What makes us appear professional in the eyes of the public?

[Excalibur]

You will see that there are no references to actually providing a professional service or fulfilling the customer's requirements, the important word here is "Appear".

This may appear flippant, cos it's partly about style over substance, but I hope the answers will be serious. Thanks if you reply, and I hope it will be helpful and informative.

P.S. Look at that, I've created a poll. Clever me.

[spin mobile disco]

Turning up on time has to be at the forefront of that list for me. And not sure about reams of paperwork but certainly the important stuff.
Suit? Company clothing? does it matter if its not formal and again if you are smart does it matter? I wear either tux for formal stuff or nice shirt with black trousers for the rest. None of it had a company logo on but then I do work for other dj's and I show no logos or names on my self or my rig which I think is more professional asI have been paid to perform not advertise.

Website? well it helps bring in more work but I know lots of DJ's who do well without one. Sign written van? well I could just paint please steal me on my gear or leave it in an unmarked van that is clean rust free and nicely incospicuous.

I think the one thing I would add to your list is 'the ability to change when curcumstances change' ie adaptability. That is a sign af a good DJ be he part timer or full time.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Turning up on time makes us professional?

I don't think there's much hope for us if that's the case.

[Excalibur]

Turning up on time makes us professional?

I don't think there's much hope for us if that's the case.

Please read the questions carefully. I twice pointed out the word "Appear". ;)
Added to which, being late definitely is unprofessional.

I honestly haven't got the answers to this. The options were given as "Public Perception", as opposed to actually giving a good and professional service.

Please everybody note, I didn't ask "What do you do that makes you professional" I asked " What makes us appear Professional to the public", who as we al know are notoriously unaware of the more important factors.

[rob1963]

I voted for a website, turning up on time & other ("other" being the one which covers all the important stuff that wasn't listed individually).

[soundtracker]

where's the not playing Agadoo option?

[Dynamic Entertainment]

I went for shiny van, uniform, website. The paperwork, turning up on time etc is only relevent to clients you already have. The general public will see the "front" of the business so to speak, and im sure that youve all thought that the nice new builders van looks better than his old battered one ;)

[Vectis]

I was going to tick 'All of the above' but it's not there :confused:

Then I had second thoughts anyway...

Reams of paper (manual or electronic)

Reams aren't necessary, but confirmation documents, Ts & Cs / contracts, deposits etc. most certainly are

A website

Not just any website, but one that doesn't shout "Home Made" from every spinning mirrorball animated gif ;)

A shiny signwritten van

Not necessary, but turning up with everything in cardboard boxes stuffed into the back of a J-reg Corsa doesn't do it for me

Suit/Logoed company clothing

Hmmm... this helps, but I'd prefer a title along the lines of 'appropriate clothing'

Impressive looking gear / badges

Again not strictly as per the title but everything should look fresh and appropriate to the task in hand. Cabling should be neat (it's a necessity after all) and consideration should be given to health & safety. Boxes and flightcases, if they must remain in the venue, should be tidied and disguised as much as practicable.

Turning up on time.

No - turning up EARLY.

Other

Plenty.

[Corabar Entertainment]

I think the most important one (prior to gig) isn't listed: interaction with the client

(Take Darren's recent thread about the couple who only wanted originally to hire a PA because they didn' think that a DJ would be capable of providing what they want, but ended up having 'the works')

Whatever interaction they have with you, in all forms, should reassure them that they are important and put customers at ease.

[Excalibur]

I went for shiny van, uniform, website. The paperwork, turning up on time etc is only relevent to clients you already have. The general public will see the "front" of the business so to speak, and im sure that youve all thought that the nice new builders van looks better than his old battered one ;)

Even if it doesn't carry as much weight, or hold as much gear? Perceptions again.

And as for Vectis, well if you want it set out different, do it yourself. :p :p :D :D I don't expect to have to wait long for the poll looking at it from the DJ side of things. ( Which is what some people appear to be replying to )
Vectis, you can tick all the boxes, it is an option. Sorry if I didn't make that clear folks.


I think the most important one (prior to gig) isn't listed: interaction with the client

(Take Darren's recent thread about the couple who only wanted originally to hire a PA because they didn' think that a DJ would be capable of providing what they want, but ended up having 'the works')

Whatever interaction they have with you, in all forms, should reassure them that they are important and put customers at ease.

That's not there cos it actually does make us professional, rather than simply appearing so.

[Pe7e]

The poll is too simplistic, for example a top notch website does make you 'appear' professional, a bad one does exactly the oppposit. Top class equipment helps, but rusty old tat, put you firmly in the amature ranks.

[Penfold42]

I didn't tick any of the boxes as I don't think any of those answers the question.

For me I think 90% of Joe Public have this idea of what a mobile DJ does and look, be it through the media in any form so....we are already on the back foot.

As most people on here, do what I believe and that is we bespoke our party invite from the 1st phone call to the last box being packed into the back of the vehicle........

....Yes alright Peter......I know what you said.....i'm getting there.....:D

.......therefore the whole package is a reflection on what you as a DJ that takes the customers perception from the media's idea of what we do and blows it away......

If that doesn't sound gibberish....:o

Edit - too slow. :o

[Corabar Entertainment]

I didn't tick any of the boxes as I don't think any of those answers the question.How about "Other" :doh: :p

[Penfold42]

How about "Other" :doh: :p

:o :lol:...We can tell your back! ;) :D :D :D :D :D

[Excalibur]

:o :lol:...We can tell your back! ;) :D :D :D :D :D

Well yeah, cos it's different from the front. Tony, everything matters. :D

[Shakermaker Promotions]

In MY opinion, going out of your way and giving every customer the best possible customer service that you can is a BIG plus point.
Take this afternoon for example: I have a meeting with a bride and her father at a venue. I have been dealing with the father who is paying for everything. I haven't met them as yet because the booking (confirmed) has come via him looking at my website and various phone conversations. He is very well spoken and I get the impression that this is a 'money no object' wedding (January 2nd).

Because I am able to meet them today, in the afternoon on a weekday etc...It sets a good image. One of the questions he came up with when he enquired was that he wanted a full time professional and not someone that did it for extra money. He said he was willing to pay for someone that actually knew what they were doing and took pride in their work as it is his only daughters wedding and he wants it to be special.

I'm not saying that just being available during the day makes me look professional because anyone could make themselves available couldn't they. I suppose the fact that he asked me if I could meet them today and I said yes with no hesitation etc...well that gives it the personal touch and with him being my customer, it shows that I care. It's hard to explain really as I need to be out the door soon but hopefully you know what I mean.

[DJMaxG]

I don't think any of those make a DJ definately professional.

I would say the level of input provided, and keeping everything clean and tidy, arriving in suitable transport, speaking correctly to clients (ie not "Alright Mate, where dya wan' us to set up like?")

Doing things properly :

- Not turning up with a 'Complete Home Party DJ Package'
- Having the right size sound system and lighting, that is required for the area
- Paying for Your music, and playing a suitable bit rate
- Being Licenced


Everything adds up :approve:

[Corabar Entertainment]

You appear to have missed the point on this thread Max.... the question is not 'what makes a DJ professional?', but what makes a DJ appear professional to a client

[Excalibur]

You appear to have missed the point on this thread Max.... the question is not 'what makes a DJ professional?', but what makes a DJ appear professional to a client

Hallelujah! :eek: At last someone understands. :D Thanks for that Angela.

[Penfold42]

Hallelujah! :eek: At last someone understands. :D Thanks for that Angela.

Which is what I put? :confused:

[Excalibur]

Which is what I put? :confused:

I humbly apologise for overlooking the cogent, germane, witty, and well thought out reasoning you showed in your reply Tony. :o :o :o










That would be because I normally never take any notice of you. ;)

[DJMaxG]

You appear to have missed the point on this thread Max.... the question is not 'what makes a DJ professional?', but what makes a DJ appear professional to a client

Yes, I answered 'What makes a DJ appear professional to a client'.

Despite titling My points differently, I still answered the question intently.

[Corabar Steve]

What would you know about it Max? You're not a professional DJ.

[Penfold42]

I humbly apologise for overlooking the cogent, germane, witty, and well thought out reasoning you showed in your reply Tony. :o :o :o
When i've googled those words I MAY get back to you......:p :D

That would be because I normally never take any notice of you. ;)

:eek: :mad: :bang: ;) :D :sj: :beer1: :beer1: :beer1: :beer1:

[Excalibur]

What would you know about it Max? You're not a professional DJ.

According to some, neither am I! :cry: :o :o :o :o :o
Max, I've read your post again, and I'm inclined to agree wiith Angela that you've missed the point. Sorry.
Tony, the insults are in the second line. ;) The first line was all compliments. :D

[Penfold42]

:lol:

[Corabar Steve]

You DJ for Pay outside of your own home Peter.

You're a professional. Max does neither, he's not.

[Excalibur]

You DJ for Pay outside of your own home Peter.

You're a professional. Max does neither, he's not.

As a fully paid up Devil's Advocate, and also someone who would like to point out that though I'm not a politician, I have valid views on running this country:

1) Pay is not the only criterion for Professionalism.
2) Max may conduct himself in a professional manner already. He's getting enough pointers here to ensure that he doesn't develop some undesirable habits which some of us may have.
3) With sufficient tutelage and encouragement, Max may yet become a better and more professional DJ than either of us.

[Penfold42]

As a fully paid up Devil's Advocate, and also someone who would like to point out that though I'm not a politician, I have valid views on running this country:

1) Pay is not the only criterion for Professionalism.
2) Max may conduct himself in a professional manner already. He's getting enough pointers here to ensure that he doesn't develop some undesirable habits which some of us may have.
3) With sufficient tutelage and encouragement, Max may yet become a better and more professional DJ than either of us.

Not so sure about this as he's always in the sin bin for not paying attention.
How does this make/appear pro in the eyes of the customer? If you can't conduct yourself properly on a forum. :shrug:

No dig just and observation. :)

[CRAZY K]

You will see that there are no references to actually providing a professional service or fulfilling the customer's requirements, the important word here is "Appear".

This may appear flippant, cos it's partly about style over substance, but I hope the answers will be serious. Thanks if you reply, and I hope it will be helpful and informative.

P.S. Look at that, I've created a poll. Clever me.

Some of us ARE Professional, theres no need to appear to be.;)

CRAZY K

[Excalibur]

Some of us ARE Professional, theres no need to appear to be.;)

CRAZY K

Says the man who turns dressed as the very thing we're trying to avoid looking like. :p :D :D

[Corabar Entertainment]

Some of us ARE Professional, theres no need to appear to be.;)

CRAZY KWhat's the point of being professional if you don't appear to be? :p

If you don't appear as professional, no-one will ever get the chance to find out that you are professional ;) ;)

[rob1963]

What's the point of being professional if you don't appear to be? :p

If you don't appear as professional, no-one will ever get the chance to find out that you are professional ;) ;)

They will if you TELL them! :D

[Excalibur]

Turning up on time makes us professional?

I don't think there's much hope for us if that's the case.

Well so far it appears to be out in the lead. ;) :D :D

[rob1963]

Well so far it appears to be out in the lead. ;) :D :D

I certainly think it's the most important of the 7 possibilities (excluding other).