Look on the bright side...

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Hello, my name is Darren.

My business has been down the last 2 years, but I can see improvement on the horizon. I have changed a couple of marketing strategies, started doing wedding fayres again and am taking out more advertising targeting specific areas of the market.

I am still charging a reasonable amount and have more venues than ever recommending my company. I have recently secured another venue for December and am currently meeting with and doing P.R. with my other newest venues. I expect them to market and recommend us more aggressively as my relationship builds with them.

I am about to have my website revamped and optimised, which will bring more work in, especially during the quiet times of the year.

Last week I took around 10 bookings, including corporate quiz nights, weddings and PA hire. This week and next week, I have meetings with venue managers and sales reps and I am positive that the relationship I build and maintain with them will help my business to grow.

I recently secured a civil partnership worth 2.5K, so I believe it is worth upselling if you can.

My name is Darren and I am positive.

The future is bright.

Forget the negatives and use the positives to move on.

[MagicMusic]

:approve:

Nice to see some positivity for a change :)

[Penfold42]

Yeah.....only because the streets are paved in gold and it's not grim down there....:sj:

[Charlie Brown]

Yeah.....only because the streets are paved in gold and it's not grim down there....:sj:

Very true!

How much do you think Fish & Chips cost in there local Hilton Hotel? I was astonished....it's crackers....£18.50! They have the cheek to ask for £1.49 for a piece of "white or oatmeal bread" :eek:

Well done Darren. :approve: You're doing really well - The family must be proud. :beer1:

All the more money for beer in Kos. ;) And all the more reason to invite a superb enthusiastic blonde boy down to your house some holiday soon. :eek: :eek: :o :D

[djpapastu]

Good to see some inspiring words of wisdom!

I agree, that as relationships build with venue managers and event coordinators , they do tend to push you more and more to their clients.

Keeping in with managers has resulted in me getting more and more work and much more phone calls than I've ever had.

[Jambo]

I think that the economic situation has made things a little quiet over the last couple of years.

We also run a wedding car business and have seen a downturn in bookings for the last 2 years with a knock on effect for this year, we are still undertaking a fair few bookings but not as many as about 3 years ago!

Some of the downturn can be attributed to the economic downturn and also some to trends and fashions as the type of vehicles we hire out are a little different from your normal Rolls Royce!

I think the main thing is to stick with it, market yourself well and in the right place and as Darren says try to build new relationships with venues and clients!

[ppentertainments]

I recently secured a civil partnership worth 2.5K, so I believe it is worth upselling if you can.



Care to expand on what is involved (by pm if you prefer). I have a couple of xmas bookings which have broke the £2k barrier, but they are anything but 'just a disco'. Just intrigued as to what others are doing to earn those all important extra £££ ;) ;)

BTW I agree with your statement. Instead of looking (and moaning) about the negatives concentrate on YOUR positives.

[visualdjmax]

Hello, my name is Darren.

My business has been down the last 2 years, but I can see improvement on the horizon. I have changed a couple of marketing strategies, started doing wedding fayres again and am taking out more advertising targeting specific areas of the market.

I am still charging a reasonable amount and have more venues than ever recommending my company. I have recently secured another venue for December and am currently meeting with and doing P.R. with my other newest venues. I expect them to market and recommend us more aggressively as my relationship builds with them.

I am about to have my website revamped and optimised, which will bring more work in, especially during the quiet times of the year.

Last week I took around 10 bookings, including corporate quiz nights, weddings and PA hire. This week and next week, I have meetings with venue managers and sales reps and I am positive that the relationship I build and maintain with them will help my business to grow.

I recently secured a civil partnership worth 2.5K, so I believe it is worth upselling if you can.

My name is Darren and I am positive.

The future is bright.

Forget the negatives and use the positives to move on.

Hello Darren and welcome!:D

[simonp]

Hello, my name is Darren.

My business has been down the last 2 years, but I can see improvement on the horizon. I have changed a couple of marketing strategies, started doing wedding fayres again and am taking out more advertising targeting specific areas of the market.

I am still charging a reasonable amount and have more venues than ever recommending my company. I have recently secured another venue for December and am currently meeting with and doing P.R. with my other newest venues. I expect them to market and recommend us more aggressively as my relationship builds with them.

I am about to have my website revamped and optimised, which will bring more work in, especially during the quiet times of the year.

Last week I took around 10 bookings, including corporate quiz nights, weddings and PA hire. This week and next week, I have meetings with venue managers and sales reps and I am positive that the relationship I build and maintain with them will help my business to grow.

I recently secured a civil partnership worth 2.5K, so I believe it is worth upselling if you can.

My name is Darren and I am positive.

The future is bright.

Forget the negatives and use the positives to move on.

My Name is Simon, and I believe I baggsied your spare bed for December :lol:

[Kernow]

A much needed beacon in a thickening fog of despair, may your light of inspiration shine bright & far Darren :5star: :thumbs_up:

Bet we still get the whingers though ? ;)

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Care to expand on what is involved (by pm if you prefer). I have a couple of xmas bookings which have broke the £2k barrier, but they are anything but 'just a disco'. Just intrigued as to what others are doing to earn those all important extra £££ ;) ;)



Dance floor, uplighting, small P.A. for the afternoon and more lighting - moving heads etc


My Name is Simon, and I believe I baggsied your spare bed for December :lol:

You might be sharing with Tony then...:eek: ;)

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

A much needed beacon in a thickening fog of despair, may your light of inspiration shine bright & far Darren :5star: :thumbs_up:

Bet we still get the whingers though ? ;)

We will, but you have to be positive sometimes!:cool:

[ppentertainments]

Dance floor
Ahh.... dance floors seem to becoming quickly popular and certainly add up the £££. Have you purchased your own or hiring Darren ??

[Shaun]

Refreshing to see an uplifting positive post. Continued success to you Daz. :) :beer1:

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Ahh.... dance floors seem to becoming quickly popular and certainly add up the £££. Have you purchased your own or hiring Darren ??

I have a colleague who owns an event company. If there is one thing I should have done a couple of years ago, it was to buy a few floors. I could have made a lot more money.

[Charlie Brown]

What's stopping you now Darren?

[ppentertainments]

I have a colleague who owns an event company. If there is one thing I should have done a couple of years ago, it was to buy a few floors. I could have made a lot more money.
Hmm.................
Off on holiday tomorrow, but will send you PM on return as something I have been looking at investing but still undecided. :) :beer1:

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

What's stopping you now Darren?


I don't have 10 grand sitting around. :(



Hmm.................
Off on holiday tomorrow, but will send you PM on return as something I have been looking at investing but still undecided. :) :beer1:

Okey doke.

[Starlight]

I have a colleague who owns an event company. If there is one thing I should have done a couple of years ago, it was to buy a few floors. I could have made a lot more money.
What type of dancefloor(s) are you using? Presumably your using the LED type(s)? The only downside to LED dancefloors is their weight :eek: I've seen some LED dancefloors measuring just 1 metre quare and the weight of one of them is coming in around 50Kg :eek: The new video dancefloors are the business too:cool:

Neil.........

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

What type of dancefloor(s) are you using? Presumably your using the LED type(s)?

As well as others.

[Charlie Brown]

The new video dancefloors are the business :cool:


Really? When people are dancing you can't see the video projection. :confused:

[Starlight]

As well as others.
What weight are your LED dancefloors? How easy do you find moving them about? Do you get someone to help you move them into place?

Neil.......

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Let's keep this kind of on topic please - there are plenty of threads about floors.

Someone else must have something positive to say?

[Charlie Brown]

Thinking about it - I have something positive.

A lady text me today and said "I'm sorry - my husband has just lost his job so we are having to cancel." - I hadn't received the deposit or booking form.... :(

I then received a call a few hours later with another couple wanting to book me for the same date I'd just received the cancellation....it's an all day job so better money than the first couple! Nicer venue too. ;) :approve:

Neil you're right...those floors are pretty cool. :cool:

[rob1963]

My name is Rob and I am positive.

I spend more nights working in the entertainment industry than anyone else on this forum, and only need to take 4 more disco bookings for this year to equal the same number I did last year (which was my best year).

I increased my prices last year and will do the same again this year, so my turnover & profit margin are now the best they've been.

I am looking forward to my last few years in the industry nearly as much as I'm looking forward to my retirement.


My name is Rob and I am positive.

:D

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

I spend more nights working in the entertainment industry than anyone else on this forum

And as this is a positive thread...

I spend a lot less time working evenings than Rob, but earn more money in one night than he does for all of his quiz nights. :thumbsup:

Work smarter not harder.

[kilmeedyman]

Good on ya mate! :)



My name is Rob and I am positive.

I spend more nights working in the entertainment industry than anyone else on this forum, and only need to take 4 more disco bookings for this year to equal the same number I did last year (which was my best year).

I increased my prices last year and will do the same again this year, so my turnover & profit margin are now the best they've been.

I am looking forward to my last few years in the industry nearly as much as I'm looking forward to my retirement.


My name is Rob and I am positive.

:D

[rob1963]

I spend a lot less time working evenings than Rob, but earn more money in one night than he does for all of his quiz nights.

As this is a positive thread, I don't even think of my pub quiz nights as work.

Nearly every night I spend a couple of hours just messing about, having a laugh & socializing with people in a pub...and getting paid for it!

Tonight was a good example. I did three quiz prizes...one for the team with the most points, one for the team with the best tablecloth & one for best use of candles. Yes, I'm completely serious!

:D

[StarZSoundS]

Hi.....My name is Martin....

My Daughter is Mid 20's...just bought her own house and secured a fine job...after years of struggle at Uni.

My Son is a bit of a Scally .....like his Dad...and off to do a second season as a Rep abroad.Lucky so and so.I've ordered him some bulk condoms!!

My Adopted Second Son is trying hard at School as he wants to be a Pilot.

My Mum is 80 in May....I'm doing her party in the garden...though she doesn't know it yet.....It's alright....i'll not charge her!!

My daytime job for the Government has just announced our jobs are safe for the next 5 years.

The business....Oh Yes...thats fine!!I've turned it around so that its working for me....instead of me working for it!!I am selective about what I do...and don't have to leap at every job that rings in.


POSITIVE???

You Bet...I have things in perspective .....the Business isn't my be all and end all.Lifes good...hope it is for you as well!!

[Steve the DJ]

Someone else must have something positive to say?

Yes, having finally decided to work towards hanging up the headphones (or at the very least DJing a great deal less) I feel like a new man, have a fresh lease of life and have started to change my business around behind the scenes so that it doesn't rely on me delivering as well as arranging.

I have already made a number of strong decisions that previously I would have capitulated on and they have still worked in my favour and (possibly) unbelievably a company have offered me something called a full time job... :eek:

So in a sense the pressure really is off as I can choose an additional income now if I wish. Haven't decided yet mind...

So nice weather, feeling better about my future and enjoying the family. :D

[Excalibur]

Let's keep this kind of on topic please - there are plenty of threads about floors.

Someone else must have something positive to say?

Yeah. I'm still breathing. :D If I get anything more positive than that, you'll be among the first to know.

[MagicMusic]

My name is Charlie and I'm an alcoholic. Hic...

:D

Seriously though, I made the decision to start up the business only a few months ago based on the amount of requests I had been getting from people asking me to DJ for them.

I started off with my pricing all over the place and have now settled at what I believe is an above average price round these parts.

Because of this I am now getting less hassle from people wanting the cheapest DJ going and I am starting to attract a much nicer clientele who seem to appreciate the time and effort I put into my work.

I have taken a few high end bookings for weddings and life is generally good just now despite being a little quiet.

My girlfriend now has all her correct paperwork and certifications so her business is about to take off and the sun is shining.

The future is looking rosy at the minute. :)

[Javlingames]

Hi my name is javlingames

I recently retired from working 4 nights a week in one of the uk's largest nightclubs. I have gone back on the road working 1 night a week on average and by doing so ive pretty much maintained my income. Since going 'back on the road' in february Ive secured 7 Butlins 80's festivals and a corporate job in June which will see me fly to florida for 4 days. I was a mobile dj ten years ago and i used to put out a show that filled the back of my transit van, i now put out a show which fits in the back of my renault megane and ive not had 1 customer complain about the lack of the lighting. I feel i have more experience than ever before and im really enjoying being mobile again. I enjoy the buzz of being asked for cards, i enjoy the midnight finishes and i forgot how much i missed the buffett!!!

[Shaun]

Hello my name is Shaun,

I'm dad to a perfect little 9 month old baby girl. Whether business is good or bad, life cannot get any better at the moment. :)

[Kernow]

Yeah. I'm still breathing. :D If I get anything more positive than that, you'll be among the first to know.

It's a positive that the forum doesn't contain an "Obituary" section.... YET !!

;) :D :D :D :D

[Penfold42]

My Name is Simon, and I believe I baggsied your spare bed for December :lol:
:eek:

You might be sharing with Tony then...:eek: ;)
:eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: ....He gets the shed. :D



I'm dad to a perfect little 9 month old baby girl.
Nice one Shaun.

Whether business is good or bad, life cannot get any better at the moment. :)

I count my blessings every day......that i'm alive and well. :)

[OllieJames]

My Son is a bit of a Scally .....like his Dad...and off to do a second season as a Rep abroad.Lucky so and so.I've ordered him some bulk condoms!!

Fantastic! Hahaha! That made me chuckle!

This year is the best year yet, disco wise - in other areas not so much, but won't go into that.

I've got the most bookings so far this year that I've ever had, and am happy with the price I charge. I have secured a place on a very, very nice venue's recommended suppliers list which has brought in a few gigs so far this year too.

Aside from discos; I'm learning to drive and am close to taking my practical test - watch out road users! :eek: :D I'm continuing to improve my videography skills and am looking to invest in a seriously nice camera towards the middle of this year, fingers crossed!

[rob1963]

Aside from discos; I'm learning to drive and am close to taking my practical test

Nice one, Ollie.

You should be able to drive to BPM this year, then.

:D

[StarZSoundS]

Fantastic! Hahaha! That made me chuckle!




Sadly.....I'm not sure he will use them.....and will be appearing on the Jeremy Kyle Show...next year.He's called Oliver too!!

[OllieJames]

Nice one, Ollie.

You should be able to drive to BPM this year, then.

:D

Yeah! I'm hoping to! Was talking to Tay about it the other day. :)


Sadly.....I'm not sure he will use them.....and will be appearing on the Jeremy Kyle Show...next year.He's called Oliver too!!

Haha! Oh dear :o

[Shakermaker Promotions]

Great stuff Darren and good to be positive yes and believe me when I say that I am glad you are doing well.

[SC Events]

Greetings, my name is Scott :D

I went full time about 10 months ago and am doing OK.

I haven't got quite as many bookings so far as last year, however I am charging a bit more and am happy with my pricing.

I am also offering two optional extras, which are LED Uplighting and Dance Floor hire.

I have also recently started my instrument flying training, which is one step closer to me becoming an Airline Pilot! :D

[Vectis]

I have also recently started my instrument flying training, which is one step closer to me becoming an Airline Pilot! :D

... and that's when you'll really see your business take off :D


:taxi:

[Kernow]

... and that's when you'll really see your business take off :D


:taxi:

As long as you're not a fly-by-night :D


:taxi: for 2 please :o

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

I was going to answer Gary and Rob, but this is a positive thread, so you have both been edited to reflect that.

[Shakermaker Promotions]

That's fair enough Darren and like I said originally...Well done. I mean that. I'll say no more on the subject.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

That's fair enough Darren and like I said originally...Well done. I mean that. I'll say no more on the subject.

Thank you.

Good to see you around again Gary. :) :beer1:

[theoloyla]

Pleased for you Darren. I too am positive. The first quarter of this year has been as quiet as I've ever known it to be but I also have the experience to know that things change and indeed they have. Work coming in well again. The Line Dancing has got better too and indeed last year I earned more from Line Dancing than I did from disco which is the first time that has happened

[Excalibur]

Hello. Mr Grumpy here. :mad: Actually, a phone call I've just had has lifted my spirits just above dolorous. :D :D

Customer says, " I don't know if you'll remember me, but..........7 years ago" :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: Fortunately it doesn't involve DNA tests or the like. :D :D :D :D I did her wedding, and the night after, her Daughter's 21st. ( Incidentally, all these came from a children's party, so yes they can generate serious income. )

" My daughter said all her friends reckoned you were thge best 21st disco any of them had been to.:Embarassed: :Embarassed: I've got everything crossed that you're free to do her wedding. "So early September, I'm off for a day at the seaside. Now where did I put my bucket and spade? :confused: :D :D

[rob1963]

" My daughter said all her friends reckoned you were the best 21st disco any of them had been to

Probably the ONLY one, then!

:D

[Excalibur]

Probably the ONLY one, then!

:D

Ooooooh!!!!:eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :D :D :D :D :D

[Leicester Ben]

I'm always in a positive mood, it really helps both on a personal and business front.

Today I'm happy because I have completed my big purchases for the company with the last bits of dance floor and 2nd Ivory starcloth arriving today.

On a business front this year will be my best year ever and I see no reason for it not to be on a personal front too:)