DJ, because as you rightly say, if the client wasn't happy, I could easily get the blame for referring them to a DJ who wasn't very good.


3) Any hints or tips about how to get my name known locally, anything from cards in fish and chip shops to visiting venues would be welcome.

I think a website is essential, along with online advertising.

Apart from that, get some business cards & go to the local venues to introduce yourself, possibly offering discounts initially to get more work & start getting your name known.

Good luck!

[kjdiscos]

Having a network of contacts is invaluable, For countless reasons illness breakdowns theft of gear in short time before the gig, As the major ones, Then as you say refferal of work etc etc

We don't view it as competition realy, More of a freindship with the people you pass work to, At the end of the day there gona be out there anyway touting for business, So why not be an allie (SP) ? then an enemy

But as others have mentioned we would always view someone before handing them work, Or seek verified refs, Maybe rather then going in for the kill and asking for ref's. You offer yourself as a roadie for free for a few gigs get the real feel for it, Im sure someone local to you would be happy for you to go along

[soundtracker]

If you fully complete your profile and let people know where you are from it may be possible to point you in the direction of someone that can help, ie NADJ, SEDA, or perhaps even a local DJ meet or curry club.

[ppentertainments]

If you fully complete your profile and let people know where you are from it may be possible to point you in the direction of someone that can help, ie NADJ, SEDA, or perhaps even a local DJ meet or curry club.
Would second that. The best thing I have done is to network. Good for socialising, gigs, but most importantly good for advice and help when needed.

[Excalibur]

All excellent advice there mate. Take heed. :D

[geoffrey]

We all started out the same as you. You are ready to go . Well you have now done the easy bit.
Believe me you are going to get a few headaches from now on. Like any job you have to start at the bottom and work your way up the ladder.

I have no idea how old you are Simon. The reason I ask is you need to start doing party’s you feel comfortable with, so most new DJ’s start of with children’s party’s or work as a roadie.

If I was honest you will find it a slow uphill struggle to get going mate but if your determined you can do it.

I would not hold up any hope of other established DJ’s passing work your way until you can prove your good at being a DJ. You need proof of other gigs you have done, like pictures or videos etc. Meet up with some of them and you never know your luck.

My advise to you is do some gigs for family and friends etc. Don’t go and jump in the deep end until your sure you can swim buddy. If I was you, I would send some cards around the local schools in your area.

A quicker way would be to not just lower your prices, do a few gigs for free (Schools, Scouts, friends etc) and if your reasonable you will get paid gigs off the free ones. …..Just an idea to help you!

[ppentertainments]

A quicker way would be to not just lower your prices, do a few gigs for free (Schools, Scouts, friends etc) and if your reasonable you will get paid gigs off the free ones. …..Just an idea to help you!

Don't agree with that. If I got had a pound for everytime I was told 'you will get plenty of work from it' - I'd now have a fiver :D :p :D

In seriousness though you are as likely to get more work from a paid gig than a freebie. In my experience doing a freebie only attracts more people wanting a freebie, doing on on the cheap only attracts more people wanting a gig on the cheap etc etc.

[geoffrey]

In seriousness though you are as likely to get more work from a paid gig than a freebie. In my experience doing a freebie only attracts more people wanting a freebie, doing on on the cheap only attracts more people wanting a gig on the cheap etc etc.

I totally agree with you.


Don't agree with that. If I got had a pound for everytime I was told 'you will get plenty of work from it' - I'd now have a fiver

It's a way of getting out there fast track and getting business like the shops do by selling lost leaders, but I did say it was an idea ;)

I have done the odd charity gig for free, but in return I had free advertising which paid off in the end. (Better than the :Censored: yellow pages anyway :D

[JTRS]

Simon, if you are going to market yourself and your services, you may find the trading name you have adopted as shown in your forum profile, "Join to Read Sucks Mobile Discos" will hinder your efforts.

If I were planning my wedding I would not take someone seriously with a name like that and therefore they would not even be shortlisted to win my custom.


When I joined this forum I didn't have any equipment and therefore didn't have a trading name, so I entered my screen name as my business name. I never had any intention of using that as a trading name. I may be a newcomer to the world of DJing but I'm no stranger to the world of common sense or business acumen.

I was thinking of something along the lines of Wreck Your Day Discos, or Call Us We Ruin It :D :D :D

Thanks to everyone else who took the time and trouble to answer the questions I asked, you've pretty much confirmed what I suspected and have given me some ideas about the way forward.

JTRS

[kjdiscos]

When I joined this forum I didn't have any equipment and therefore didn't have a trading name, so I entered my screen name as my business name. I never had any intention of using that as a trading name. I may be a newcomer to the world of DJing but I'm no stranger to the world of common sense or business acumen.

I was thinking of something along the lines of Wreck Your Day Discos, or Call Us We Ruin It :D :D :D

Thanks to everyone else who took the time and trouble to answer the questions I asked, you've pretty much confirmed what I suspected and have given me some ideas about the way forward.

JTRS

As your in leeds, Why dont you drop a pm to excalbuir or jaydee, And see if you can along to there (http://www.mobilediscodirectory.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=10626) next meeting :)

[DJ INDIE]

If you are thinking of asking other DJs they may ask you for the following;

1) Photos of your set up (thanks to this site, I now have a set up, that is smart, clean cut and has top lighting effects, and playout system) - whereas when I started I had a messy set up, hotch potch kit and lots of cheap lighting). The thing is when I started I thought my set up was great - and it wasnt! so if you have taken note of the advice on here, youll be off to a good start. Beware that if you are sending out photos, rightly or wrongly, you WILL be judged initially on how your kit looks, no matter how good an actual DJ you are.

I would also let them know of your experience - although a lot of people take creative licence with this - i think it would be worth your while to be honest as this may help you get recommended for gigs that will build your experience - ie a small to medium local party, rather than a large expensive wedding etc.

I would also state what money you would be willing to work for. If referring work to you a DJ wont want to have to contact you and wait to see if your willing to work for that money, while keeping a client waiting and possibly loosing the gig. If the DJ knows your price range he could immediately ask you if your available and willing and secure the gig. bear in mind that referals may be offered to you from low budget events, so don't price yourself out of any work if you genuinely need the experience.

any references etc would do you a big favour - but will only be if supplied with contact addresses / email etc.

a website is essential, as not only can the referal DJ assess your credentials for the gig, but if needed he could point the client to your website for them to check out, rather than just saying ' i know someone who may be able to help'.


hope all this helps

oh, and one more piece of advice - dont let anyone put you off going for it!

I occasionally get work from west yorkshire that I cant do, if you manage to get some photos, details together etc, then post them here or email me (again having a website - even a simple one would do you a big favour - i think with the site builders and hosting you can do a page and a web address for about £5.). cant promise anything, but you never know.

[Twinspin]

There will more than likely be another yorkshire meet if everything goes to plan. I need to start sorting it out. Probably be a month or two.

[geoffrey]

you've pretty much confirmed what I suspected and have given me some ideas about the way forward.

What Ideas do you have Simon ? Have you got anything coming up shortly where you can get someone to take some photos or videos for you.

The lads are right about the website as you can refer people to them. What sort of disco's do you intend aiming for?

I my opinion if you really want to go for it and do your stuff and put 100% in to it, run to an online printer and get some really good business cards and go visit every social club and village hall in and around your area.

Don't post anything as it will end up in the bin. If you really want to get the work then go out there and get it yourself, I promise you it is way better than any advertising can give you, Good luck buddy. ;)

[cosmicdiscos]

join an association like SEDA or NADJ. i'm a member of nadj.

[CRAZY K]

Simon, if you are going to market yourself and your services, you may find the trading name you have adopted as shown in your forum profile, "Join to Read Sucks Mobile Discos" will hinder your efforts.

If I were planning my wedding I would not take someone seriously with a name like that and therefore they would not even be shortlisted to win my custom.

Absolutely right, but is that really the trading name-surely not:(

Though its amazing how many book Crazy K

:sofa:

CRAZY K
(Just off to a booking)

[djsteve10]

I have alot of time for Dj's who are wanting to learn, In my opinion I would see if they wanted to accompany me on a few gigs to ge the feel for it and get some experience or I would advise them to see if they can roadie for a few djs. I think to be honest and saying your new to the industry takes alot.

[Bouncy Dancefloor]

as for the free disco debate : when i first started out solo, i did a few freebies! Anyone who enquiried for a disco, would get a full quote. However i approached a few venues i wanted to work at and DJ'd for free! One being the school next to my house, another being a busy function venue. Both heartily accepted and both have rebooked at full price

I was honest, i said i was an experienced DJ who had just gone solo, that i had no work and im looking to promote my business by offering a free show, of course they were grateful and therefore were not surprised when i quoted full price for the next one. Both are happy and infact i believe i have a better working relationship with them that i do other clients

[Shakermaker Promotions]

There are enough people on here that I would happily call up and offer work to if I couldn't cover something myself due to a treble booking or something. I have read enough about certain individuals on here to get a good feeling about what they do and how they operate to have confidence in passing work on.

[rob1963]

There are enough people on here that I would happily call up and offer work to if I couldn't cover something myself due to a treble booking or something. I have read enough about certain individuals on here to get a good feeling about what they do and how they operate to have confidence in passing work on.

I'm not going into any details, but there are a few instances I know of where someone has been let down by a forum member they've passed work to.

My reputation is extremely important to me, so I personally wouldn't pass any work on to a DJ on this forum unless I'd seen them working or at least met them once or twice.

However, I can think of a few of exceptions to that rule...one of which happens to be your good self, Gary!

:D

[Shakermaker Promotions]

Thanks Rob...I appreciate that.
I'm not going to start tickling your tonsils but you were someone I had in mind too (although I haven't got a clue where Worcester Park is). I would say for definite that one of the members closer to me, who I have spoken to in the past, would be the first one I would call.

[Dynamic Entertainment]

My advice, if you were to ring round other djs, would be to offer yourself as a roadie and learn the ropes with them. Explain that ultimately you want to start out on your own and you have your own equipment. That way they get something from you, and you get invaluble experience, and get to show the established dj that you can perform. Granted you dont make much in the way of cash at the start, but in the long term it can work out very beneficial.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

My advice, if you were to ring round other djs, would be to offer yourself as a roadie and learn the ropes with them. Explain that ultimately you want to start out on your own and you have your own equipment. That way they get something from you, and you get invaluble experience, and get to show the established dj that you can perform. Granted you dont make much in the way of cash at the start, but in the long term it can work out very beneficial.

Agreed. Very good advice.

[DJMaxG]

Hi Jointoread,
If I was booked for a function and couldn't make it, I may make a referal to another DJ or company. However, you have to remember that by making a bad referal, your reputation is partially at steak.

I would certainly ensure I knew the DJ Personally, even meeting up for coffee occasionly is good enough, and they provided a quality service.

I am always happy to give out Free advise, and with this particular situation, there is no competition. There are so many DJs out there, and look how hard it is just to get one for New Years Eve.

If a DJ made referals to you, it may be useful to refer back there way as well.
Regards
Max

[Dynamic Entertainment]

Hi Jointoread,
If I was booked for a function and couldn't make it, I may make a referal to another DJ or company. However, you have to remember that by making a bad referal, your reputation is partially at steak.

I would certainly ensure I knew the DJ Personally, even meeting up for coffee occasionly is good enough, and they provided a quality service.

I am always happy to give out Free advise, and with this particular situation, there is no competition. There are so many DJs out there, and look how hard it is just to get one for New Years Eve.

If a DJ made referals to you, it may be useful to refer back there way as well.
Regards
Max

With peppercorn sauce....and a side order of reputation :D Sorry, immature i know :D

[Pe7e]

However, you have to remember that by making a bad referal, your reputation is partially at steak.


I don't think 'partially' comes in to it, make a bad referral, your reputation is totally destroyed with that particular client, and everyone else who he tells of his experience. Personally I wouldn't pass work on to anyone who I was less than certain will provide a professional service. Due to being let down in the past, I rarely pass work on to young DJs, they're just too unreliable in my experience.

[Dynamic Entertainment]

I rarely pass work on to young DJs, they're just too unreliable in my experience.

And just how young is young then...... :D

[Excalibur]

And just how young is young then...... :D

Well I consider myself young. Plenty other folks do as well, they're always calling me immature. :D :D

[JTRS]

I rarely pass work on to young DJs, they're just too unreliable in my experience.

I'm smiling at that, I'm 45.

JTRS

[Pe7e]

And just how young is young then...... :D

Single male teenagers, I'm sure there are good reliable ones out there, but they're hard to spot in my experience, until it's too late that is :D

[DeckstarDeluxe]

Single male teenagers, I'm sure there are good reliable ones out there, but they're hard to spot in my experience, until it's too late that is :D

surely you have to judge each dj on his own merits? Granted i'd bet more younger djs would let you down than "older" but then younger djs can be more willing to learn and take on your ideas rather than some older ones I know that couldnt care less about their "show"

[Pe7e]

surely you have to judge each dj on his own merits? Granted i'd bet more younger djs would let you down than "older" but then younger djs can be more willing to learn and take on your ideas rather than some older ones I know that couldnt care less about their "show"

You are obviously quite correct, but I don't take on much work that I don't want to do myself nowadays, and I have a few 'known' DJs to pass on any enquiries that do come in, so the situation doesn't occur very often. I've come across a few older DJs to who's services I wouldn't use either, they didn't let me down, but seemed to be incapable of playing anything but cheese. :D

[rob1963]

I'm smiling at that, I'm 45.

JTRS

That's a very good age!

:D

[Penfold42]

That's a very good age!

Bit like port....late vintage.....:p

Pick your DJ's who you pass on work to very carefully......."Now that's all I'm going to say about that...."

http://chud.com/articles/content_images/5/forrestgump.jpg

[Excalibur]

Bit like port....late vintage.....:p

Pick your DJ's who you pass on work to very carefully......."Now that's all I'm going to say about that...."



But why is life like a box of chocolates? :confused: :confused:

[JTRS]

But why is life like a box of chocolates? :confused: :confused:


In the film he said something like, "life is like a box of chocolates you never know what you will get". I disagree, every box of chocolates I have ever had has had a leaflet telling me exactly what each chocolate was so I knew what I was going to get!!!!!!!!!!!!

JTRS

[Penfold42]

In the film he said something like, "life is like a box of chocolates you never know what you will get". I disagree, every box of chocolates I have ever had has had a leaflet telling me exactly what each chocolate was so I knew what I was going to get!!!!!!!!!!!!

JTRS

True.

....but did it live up to your quality standards.

That's the question!

[Excalibur]

True.

....but did it live up to your quality standards.

That's the question!

You only know what you're going to get if you've had an opportunity to view the contents. ;) ;) I guess Tony is thinking along these lines. ;)

[JTRS]

True.

....but did it live up to your quality standards.

That's the question!

A strawberry cream is a strawberry cream, unless it's an orange cream in the wrong wrapper. I blame minimum wage for that!

JTRS

[Penfold42]

You only know what you're going to get if you've had an opportunity to view the contents. ;) ;) I guess Tony is thinking along these lines. ;)

:thumbsup: :clap:

Having said that.....I only pass on work to people I have met or if they give me another lead.

It's worked so far. I've had my fingers burnt before. :o :(

[Corabar Steve]

A strawberry cream is a strawberry cream, unless it's an orange cream in the wrong wrapper. I blame minimum wage for that!

JTRS
We did something like that to a mate of mine one christmas.

We'd been fighting over the coffeee creams in a tin of Roses all day whilst on a marathon Nintendo sesh (18 hours) & he got what appeared to be the last one.

While he was in the loo I removed the wrapper from an orange cream (same shape) & put a disgarded coffee cream one on it, then repalced it in the tin in a semi obvoius position.

5 mins later he spotted it & made a big show about getting the last coffee cream. His face was a picture when he tasted it :sj: