Perseverance - the Best Policy

[funksoulbrother]

Firstly, I've only been a member of this forum since March/April, and joining has been one of the best things I've done. As a full time DJ, this forum has given me more ideas and help, just by reading the various threads and posts, and I'd like to say a big thank you to everyone that posts on here. :clap: :thumbsup:

Now to the topic..... recently I've read a few threads, where people were trying to decide whether to go full time or not, or how to get more business. Well, since joining the forum, from the ideas/replys posted, I've upped the ante on my marketing of the business. Built a website myself lol (which got slated by a few) but I took the comments given constructively and tweaked it, still not totally right (can see a few web pro's nodding furiously, ok, it's a Mr. Site job, but at the moment it's doing it's job), but I will get it there.

6 weeks ago, I also ran a selective mail out to venues and probable other interested parties, with a follow up phone call a week after posting. This created a few meetings, but nothing definate. Then yesterday happened, in all the years I've been DJing, I have never had 9 actual bookings in a 24 hour period, my wife didn't believe me at first.

All I can say is that, if things seem a little hard to get bookings, look at the way your pushing/advertising your business, ask advice, if you don't ask, you don't get. But persevere, don't give up, constantly tweak what you do, listen to your prospective customers comments, I was once told that you will sell more by listening more, and it's certainly true.

Anyway, enough of the soapbox, cheers everyone, England to win 3-0 on Friday:luck:

[STEVE HANLEY]

I'd be nowhere without this site. Everything I've done in the 8 months or so since going into the mobile game I've learn't from this site. Thank you.

Especially Chris from PP Entertainments, Shaun Elite, Martin Vectis, Darren Solitaire, Angela and Steve Corabar. I'm Filling up The tears are starting to roll.

That reminds me I owe Darren a cheque for tweleve quid. I knew I was crying for something:D :D :D :D :D :D :D

[DeckstarDeluxe]

Yeah I'll be keeping an close eye on this thread as Im in need of ideas of creating new leads ASAP

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

That's fantastic Richard - well done!

[StarZSoundS]

Firstly, I've only been a member of this forum since March/April, and joining has been one of the best things I've done. As a full time DJ, this forum has given me more ideas and help, just by reading the various threads and posts, and I'd like to say a big thank you to everyone that posts on here. :clap: :thumbsup:

Now to the topic..... recently I've read a few threads, where people were trying to decide whether to go full time or not, or how to get more business. Well, since joining the forum, from the ideas/replys posted, I've upped the ante on my marketing of the business. Built a website myself lol (which got slated by a few) but I took the comments given constructively and tweaked it, still not totally right (can see a few web pro's nodding furiously, ok, it's a Mr. Site job, but at the moment it's doing it's job), but I will get it there.

6 weeks ago, I also ran a selective mail out to venues and probable other interested parties, with a follow up phone call a week after posting. This created a few meetings, but nothing definate. Then yesterday happened, in all the years I've been DJing, I have never had 9 actual bookings in a 24 hour period, my wife didn't believe me at first.

All I can say is that, if things seem a little hard to get bookings, look at the way your pushing/advertising your business, ask advice, if you don't ask, you don't get. But persevere, don't give up, constantly tweak what you do, listen to your prospective customers comments, I was once told that you will sell more by listening more, and it's certainly true.

Anyway, enough of the soapbox, cheers everyone, England to win 3-0 on Friday:luck:

I've lost the Supporters list....but may I remind you a pound a Month is a tiny donation for what you have reaped from the site....If you are already a Supporter I apologise!!

[funksoulbrother]

Neil,
I revamped my business stationery, letterheads, business cards, the old ones had run their course.

Then I thought about the places/venues I would like/aspire to work in (and are capable of , equipment wise, working in), looking at the local Yellow pages, Thompson's, local cultural magazines, local brides magazines, at who/what were advertising in there, hotels, restaurants, etc. I picked the ones out to target and gave them a call, found out the name and position of who organises events there, then put together a tailored letter to that person, telling them about the services that you can offer them.

I then followed up with a courtesy call about a week after sending the letter, to see a) that they have received it and b) whether you could go along and see them to discuss your services, but also finding out about their business and how we could work together.

You probably won't get to see everyone and assure them that you can work well together, but the one's that you do, can be worthwhile.

I also looked at my business from the customers point of view, asking myself, what do they want for their event etc (someone's going to comment on the forum, As Cheap as possible lol), how I responded to their enquiry/questions, how quickly I responded, etc. I have changed a few things that I used to do, in response to this.

Thats just a couple of the things that I've done.

Best of luck

[funksoulbrother]

Martin, I only notice about the supporters thing last week in a post that you had replied to and I will definately be signing up, just waiting for my new credit card.

Thanks for reminding me.

[DeckstarDeluxe]

Neil,
I revamped my business stationery, letterheads, business cards, the old ones had run their course.

Then I thought about the places/venues I would like/aspire to work in (and are capable of , equipment wise, working in), looking at the local Yellow pages, Thompson's, local cultural magazines, local brides magazines, at who/what were advertising in there, hotels, restaurants, etc. I picked the ones out to target and gave them a call, found out the name and position of who organises events there, then put together a tailored letter to that person, telling them about the services that you can offer them.

I then followed up with a courtesy call about a week after sending the letter, to see a) that they have received it and b) whether you could go along and see them to discuss your services, but also finding out about their business and how we could work together.

You probably won't get to see everyone and assure them that you can work well together, but the one's that you do, can be worthwhile.

I also looked at my business from the customers point of view, asking myself, what do they want for their event etc (someone's going to comment on the forum, As Cheap as possible lol), how I responded to their enquiry/questions, how quickly I responded, etc. I have changed a few things that I used to do, in response to this.

Thats just a couple of the things that I've done.

Best of luck

Interesting never really thought of that I have to say but its something I consider. Just out of interest and sorry if Ive missed this but what was your strike rate (roughly) for this

[funksoulbrother]

Neil, I've manage to get appointments for just over 60% of the targetted places/venues, some of them are contracted with other people, but I will be offered to tender when it is renewed.

4 of my bookings have come from 3 of the hotels, that I contacted, the rest have been either past clients or guests of past clients and recommendations.

[DeckstarDeluxe]

Neil, I've manage to get appointments for just over 60% of the targetted places/venues, some of them are contracted with other people, but I will be offered to tender when it is renewed.

4 of my bookings have come from 3 of the hotels, that I contacted, the rest have been either past clients or guests of past clients and recommendations.


Thats pretty impressive, nice one!

[funksoulbrother]

Sorry it's taking so long to answer, but I'm having to cook for the wife, whilst running back and forth watching the footie, the food, the laptop AND making sure that the dog doesn't pinch any food ! ! !