Your business and your partner

[Spirits High]

Thought I'd pose this to see what others do.

Now I'm a firm believer that having a wife, husband, girlfriend, boyfriend etc sat behind your rig looks IMO unprofessional and my partner has never been to one of my gigs.

However she does help out with phone enquires and when we do Wedding fairs she comes along to be a female face.

Recently as you may have read in another thread I became the "preferred" supplier to Hardwick Hall not far from me. Well Hardwick planned a Wedding fair for their suppliers to "showcase" themselves. As we all know wedding fairs are "usually" on a Sunday, they had theirs last night :eek:

I had a gig just the otherside of Derby so there was no way I would let my client down. But then I would have no presence at the fair :(

Emma my partner volunteered to go along and did the fair on her own :eek: Set up the stand with the new banners , (which are incidently a good couple of feet taller than her :D ) , slide show on the laptop and also set up some uplighting with the 'lil mix controller ;)

She did a cracking job, had plenty of enquiries and I've emailed out a few quotes today.


So I suppose the question is how involved is your partner with your business.

[simonp]

My other half deals with all the money side of things and tax returns etc etc etc, quite handy thats she's a finance manager I suppose. She doesn't come to gigs (plus we have a 9 month old as well), but she does do the odd wedding fayre, again sometimes its good to have a female face - especially a much prettier face than mine lol

[wensleydale]

not at all. she roadied once but has shown no sign of being interested again.
I limit myself to a certain amount of gigs per month so we can spend time together as we both have full time jobs too.

i think its all about the individual who will/wont like it.

[Dynamic Entertainment]

Mine GF usually just whinges to be honest...

Ive tried to include here but shes just not bothered...even though she met me whilst i was working. TBH its starting to peeve me off and may be time to make a few changes ;) :o

[[email protected]]

My wife has no interest at all. Only ever been to one gig with me when i was compereing a theatre tour, think the venue was The Spa in Bridlington, even then, she was quite happy to sit backstage while show was on.

We have discussed in the future, (when the kids are a lot older) whether we look for something that could be sold as an add on to a disco (for example chocolate fountain or a couple of casino tables), whereby it could be sold as a package and we go out together and do the job, but as our eldest is 5, one 3 and another girl on the way at end of October this plan is at least 15/16yrs off if I'm still DJing at that time.

[Vectis]

Mrs VV comes along and does event photography from time to time.

Occasionally, if there's a similar job needs doing, she'll come along and help out. Quite recently we were asked to handle the videography for a ceremony prior to the meal and party but I'd been asked to handle the ceremony music, 7 different short bursts with precise timings. Roadie therefore had camera 1, Mrs VV camera 2 and me on the decks.

Otherwise she has nothing to do with it except for NYE when it's a condition of my booking that we get half a dozen tickets for the family.

In fact she's got a cinema subscription and toddles off with various of her friends on nights when I'm out working.

[WWDJ]

Mine GF usually just whinges to be honest...



similar story here except i married her ;=)

[Tom]

I like to keep my personal and business life separate and my fiancée respects that.

[rob1963]

I don't have a partner at the moment, but when I have, they've had virtually no involvement with the business at all.

The only exceptions I can think of are the rare occasions when they've come to a gig with me once just to see what I do.

However, I agree that having your girlfriend, boyfriend, husband or wife at a disco with you is unprofessional, or at least LOOKS it.

After all, how many other occupations can you think of where you book a service & the person brings along their partner, even though they're not actually involved in the business?

:shrug:

[Excalibur]

Why is it unprofessional to bring your significant other to a gig? :confused: If he/she/it is wearing a compnay polo shirt, and humps in all eight bass bins, where's the problem? :confused: :confused:

[DJ Jules]

Why is it unprofessional to bring your significant other to a gig? :confused: If he/she/it is wearing a compnay polo shirt, and humps in all eight bass bins, where's the problem? :confused: :confused:

If they do that, then they're not your partner on this occasion, they're a working roadie. It's when your partner just turns up and hangs around behind the Deckstand for the evening it starts to look unprofessional.

My missus was planning on coming along to a few gigs over the summer, as she's been to plenty of the kids gigs (mainly with our kids as they've been invited to their friends parties, and I've been booked to run them) and none of the adult ones (plus she likes weddings). But we mutually decided it wasn't a good idea as she's now 5 months pregnant, so it's not like she can lift gear in and a having a pregnant partner at a gig, REALLY doesn't look professional.

Generally though she keeps out of the business, she doesn't know the technical ins and outs and she hasn't been to enough gigs to talk to potential customers about pricing, set up, equipment, etc so mostly she takes messages and passes them on. I think from her point of view, the whole business is really just one of those "things which takes up space in the garage", and I've proved recently that she doesn't really even know what's out there (or wants to know!)

She has made a point this last month of asking me to limit the number of gigs I do from now on as the summer months have been pretty crazy and I've been out at least twice a week with only one exception since mid-June. However, the extra money has paid for the family holiday (and new amps, a pair of Acme Falcons, a new radio mic and... :D )

Julian

[Larry B Entertainment]

My partner is very supportive and comes to my gigs and carries in and out what she can, she also takes requests throughout the night which leaves me to get on with the other stuff. She also watches the gear when I visit the lavatory.

[rob1963]

Why is it unprofessional to bring your significant other to a gig?

I refer the honourable gentleman to the question I asked some time ago:


how many other occupations can you think of where you book a service & the person brings along their partner, even though they're not actually involved in the business?

I know this doesn't apply to you Peter, but every time I'm having my hair cut, I don't expect her husband to be sitting next to her watching her & chatting to her!

:shrug:

[Vectis]

There's one local "competitor" (word used in the very lightest sense) who famously has his Mrs accompany him on gigs, and she sits to the side of the rig, audience-facing, and spends the whole night knitting :o

I jest ye not :eek:

[DeckstarDeluxe]

How the hell do you guys have time for relationships is beyond me. I struggle as it is with the day job and running Deckstar Deluxe.......

In fact I cant imagine a girl wanting to help out like Paul mentioned so fair play to her!

[Spirits High]

In fact I cant imagine a girl wanting to help out like Paul mentioned so fair play to her!

I'll pass on your thanks!

Obviously did a cracking job as I've had 3 enquirys from the fair today;)

[Excalibur]

I refer the honourable gentleman to the question I asked some time ago:
I know this doesn't apply to you Peter, but every time I'm having my hair cut, I don't expect her husband to be sitting next to her watching her & chatting to her!
:shrug:
Rob, you sexist thing you! :eek: Why couldn't I have my hair cut by a Man, and his wife sat in the next chair? :confused: :p :p :D :D


There's one local "competitor" (word used in the very lightest sense) who famously has his Mrs accompany him on gigs, and she sits to the side of the rig, audience-facing, and spends the whole night knitting :o

I jest ye not :eek:
Hmmmmmm. Vectis, if I didn't know THAT ( almost ) every word was true, I'd call you a lying so and so. :D :D :D


I'll pass on your thanks!

Obviously did a cracking job as I've had 3 enquirys from the fair today;)

Mind your back mate. Either that, or buy a second rig. ;) :D :D


OK, what's wrong with the other half turning up, fielding requests, fetching drinks, riding shotgun on overly affectionate drunk customers of their gender, etc etc. ? Sounds like work to me.

[visualdjmax]

IMO I think that it looks wrong. Almost like a family outing, you may as well bring the kids as well. Throw in the sofa and a takeaway and you have got a full house. Sorry just my opinion. You don't take the MRS or Girl Friend to the office so why is this different?

[Dynamic Entertainment]

What about a female DJ with her chap as Roadie? Or a male dj with female trainee/roadie?

[visualdjmax]

What about a female DJ with her chap as Roadie? Or a male dj with female trainee/roadie?

I guess it's a perception thing by the audience or just something I have never really got my head round. I have been to a fair few gigs as either joe public or as part of the event where a DJ has bought his wife or girl friend. She (wife or girlfriend) has sat there all night usually with a face like a slapped arse, because she is bored and doesn't want to be there. 9/10 the only reason why she has turned up in the first place is because she doesn't trust her other half and is only checking up on what he gets up to!!!! At the other end you get the girl friend or wife who then treats it like a night out and will stand next to the DJ dancing all night and enjoying a drink or two.

[Excalibur]

I guess it's a perception thing by the audience or just something I have never really got my head round. I have been to a fair few gigs as either joe public or as part of the event where a DJ has bought his wife or girl friend. She (wife or girlfriend) has sat there all night usually with a face like a slapped arse, because she is bored and doesn't want to be there. 9/10 the only reason why she has turned up in the first place is because she doesn't trust her other half and is only checking up on what he gets up to!!!! At the other end you get the girl friend or wife who then treats it like a night out and will stand next to the DJ dancing all night and enjoying a drink or two.

And while I've seen both of those many times, neither are what some of us are putting forward as a possibility. ;)

[visualdjmax]

And while I've seen both of those many times, neither are what some of us are putting forward as a possibility. ;)

Fairplay glad to hear it:) Just my opinion.:D

[Penfold42]

In a word - No.

I run the disco side of things. It was a partnership but now a sole trader account.
However.....
MD is now in control of 'Pikeyville'....we both have joint ownership in a rented house/landlord and we are about to embark on another business.....:eek:

...but NO....disco is my side of things. :)

[Excalibur]

In a word - No.

I run the disco side of things. It was a partnership but now a sole trader account.
However.....
MD is now in control of 'Pikeyville'....we both have joint ownership in a rented house/landlord and we are about to embark on another business.....:eek:

...but NO....disco is my side of things. :)

So you took my advice, and got that taxi then? :confused:

[Penfold42]

So you took my advice, and got that taxi then? :confused:

:lol:......no. Watch this space. ;) :D

[Excalibur]

:lol:......no. Watch this space. ;) :D

If we had a section for risque ( or fairly filthy ) jokes, I could reply to that. ;) :D :D

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

How the hell do you guys have time for relationships is beyond me.

Good time management and working 18 hour days.

I have 2 kids too, run a business and this site, run three footy teams and still have time for everything. :D

[visualdjmax]

Good time management and working 18 hour days.

I have 2 kids too, run a business and this site, run three footy teams and still have time for everything. :D

I bet you can't put a fruit pastel in your mouth without chewing it!!!!!!

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

I bet you can't put a fruit pastel in your mouth without chewing it!!!!!!

Haha!

I said the very same thing to someone the other day and they had no idea what I was on about!

[visualdjmax]

Like a mature cheddar it's all about age. I actually am starting to sound like Judge Jules. Oh well he must be nearly 50

[djdave01]

Apart from recently (because she broke her leg) my partner comes with me to almost every gig.

Aswell as helping move the gear & setup, she also does a bit of dj'ing and deals with people asking for requests.

Ive really missed not having her with me the last few months at gigs.

Dave

[Jonny Boy]

My wife hardly ever comes along but when she does is an absolute Legend. She is never sat behind the booth reading a Hello! or looking bored. She will change into something weddingy after we're set up, so doesn't look like a sore thumb among the other guests.

The few gigs she does come to will mainly be when I'm singing, or if I have a large lightshow. Helen will be out among the crowd, looking fabulous and giving me signals to tweak the mix/levels so it sounds better balanced. She will also deal with guests wanting to pass messages, deal with staff who want to announce taxis and buffets etc, so I can conscentrate on the show. When we move to the disco, she speaks to punters for requests etc, again so I can give more attention to the mixing.

This last weekend she was invaluable: I had my mixer's monitor out going to my videographer's radio reciever (Shooting a series of demos/promos), so not only did she signal me to tweak the PA mix for the crowd but also liased with the video guy to monitor signal levels for the recorded mix. Early viewing of the rushes already bodes well, thanks vastly to her.

She also directed the video-guy which songs I was to sing next, so he could prep angles etc in plenty of time.

She mostly comes with to set up and and man the stands at wedding fayres, which is SO useful: she's the face of the business when I'm on the runway doing a short show before the models come on, she's a dab hand at setting up and is much better 'warming' people than I, AND it increases sales as she is doing her sales pitch while I'm demo-ing my songs live. She's also got a good handle on the technical aspects to explain in layman's terms.

99% of gigs she's at home, uncomplaining, looking after our two boys and fielding some admin. And that is just as appreciated as her being there.

If Helen wasn't the kind of woman she is and was inclined to be "bored hanger-on" there is no WAY I'd take her with me EVER. But then, if that was the kind of woman she was, I'd not be married to her anyway.

[Shaun]

Now I'm a firm believer that having a wife, husband, girlfriend, boyfriend etc sat behind your rig looks IMO unprofessional and my partner has never been to one of my gigs.


How would they know it's your partner and not an assistant?

I prefer not to work alone, and have a roadie with me at all times. 2 of my 3 roadies are female.

Them sitting down behind the rig is a no-no though. They're either taking pictures, taking requests, working the lights or liasoning with the client. I like to keep them as busy as possible. During the buffet we both work the room going from table to table chatting to guests and inviting more requests. I see absolutely no problem with having a female assistant. Although someone sitting knitting (as mentioned earlier in this thread) would be a step too far...lol

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

During the buffet we both work the room going from table to table chatting to guests and inviting more requests.

You don't think that's too intrusive?

[Spirits High]

How would they know it's your partner and not an assistant?

I prefer not to work alone, and have a roadie with me at all times. 2 of my 3 roadies are female.

Them sitting down behind the rig is a no-no though. They're either taking pictures, taking requests, working the lights or liasoning with the client. I like to keep them as busy as possible. During the buffet we both work the room going from table to table chatting to guests and inviting more requests. I see absolutely no problem with having a female assistant. Although someone sitting knitting (as mentioned earlier in this thread) would be a step too far...lol


Shaun,

I see your point about how would people know but I'm thinking your assistant be they male or female would have some form of corporate image dress wise. Where as if it was a wife bf etc just "coming along" they would be non recognisable from the average punter at the gig.

[Shaun]

You don't think that's too intrusive?

Not at all. I don't do this at every event, but I do it quite a lot, and only with the permission of the client. It's not as if I'm sitting down in their company and intruding, it's a quick stop off at each table to say hello and ask if anyone has any special songs they'd like to hear.

*edit:

You would be surprised just how many people don't like to approach the DJ to make requests, and thank me for taking the time to come over.

[rob1963]

During the buffet we both work the room going from table to table chatting to guests and inviting more requests.


You don't think that's too intrusive?

I certainly do!

:shrug:

[Larry B Entertainment]

Not at all. I don't do this at every event, but I do it quite a lot, and only with the permission of the client. It's not as if I'm sitting down in their company and intruding, it's a quick stop off at each table to say hello and ask if anyone has any special songs they'd like to hear.



Good idea although its not something I have thought about doing, it certainly adds the personal touch.

[rob1963]

Good idea although its not something I have thought about doing, it certainly adds the personal touch.

Indeed...just like it adds the personal touch when you're in the bank & someone comes up to you asking if you want a mortgage, personal loan, credit card or whatever.

[Shaun]

Indeed...just like it adds the personal touch when you're in the bank & someone comes up to you asking if you want a mortgage, personal loan, credit card or whatever.

Asking if they want a request is like asking someone to part with their money? You really are laughable at times. :lol:

I suppose I should not welcome them on the mic anymore, as that may be invading their 'hearing space'. I won't thank them at the end of the evening just in case I'm intruding. I better not inform them the buffet is open just in case they are on a diet and dont want reminded of food. Whilst were at it Rob, you mentioned many times that you have a bit of banter at your quiz nights on the mic. You should stop doing that just in case people do not like the sound of your voice and find it intrusive that you are talking to them. :D

[rob1963]

Indeed...just like it adds the personal touch when you're in the bank & someone comes up to you asking if you want a mortgage, personal loan, credit card or whatever.


Asking if they want a request is like asking someone to part with their money? You really are laughable at times. :lol:

Oh dear, Shaun, you've completely failed to understand what I was getting at!

I was referring to people in banks coming up to you when it's unsolicited, often asking if you wanted to SAVE MONEY...either by seeing if one of their loans, mortgages or credit cards might be cheaper than your existing one...rather than PART WITH your money!

:bang: :bang: :bang:


I suppose I should not welcome them on the mic anymore, as that may be invading their 'hearing space'. I won't thank them at the end of the evening just in case I'm intruding. I better not inform them the buffet is open just in case they are on a diet and dont want reminded of food.

I was only giving my opinion, and find this childish reply both surprising & disappointing...certainly not the sort of thing I'd have expected from YOU, Shaun.

There's a big difference between talking to people on the mic a a disco and physically going round all the tables, which some people, including myself, think is intrusive.


Whilst were at it Rob, you mentioned many times that you have a bit of banter at your quiz nights on the mic. You should stop doing that just in case people do not like the sound of your voice and find it intrusive that you are talking to them. :D

Another childish reply. Did you get out of bed on the wrong side this morning, Shaun?

Quiz nights are very different to mobile discos, as you well know. At the pub quiz nights, it is my JOB to have some banter & talk to people over the mic...as well as going around and chatting to them all at their tables.

Maybe that's why I've been doing my Tuesday quiz for nearly SEVEN years now, and why I've had some teams coming along virtually every single week since I started.

As for the possibility of people not liking the sound of my voice, without wanting to be funny, the complete opposite is true. Judging from the response I get, I'd be willing to bet that I've probably had more positive comments on my voice than just about anyone else on this forum.

I rarely do a quiz without someone commenting on what a great voice I have, or how professional I sound, or asking if I'm on the radio, or do voiceovers etc.

Why do you think my profile heading is "The voice"?

:shrug:

[Shaun]

I was only giving my opinion, and find this childish reply both surprising & disappointing...certainly not the sort of thing I'd have expected from YOU, Shaun.





Another childish reply. Did you get out of bed on the wrong side this morning, Shaun?


Oh dear, Rob, even with the use of smilies you failed to see the humour that was emanating from me. :lol: :lol: :lol:

Nonthelesss, thank you for your in-depth reply. LOL.

[DeckstarDeluxe]

You don't think that's too intrusive?


Only if hes going "Alright guv'nor give us a chip" :P

[rob1963]

Oh dear, Rob, even with the use of smilies you failed to see the humour that was emanating from me. :lol: :lol: :lol:


Humour?

Having re-read your post, I still can't find any!

:shrug:


Nonthelesss, thank you for your in-depth reply. LOL.

My pleasure.

Please read it & learn!

:p :D :D :D

[Shaun]

On that note.. :ontopic:

[rob1963]

:sorry:

[StarZSoundS]

Broadly speaking this looks very much like Scotland Wales and Los Angeles for taking your partner....And most provences in England against.Anything in that??

Or is it corporate Versus Pubs and Clubs.

Just to put a spanner in the works....You don't get more English than Barnsley.....And Jackie regularly attends(otherwise I would never see her!!).She is a legend!!

[Shaun]

Broadly speaking this looks very much like Scotland Wales and Los Angeles for taking your partner....And most provences in England against.Anything in that??


You've lost me? Who from Scotland has said they take they're partner to gigs? This is all getting slightly surreal. :d

[StarZSoundS]

Apart from recently (because she broke her leg) my partner comes with me to almost every gig.

Aswell as helping move the gear & setup, she also does a bit of dj'ing and deals with people asking for requests.

Ive really missed not having her with me the last few months at gigs.

Dave

Assumed he meant Fife in Scotland??

[Shaun]

Assumed he meant Fife in Scotland??

I stand corrected, I missed Dave's post. :)

[DJmissbehaving]

What about a female DJ with her chap as Roadie? Or a male dj with female trainee/roadie?

Well i dont have a partner at the moment thankfully.....but if i did i probably wouldnt invite them along as i would feel uncomfortable and wouldnt be able to relax....i would maybe invite them to take some pictures and thats it....

[StarZSoundS]

I stand corrected, I missed Dave's post. :)

:thanks:


Thats Fine....Shaun.

[Excalibur]

Well i dont have a partner at the moment thankfully.....but if i did i probably wouldnt invite them along as i would feel uncomfortable and wouldnt be able to relax....i would maybe invite them to take some pictures and thats it....

You're maybe a tad too far North, but I believe Rob's still looking. ;) As long as you don't use the big Class D cabs, he should cope. :D

[soundtracker]

I think this may be one of those things "that DJ's worry about" Do what works for you, that's usually the best solution!

[rob1963]

You're maybe a tad too far North, but I believe Rob's still looking. ;) As long as you don't use the big Class D cabs, he should cope. :D

:rofl:

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Why do you think my profile heading is "The voice"?


I thought it was because you liked the sound of your own :sj:

[rob1963]

I thought it was because you liked the sound of your own :sj:

:Laugh:

Funnily enough, a couple of weeks ago after a disco I was receiving the usual compliments, and one of the things the client said was that it was so nice to see a DJ that does NOT like the sound of their own voice, but concentrates on playing the music!

:D :D :D

[Excalibur]

:Laugh:

Funnily enough, a couple of weeks ago after a disco I was receiving the usual compliments, and one of the things the client said was that it was so nice to see a DJ that does NOT like the sound of their own voice, but concentrates on playing the music!
:D :D :D

Yeah, those D2's are a bit complicated, aren't they. ;) Since I use the DJ friendly Cortex, my punters are treated to copious amounts of my mellifluous tones making germane, enlightening, humorous and apposite comments. :D :D

Seriously, I do try to avoid what I have heard referred to as "DJ's with verbal diarrhoea" :eek: :D :D :D

[rob1963]

Since I use the DJ friendly Cortex, my punters are treated to copious amounts of my mellifluous tones making germane, enlightening, humorous and apposite comments.

Peter,

Repeat after me "It's NOT the eighties anymore, and I need to understand that things have changed"

:D

[Excalibur]

Peter,

Repeat after me "It's NOT the eighties anymore, and I need to understand that things have changed"

:D

I'm so glad it's not the Eighties Rob, it was a decade which didn't do anything for me at all. :( I wasn't overly impressed with the Nineties, and as for the Noughties, well the least said the better! :bang:

That's why I'm so glad I'm still living in the Seventies. :D :D :D :D ( I had hair then, you know)

[rob1963]

That's why I'm so glad I'm still living in the Seventies. :D :D :D :D ( I had hair then, you know)

Where abouts?

:shrug:

[Excalibur]

Where abouts?

:shrug:

East Yorkshire, you dipstick. Simples. :D

[rob1963]

East Yorkshire, you dipstick. Simples. :D

No, please re-read my previous post & the included quote.

I meant where abouts did you have hair in the seventies?

[Excalibur]

No, please re-read my previous post & the included quote.

I meant where abouts did you have hair in the seventies?

No need to re-read it, my sensitive and grammatically correct little friend. ;) I understood it just fine. :D The answer was for comic effect. Whoosh? :confused: :D :D :D

[rob1963]

No need to re-read it, my sensitive and grammatically correct little friend. ;) I understood it just fine. :D The answer was for comic effect. Whoosh? :confused: :D :D :D

D'oh!