Great Gig, handed out loads of business cards and gained loads of bookings.

[ppentertainments]

Has that ever really happened to you or is it a load of :BS:

Yes, I have had gigs where I have handed out a few business cards and gigs where I have taken a booking. Yet, I constantly see people typing similar to the above (loads of cards, loads of bookings etc).

Either I am really rubbish or a lot of people have over active imaginations :D

PS This thread is not aimed at any individual or any particular thread, just a general observation :)

[yourdj]

I hardly ever have people at the end asking for cards?

I only get a response when i mention it as i think people are preoccupied?
Even when everyone claps and says what a great gig they do not ask?

Maybe they are just being kind LOL.

I dont like selling at a gig as im there for the client and not looking for future bookings.
All my work comes from google alone now and im booked every sat this year which is nice.

[NKR]

We hand out the odd card every now and then and from time to time do gain a booking.

This year three cards out and two bookings back. People who come and ask for cards generally have an idea of what they want you for. That is why we never give out loads as nobody ever really asks for them that much.

We probably give out about 20 or 30 a year, but I would say 30% of them do call us.

[STEVE HANLEY]

Out of my last 6 bookings this year its a 50/50 split between 3 who were at parties I'd dj'd at and liked what they saw. The other 3 from Yell.com

[rob1963]

Has that ever really happened to you or is it a load of :BS:

Yes, I have had gigs where I have handed out a few business cards and gigs where I have taken a booking. Yet, I constantly see people typing similar to the above (loads of cards, loads of bookings etc).

Either I am really rubbish or a lot of people have over active imaginations :D



Hiya PP.

If you're rubbish, then so am I...but being an old cynic, I think that the over active imaginations might be what's happening.

I always smile when people talk about gigs that went very well and say how they gave out lots of business cards & took several more bookings ON THE NIGHT.

The most business cards I've given out to people at a gig is 3, and I've never taken a booking at a gig for another function (although I have had people take a card & then phone up a few days later to book me).

[Shakermaker Promotions]

Well, not meaning to sound like the big one but I have!
I did a function about a year ago (40th Birthday - 80's Themed) and I gave about 6 cards out. I have had 4 bookings come from that one party. 3 were in the same year and the other 1 is on 13th March so it CAN work for some although I do agree that in some cases it could be a case of Mr Billy Moo Moo!

[rob1963]

Well, not meaning to sound like the big one but I have!
I did a function about a year ago (40th Birthday - 80's Themed) and I gave about 6 cards out. I have had 4 bookings come from that one party. 3 were in the same year and the other 1 is on 13th March so it CAN work for some although I do agree that in some cases it could be a case of Mr Billy Moo Moo!

Fair play to you Gary, and I believe you...but does giving out 6 business cards at a function count as "loads"?

[Shakermaker Promotions]

Well, it's more than 1 or 2 is'nt it so I would class it as loads.

[rob1963]

Well, it's more than 1 or 2 is'nt it so I would class it as loads.

Fair enough.

[Shakermaker Promotions]

I hardly ever have people at the end asking for cards?

I only get a response when i mention it as i think people are preoccupied?
Even when everyone claps and says what a great gig they do not ask?

Maybe they are just being kind LOL.

I dont like selling at a gig as im there for the client and not looking for future bookings.
All my work comes from google alone now and im booked every sat this year which is nice.

Toby, I don't go to functions selling either but every gig is another opportunity to advertise yourself and by that I mean, doing a great gig. Some people DO ask for cards or a number. It happens a lot to me and I'm not winkle waving. I NEVER go to a function and put cards on tables or in their faces. I let the music do the talking and if people like it and they want a card then they can have one.

[Danno13]

I tend to find most referals come from where the new client has just asked the previous client who they booked, rather than taking a card on the night. I have a stack of cards and don't really get through them that quick, but still get plenty of referal work.

[paull]

Good post as I thought it was just me. I hand out cards when asked and to any body showing interest.

[Ecstatic Events]

Slightly off topic, but I guess I wont be spending a fortune on business cards now! :)

[djdave01]

I dont put cards on the tables, but i do usually leave some by the bar. I count how many are put out so i know if any are taken.

on a normal night, 2 or 3 get taken, sometimes none are gone.

over the years, i can only remember being booked at a gig for another event twice, but people have contacted me a few days later plenty of times.

[yourdj]

I dont put cards on the tables, but i do usually leave some by the bar.

best place i always put mine there in two lots next to the tills.

[Shakermaker Promotions]

Toby, if you're NOT looking for future bookings then why put cards on the bar?

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

I dont like selling at a gig as im there for the client and not looking for future bookings.


What a strange thing to say!

[rob1963]

I dont like selling at a gig as im there for the client and not looking for future bookings.


I dont put cards on the tables, but i do usually leave some by the bar.


best place i always put mine there in two lots next to the tills.

So you don't like selling at a gig as you're there for the client and not looking for future bookings...and yet you put two piles of business cards on the bar next to the tills?

I'm confused!

:confused:

[Vectis]

What a strange thing to say!

Not really.

I am of the same opinion, particularly at weddings.

General parties are another game entirely, and that's where the "request card on one side, full colour glossy ad on the other" postcards come into play. If the venue has a noticeboard I might pin a couple of cards to it.

I have nothing that bears my name and I introduce myself only as Martin, not the company name. If anyone wants a card, they ask.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Not really.

I am of the same opinion, particularly at weddings.

General parties are another game entirely, and that's where the "request card on one side, full colour glossy ad on the other" postcards come into play. If the venue has a noticeboard I might pin a couple of cards to it.

I have nothing that bears my name and I introduce myself only as Martin, not the company name. If anyone wants a card, they ask.

The same opinion of what?

I didn't say I put cards on tables or the like. I just find it strange that someone wouldn't actively try and showcase themselves at whatever booking.

[Vectis]

The same opinion of what?



I dont like selling at a gig as im there for the client and not looking for future bookings.


Sorry, wasn't clear in my last post.

[theoloyla]

I dont give out that many cards just occasionally when people ask. I have over the years taken many firm enquiries at gigs. People ask are you free on such and such a date. I check the diary, take a number and call them the next day. I dont put stuff on the tables or at the bar but Idohavethe advantage of an unusual disco name and a large illuminated name board at the centre of my equipment as opposed to an anonymous star cloth - and I know many of you dont like that.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Sorry, wasn't clear in my last post.

You are honestly saying that you aren't looking to impress the guests and get more referrals and bookings from every booking?

I find that very strange.

Surely just about every business works this way?

[rob1963]

I dont give out that many cards just occasionally when people ask.

Same here.

If they like you & want your details, they will come up & ask for a card.


I have over the years taken many firm enquiries at gigs. People ask are you free on such and such a date. I check the diary, take a number and call them the next day.

Interesting.

I don't have my diary with me at functions, so if someone asked if I was free on a certain date, I couldn't answer them on the spot...not that it matters to me. I'd just give them a card & ask them to call me or email me.


I dont put stuff on the tables or at the bar but I do have the advantage of an unusual disco name and a large illuminated name board at the centre of my equipment as opposed to an anonymous star cloth - and I know many of you dont like that.

Me included!

:D

[Vectis]

You are honestly saying that you aren't looking to impress the guests and get more referrals and bookings from every booking?

I find that very strange.

Surely just about every business works this way?

Of course I'm looking to impress the guests (and the hosts in particular) but not from the PoV of gaining future business. That couldn't be further from my mind. It's all about the night in question and nothing else.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Of course I'm looking to impress the guests (and the hosts in particular) but not from the PoV of gaining future business. That couldn't be further from my mind. It's all about the night in question and nothing else.

Fair enough. Doesn't make any sense to me whatsoever though.

[DazzyD]

I give cards to anyone who asks for one but mostly just leave a few at the venue. In the past, I noticed that it was venue staff/management who were asking for cards as they always get asked if they can recommend a good disco so it makes sense to give them the tools to promote your business on your behalf (free promotion - nice!).


...

Interesting.

I don't have my diary with me at functions, so if someone asked if I was free on a certain date, I couldn't answer them on the spot...not that it matters to me. I'd just give them a card & ask them to call me or email me.

...

Now that is something I don't get. Dates and availability are a big factor in this business. If you can't tell a potential client that you're available they probably wouldn't even get back to you. I know I wouldn't. If I asked a service provider for availability on a particular date and they said "Don't know. Ring me during the week." I'd think "No. I'm asking you now and if you can't oblige then you're not very hot on customer service.". Obviously I'd wait until after the show to ask!

That's my train of thought, anyway, and I'm sure a lot of potential clients will think the same way.

[Danno13]

So do you if they asked the general manager of the hotel if they had avaliability for their Wedding they would be able to tell them? Or do you think they'd ask them to call one of the Wedding co-ordinators during office hours?

[rob1963]

I don't have my diary with me at functions, so if someone asked if I was free on a certain date, I couldn't answer them on the spot...not that it matters to me. I'd just give them a card & ask them to call me or email me.


Now that is something I don't get.

I don't understand why not.


Dates and availability are a big factor in this business.

I agree, but being able to instantly say whether I'm free on a particular date when someone comes up to me while I'm out of the office & working is clearly NOT a big factor, as people rarely mention dates when asking me for a card.


If you can't tell a potential client that you're available they probably wouldn't even get back to you.

I disagree.

If they like you & want to book you, why would it be a problem for them to phone you or email you the next day to check your availability?

After all, even if they knew you WERE free on the date they wanted, they'd still have to contact you anyway to take the booking forward.


If I asked a service provider for availability on a particular date and they said "Don't know. Ring me during the week." I'd think "No. I'm asking you now and if you can't oblige then you're not very hot on customer service.".

I guess I'm lucky that my clients don't think like you, then.

If I saw a mobile mechanic fixing my neighbour's car, asked if he was available on a certain date to fix mine & he gave me a card & explained that he didn't have his diary with him & therefore couldn't confirm his availability on the spot, I certainly wouldn't have a problem with that.

When people start coming up to me when I'm working, ask for my availability, refuse to take a card & say "I need to know this very instant, or I won't book you" then I'll start taking my booking folder to functions.

[Steve the DJ]

Of course I'm looking to impress the guests (and the hosts in particular) but not from the PoV of gaining future business. That couldn't be further from my mind. It's all about the night in question and nothing else.

+1

Of course the byproduct of focssing on delivering a successful night is more business will probably follow from impressed guests.

There is no better advertising than a great night and giving out cards or mentioning my business over the mic couldn't be further from my mind during a gig.

[rob1963]

giving out cards or mentioning my business over the mic couldn't be further from my mind during a gig.

Do you have business cards with you at functions?

If so, giving cards out obviously isn't THAT far from your mind!

;)

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

+1

Of course the byproduct of focssing on delivering a successful night is more business will probably follow from impressed guests.



Yeah, more business by guests asking for cards or finding out yours or the companies names.

Sorry, but this is all word play nonsense again. Nearly all businesses gain more work through referrals regardless of whether it's 'further from your mind' on the night.

[rob1963]

I have to say this is one of the strangest threads I've ever read on the forum.

Some people have completely contradicted themselves & others have come out with some of the strangest statements I've ever heard.

Am I in the Twilight Zone, or am I going off my trolley?

:wacko:

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

I agree with you for once....

How people can say that they don't think about or want referrals at gigs is beyond me!

[Steve the DJ]

Do you have business cards with you at functions?

If so, giving cards out obviously isn't THAT far from your mind!

;)

I have a section in my bag full of cards, both mine and agents and I don't get them out unless asked for one.

I used to put them out on display but kids used to just run off with them so I gave up!


Yeah, more business by guests asking for cards or finding out yours or the companies names.

During the gig I am concentrating on doing the best job I can and yes I do introduce myself at the beginning and provide a reminder at the end but I don't worry about giving out cards unless asked.



Sorry, but this is all word play nonsense again. Nearly all businesses gain more work through referrals regardless of whether it's 'further from your mind' on the night.

Of course they do, but I don't understand what your hang up is? I don't see anyone messing with your mind here Darren, just people simply saying we don't pimp the company and our services throughout apart from by delivering the best night we can. :shrug:


How people can say that they don't think about or want referrals at gigs is beyond me!

I must have missed the bit where that was said or is this some of that word play nonsense you were talking about?

[Vectis]

How people can say that they don't think about or want referrals at gigs is beyond me!

I get LOTS of referral work and don't feel that I need to tout for it.

If someone asks for a card at a gig, they'll get one. If they're lucid, we might even have a little chat about when and what for, and roughly how much. My diary is synced to my iphone, so I can even check availability or make a provisional booking. And it's happened.

More often than not, though, referral customers go to the trouble of contacting the host to find out who they used. By the time they get to me, their mind's already made up and the booking is a formality.

Maybe this is how it works best for me as I'm not a natural salesperson.

If business was slower, I might reconsider my tactics.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

I dont like selling at a gig as im there for the client and not looking for future bookings.


Right to get this back into context.

This is what Toby posted to which Vectis and FDDJ agreed with.

So, neither of you are looking for future bookings or referrals then?


I get LOTS of referral work and don't feel that I need to tout for it.



Who mentioned touting for it? :confused:




I must have missed the bit where that was said or is this some of that word play nonsense you were talking about?


You must have missed it then 'cos that's what you agreed with!

[rob1963]

mentioning my business over the mic couldn't be further from my mind during a gig.


I do introduce myself at the beginning and provide a reminder at the end

:confused:

Sorry everyone, but this thread is really starting to do my head in...so I'll bow out now & leave the rest of you to it, otherwise I'm likely to lose my sanity!

[Vectis]

"Myself" doesn't necessarily equal "My Business"

I always introduce myself by my name. I don't mention my company name.

[Steve the DJ]

Ahhh...now I see the confusion!

Performing to the best of your ability with a view to getting more business is one thing (which is what I do), covering a venue in cards, flyers, announcements and generalling pimping my business name in anyway possible is what I don't do and don't like.

So I am looking for future bookings based on my performance and can supply contact details if asked, but I am focused on the performance, not my advertising material.

[Steve the DJ]

:confused:

Sorry everyone, but this thread is really starting to do my head in...so I'll bow out now & leave the rest of you to it, otherwise I'm likely to lose my sanity!


"Myself" doesn't necessarily equal "My Business"

I always introduce myself by my name. I don't mention my company name.

Correct Vectis.

Come on Mr James, keep up at the back... :D

[Vectis]

Ahhh...now I see the confusion!

Performing to the best of your ability with a view to getting more business is one thing (which is what I do), covering a venue in cards, flyers, announcements and generalling pimping my business name in anyway possible is what I don't do and don't like.

So I am looking for future bookings based on my performance and can supply contact details if asked, but I am focused on the performance, not my advertising material.

:agree: Wot he said :D

[NKR]

I take lots of cards with me in case I get peckish. I eat them during my back to back D-Ream tribute set.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

I introduce myself at the beginning and mention the company name at the end and also give out cards if people ask for them.

I wouldn't call this a hard sell.

I also give cards to Hotel management and have a little chat if I get time.

Funnily enough, it is these small things that has enabled quite a few people on here to do work for me...:lol:

Funnily enough though, business and referrals are always on my mind even though I appear to do the same as the people who are disagreeing with me!

[Vectis]

Funnily enough though, business and referrals are always on my mind even though I appear to do the same as the people who are disagreeing with me!

Could be a self-confidence thing? :sofa: :p

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

covering a venue in cards, flyers, announcements and generalling pimping my business name in anyway possible is what I don't do and don't like.



But no-one even mention doing that did they? :confused:

[Daryll]

Best one I had was NYE just gone.
A lady came up to me and asked for as card , then proceeded to book me , before I had finished setting up :eek: , the gig is on 13 march.


But reality check.......I give out the odd card , but no many


Cheers

Daryll

[Shakermaker Promotions]

I'm agreeing with Darren and Rob here (ok, and anyone else along the same lines).

I can't understand the contradiction of some people on here.

I'm pretty sure that MOST of us, if not nearly all of us WILL take cards, brochures etc along with us to functions. Some of us will also take the diary (I must admit that I forget most of the time but I do have all of my dates on my phone in the calender so that helps).

How can people say that they DON'T try to sell themselves at functions. As I mentioned earlier, I look at it as EVERY function I do is a perfect opportunity to advertise myself. I don't put cards on tables or near the bar or anywhere else, I let people come to me. If they think I am bad then they won't ask for cards, if they like me and what I have done then they will and I will give them one. If I go to a venue I have never been to before and I get the chance, I will try and leave a card with someone at the venue before or after the function unless they have a resident DJ.

I've always said that the best form of advertising is 'word of mouth'. I have done a number of referral functions in the past where someone has asked for a card for a friend and it's that friend that has booked me because they obviously trust the judgement of the person that asked for the card. It's amazing what can happen simply by someone asking for a card or brochure.

At the end of the day, your talent, the way you present your show and yourself will determine whether you get asked for a card or not. You could cover the whole venue in your advertising but if you're no good or people don't rate you then they aren't going to bother picking one up.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

It does make me wonder if some of you would have actually had any work at all pre-internet! Maybe another thread though...

[Vectis]

At the end of the day, your talent, the way you present your show and yourself will determine whether you get asked for a card or not. You could cover the whole venue in your advertising but if you're no good or people don't rate you then they aren't going to bother picking one up.

Conversely, if for whatever reason you have an "off" night or a quiet crowd, having your name everywhere could be a bad thing :cool:

Purely conjecture that last comment, you understand :p :D

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

I think you're missing the point though Martin. No-one has actually mentioned having your name everywhere have they?

[Steve the DJ]

Conversely, if for whatever reason you have an "off" night or a quiet crowd, having your name everywhere could be a bad thing :cool:

I aways say at the end "If you had a great night I'm Steve from First Dance DJs, if you didn't I'm Darren from Solitaire Entertainments..."

:sofa:

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

I aways say at the end "If you had a great night I'm Steve from First Dance DJs, if you didn't I'm Darren from Solitaire Entertainments..."

:sofa:

The old 'uns are the best 'uns, eh Steve?

:boxer2: :D

[Steve the DJ]

Oldie but goldie... :D

Still hear plenty of bands actually say something along these lines though!

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Oldie but goldie... :D

Still hear plenty of bands actually say something along these lines though!

Using your name I assume? :D

[Shakermaker Promotions]

To be totally honest with you, I've never said anything like that at all at the end of the night. I usually wish them all a safe journey home and thank them for being 'up for it' (even if they have'nt).

[Steve the DJ]

Using your name I assume? :D

Of course!


To be totally honest with you, I've never said anything like that at all at the end of the night. I usually wish them all a safe journey home and thank them for being 'up for it' (even if they have'nt).

It can work well with the right crowd, although I don't think I have said it for years.

[Excalibur]

I aways say at the end "If you had a great night I'm Steve from First Dance DJs, if you didn't I'm Darren from Solitaire Entertainments..."

:sofa:


The old 'uns are the best 'uns, eh Steve?

:boxer2: :D

So it's not just me that does that then? :confused: :D :D :D :D :D

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

So it's not just me that does that then? :confused: :D :D :D :D :D

It used to be if you've enjoyed yourself I've been Darren Thomas or if you haven't I've been Tony Blackburn....;)

[Dynamic Entertainment]

Ill give out cards at the request of guests, but i dont just leave them lying around.

Im at that party to entertain both the host and the guests. If a guest like what i do and comes up for a card then great.

I have had the odd guest (maybe 3 at most) who has made an initial date enquiry on the night, and ive took their details and rang them back the next day. I have also had later telephone enquiries where it was "Hello, we tot your number off *such and such*, whos party you done a couple of weeks ago".

Karaoke is slightly different, as my request slips have "Dynamic Entertainment, 0800 990 3030" on the bottom of them ;)

[ppentertainments]

It used to be if you've enjoyed yourself I've been Darren Thomas or if you haven't I've been Tony Blackburn....;)
If i said that though all my guests would wonder 'who is Darren Thomas' :confused: :D :D :D :D :D

[Excalibur]

It used to be if you've enjoyed yourself I've been Darren Thomas or if you haven't I've been Tony Blackburn....;)
Hey you're showing your age there, young 'un. ;) :D :D :D :D


If i said that though all my guests would wonder 'who is Darren Thomas' :confused: :D :D :D :D :D

Everybody knows who Darren is. ;) It's Tony Blackburn my young and hip punters wouldn't recognise. :D :D :D

[STEVE HANLEY]

Well done Chris you opened a can of worms there mate....and no mistake:) ;)

[StarZSoundS]

If i said that though all my guests would wonder 'who is Darren Thomas' :confused: :D :D :D :D :D


You can only say this when you have gone really well....but it does get a snigger!!


"Man I have been so good tonight......I wished I was out there watching me at one stage":D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D

[DazzyD]

I don't understand why not.

...
I agree, but being able to instantly say whether I'm free on a particular date when someone comes up to me while I'm out of the office & working is clearly NOT a big factor, as people rarely mention dates when asking me for a card.

...People do come up and say "Are you available for ..." and ask if I'm available. Or perhaps "We're getting married on ... Are you free that night?". If I can give them an answer straight away it's time saved when they get back in touch. Also, we take the opportunity to converse and build rapport - it's all about the sales. It's much easier to do face to face than over the telephone.

...


I guess I'm lucky that my clients don't think like you, then.

If I saw a mobile mechanic fixing my neighbour's car, asked if he was available on a certain date to fix mine & he gave me a card & explained that he didn't have his diary with him & therefore couldn't confirm his availability on the spot, I certainly wouldn't have a problem with that.

When people start coming up to me when I'm working, ask for my availability, refuse to take a card & say "I need to know this very instant, or I won't book you" then I'll start taking my booking folder to functions.

DO you have to have your car fixed on a precise date then, Rob? When somebody asks you if you are available for their party it would be pretty shocking to say "Don't know but can you have your party the week after? I'm free then!".

Seriously, I believe if a potential client has taken the time to come up and ask you a question, then maybe, just maybe, they are wanting an answer there and then. If they can wait why bother making that effort in the first place?


I introduce myself at the beginning and mention the company name at the end and also give out cards if people ask for them.

I wouldn't call this a hard sell.

I also give cards to Hotel management and have a little chat if I get time.

Funnily enough, it is these small things that has enabled quite a few people on here to do work for me...:lol:

Funnily enough though, business and referrals are always on my mind even though I appear to do the same as the people who are disagreeing with me!

:agree:


Conversely, if for whatever reason you have an "off" night or a quiet crowd, having your name everywhere could be a bad thing :cool:

Purely conjecture that last comment, you understand :p :D

That's a valid point, Martin, but very negative thinking. Besides, having your name everywhere is a bit extreme (unless you're Theo!). I always end the night with "I've been Dazzy'D' at Lightning Disco and you've been a great crowd. Thank you and goodnight!". Hardly having your name everywhere.

Anyway, you always come across as a positive person, Martin. Have I misjudged you? :confused:


I aways say at the end "If you had a great night I'm Steve from First Dance DJs, if you didn't I'm Darren from Solitaire Entertainments..."

:sofa:


The old 'uns are the best 'uns, eh Steve?

:boxer2: :D

You're not wrong. My granny fell out of her highchair laughing at that one!!!