What are you doing to improve your disco.

[super-hero]

Just wondering what you have done, and what you plan to do, to improve your disco.

Over the past year I have upgraded my speakers and my light show.
I have also made more use of uplighting, with good comments from clients.

I have also done more networking with other local dj's, and got more work from it.

[Shakermaker Promotions]

What have I done to improve it?
Well, I haven't done much to the sound really as I have different set ups and can mix and match but I plan to get some new Subs very soon and also a new mixer that (according to reports on here) should improve the sound.
My lighting is ok and doesn't need much done to it but that's not to say that if something comes out that I like the look of, I'll resist from buying it because new stuff is always nice.

The main thing I have done to improve the whole thing is to make life easier for myself and by that I mean, lighter stuff, pre-wired stuff etc etc. I can be set up in 20 minutes (Disco only) if access is good enough and I can be packed down and away in the same time, if not quicker.

Networking with other DJ's. Never really done much of that in the past as the majority of the ones in my area (in my experience) will more than likely try to take work away from you. However, I do have a couple of decent DJ's that I use now and then and over the Christmas period I was in touch with a number of other operators who are good to know.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Networking with other DJ's. Never really done much of that in the past as the majority of the ones in my area (in my experience) will more than likely try to take work away from you.

Here's the thing Gary. You need to get to know people better and trust them and get involved more. How many people on here have you met? How many meetings have you been to? How many social gatherings?

I have met hundreds of people on here that I now have a business relationship with and quite a few that I consider to be personal friends and these are people that live a few hundred miles away.

I have had a dozen or so people that have worked for me, directly and indirectly and others that have sent work my way.

We've had small run-ins on here and I guarantee that if we met, you'd think a whole lot differently about me and me about you, I reckon.

Anyway, just a thought...:)

[Excalibur]

I guarantee that if we met, you'd think a whole lot differently about me

I can in no way gainsay this premise. ;) ;)

[DynamoTom]

What have I done this year?

I've upgraded my sound system from Peavey to Mackie and then I had a few problems with the Mackies so I sold them and just got EV Live X passive series speakers, and I am looking into getting a 18 inch sub for those in the new year.

I kept a pair of Mackie SRM 450 v1's that I had and am buying a pair of Mackie SRM 1801 subs to go with them in the next week or two.

Lighting wise, I haven't really done anything to it apart from pre wire the Prolight deck stand I use and the 4 metre trussing. I am looking to buy a pair of Martin EFX 500's in the new year along with one or two used Martin Wizard Extremes and some moving heads.

I have also just brought a Deckstand Booth Pro v2 as some of you may know with a plain black cloth and a dual overhead lighting bar kit and I will be looking into getting the LED star cloth at some point in the near future.

[Charlie Brown]

I've upgraded my sound system from Peavey to Mackie and then I had a few problems with the Mackies so I sold them and just got EV Live X passive series speakers, and I am looking into getting a 18 inch sub for those in the new year.


Tom,

I'm not having a dig (so please don't accuse me of doing so) but I don't understand how you operate/business works.

I thought the EVL's were for your Dad?

If anyone was going to win 'improver of the year' it would be you hands down.

This year I spent a decent amount of money on new websites, deckstand booth, pair of efx's, RCF sub, uplighting, wizard extreme, offering additional services, using echo sign, getting a accountant, new trussing, registering for tax and paying NI, dumping UK bride and met fantastic people at BPM.

[DynamoTom]

Tom,

I'm not having a dig (so please don't accuse me of doing so) but I don't understand how you operate/business works.

I thought the EVL's were for your Dad?

If anyone was going to win 'improver of the year' it would be you hands down.

This year I spent a decent amount of money on new websites, deckstand booth, pair of efx's, RCF sub, uplighting, wizard extreme, offering additional services, using echo sign, getting a accountant, new trussing, registering for tax and paying NI, dumping UK bride and met fantastic people at BPM.

Charlie,

The way me and my dad work at the miniute is -

If he gets a booking and I don't have one - I will go along with him as a roadie etc

If I get a gig and he doesn't, then the same happens back.

If we both get a gig on the same night, then we can cater for that as we have enough equipment to do two discos on the same night.

You are correct, the EV speakers are my dads but we share equipment so it's between both of us.

[Charlie Brown]

Gottcha! Makes sense now. Do you both advertise under the same umbrella or are you two different companies?

[CRAZY K]

What have I done this year?

I've upgraded my sound system from Peavey to Mackie and then I had a few problems with the Mackies so I sold them.



Some of us would consider that a downgrade:D :D :D :D

EV is ok though.

This year I acquired a top of the range EV Radio Mike--really penetrating sound:D

Won it for free in the Fabtronic Disco Shop raffle in Northampton:beer1:

I am using lighter weight lighting LED effects to make set up and loading /unloading easier--although trying to avoid too many dots.

Invested in a serious upgrade vehicle--I do a lot of Motorway driving so I bought the supreme Gigmaster Motorway eater--never mind the Beamers and Mercs.

Ford Galaxy--;) Very versatile.

I even noticed on the way to my gig Tuesday when bombing down the A1 a bit late due to all the:muppet: clogging the road who had been shopping : in the outside lane vehicles get out of my way--it must be because its quite a high vehicle and probablly looks like a van in the mirror.

I promise I wasnt using the horn or High beam Headlights--:)

With some help from Angela ( Corabar) finally discovered how velcro can
move things forward :D :D :D :D

[DynamoTom]

Gottcha! Makes sense now. Do you both advertise under the same umbrella or are you two different companies?

We advertise under the same name for the moment, but in 2013, when I finish my two year course at college studying Technical Theatre, I am looking into starting my own business and taking things from there.

[surround sounds]

I Have not really improved my rig althou i have got 2 identical ones.. Also improving a 3rd one mainly for kids discos.. I brought a Powerbar which i am happy with and makes setting up a lot faster and easier.. My website is also better and doing excellent in google..

[super-hero]

I also pre-wired some lights to a t-bar for some of my Christmas bookings. Setup time was very limited and it does save a lot of time.

I also bought a pair of ScrimKing tripod covers. I use these when I have a tripod set away from the main rig, and I think it's an improvement on a naked tripod. I know many would disagree.

I have also put together a duplicate amp and processing rack. I always used to carry a spare amp, but now I have a complete spare rack, just in case

[funkymook]

I'm quite happy with the presentation, sound and lighting side of things, so that's going to be left alone (had no negative comments during or after any of my gigs and enough positive feedback that I'm satisfied it delivers what my clients expect).

I'll be concentrating on the marketing side during 2012.

Just totally revamped my SoulDisco website - it's now specifically aimed at clients wanting 50's through to the 80's, soul, motown, funk and classic party tunes rather than chart/modern (though of course I will still carry these). It has a more commercial focus than my IndieRetro site.

I'll be looking at the various social media sites and learning how to exploit them effectively.

[Charlie Brown]

Another fantastic site from Martin. Really like it! :beer1:

[yourdj]

Networking with other DJ's. Never really done much of that in the past as the majority of the ones in my area (in my experience) will more than likely try to take work away from you.

We run a very good networking group and have no interests in taking business. We were actually discussing why key operators do not show up and that was the main fear mentioned. Complete paranoia :) That and being scared of being criticised or told something they do not like to hear.

There is one idiot that keeps turning up to the NADJ meetings and every time has a disagreement and leaves. The time with Dave Reed was the best one in Warbrook house.

Typical - I do thing right and you are all wrong type attitude. Its very easy to fall into that when you are a lone operator. The forums are great but personal communication and working relationships are much better.

HDA meeting - Hampshire mobile DJ alliance - Mobile Disco Association Southampton - YouTube

I have not really been expecting you to turn up tbh but you would be a valid member to the group (assuming you do not steal any business LOL).


Here's the thing Gary. You need to get to know people better and trust them and get involved more. How many people on here have you met? How many meetings have you been to? How many social gatherings?

I have met hundreds of people on here that I now have a business relationship with and quite a few that I consider to be personal friends and these are people that live a few hundred miles away.

I have had a dozen or so people that have worked for me, directly and indirectly and others that have sent work my way.

We've had small run-ins on here and I guarantee that if we met, you'd think a whole lot differently about me and me about you, I reckon.

Anyway, just a thought...:)

:agree:

[WWDJ]

Acquired RCF rig, 6 uplighters and an iPad this year ..... And upgraded to Traktor Pro 2.

Next year, DSBV2 and upgrade lighting (not sure what though yet)

[Matty12]

What have I done to improve it!

This year I have spent over £4000 buying equipment and a van for doing Mobile Discos and learned to do balloon modelling.

Next month I'm Investing in two 40inch tv's, a licence which cost £600 to do VDJ (every year you have to pay this) and then £1000 in videos from Mixmash obversely my mum has paid half of the cost of the equipment and the other half I have paid.:)

But sometime next year I only need a new pair of speakers and a stand.;)


Ps: New website in January is going to be up thread coming soon!

[yourdj]

There are lots of comments about equipment and not many about all the other things that go into our services.

I think my best improvement is to personalise and serve the client better has resulted in loads more work and more importantly more enjoyable work as I have a better working relationships. Instead of hello Mr DJ I get "Hi Tobes would you like a drink, how are you"

I got a great venue and am very happy there as well as my private work. Done loads of workshops and started the HDA which has resulted in some fantastic networking and got me out of more than three last min jams (breakdown (car not my mind), last min cover etc.)

I have stripped my websites down and made them more user friendly.

worked on me and my appearance and the skills I can aquire or am acquiring such as talking on the mic, planning, master of ceremonies and music development etc.

Loads of other stuff but I can remember now :D

And lots of equipment - mainly bits and pieces - but very costly! Not spending anything this year at all!

[Shakermaker Promotions]

We run a very good networking group and have no interests in taking business. We were actually discussing why key operators do not show up and that was the main fear mentioned. Complete paranoia :) That and being scared of being criticised or told something they do not like to hear.

There is one idiot that keeps turning up to the NADJ meetings and every time has a disagreement and leaves. The time with Dave Reed was the best one in Warbrook house.

Typical - I do thing right and you are all wrong type attitude. Its very easy to fall into that when you are a lone operator. The forums are great but personal communication and working relationships are much better.

I have not really been expecting you to turn up tbh but you would be a valid member to the group (assuming you do not steal any business LOL).

Apologies for the delayed reply, I didn't think my comment was that important. To me, it wasn't that important to be honest with you as I was not talking about networking with people off the forum. Maybe I should have explained it a bit better.

Saying that, I actually did give an example when I wrote my post but deleted it because I thought it may go off topic. I said that I don't tend to network with people in my area because half of them in my experience and the ones that I have dealt with in the past have done or tried to do exactly what I said and that's too take work away from me. Some of them have been totally out of order and luckily on most occasions, it hasn't worked. I am not interested in meeting up with them as it wouldn't be a pleasant experience.

I have had 3 other companies this year try to muscle in on one of my residencies. One of them even bad mouthed me when I have never even had any dealings with them whatsoever. They got nowhere as did the other one that tried at the time. The other one is more recent (last week) and the new manager at the venue wouldn't have any of it. I informed her during the Christmas period of past experiences with this so she was clued up straight away.

So Toby, I was not talking about your networking meetings etc...and as for the paranoia thing. Yes, I suppose I am a tad paranoid when it comes to my area.

I would like to know however WHY you haven't expected me to turn up at one of your meetings. I think that deserves an explanation. I have had reasons and the main ones being that I have had either bookings or Darts matches on when they are on.

I am sure your meetings are done well and they seem to be successful and growing. I don't need to see another video mate as I saw it the first time round. I am not saying I will never go to them. If I can then I will.

I have networked with people on the forum in the past. I have had gigs off people that hardly post on the forum which has surprised me. They don't know me from the next bloke but they have passed on gigs my way and they haven't been disappointed at all as far as I am aware. The feedback has been great.

Regarding Darren's comment - I can only agree. I don't go to any social gatherings at all because I have had other stuff to do etc. I am sure I will do one day.

[Ecstatic Events]

Apologies for the delayed reply, I didn't think my comment was that important. To me, it wasn't that important to be honest with you as I was not talking about networking with people off the forum. Maybe I should have explained it a bit better.

Saying that, I actually did give an example when I wrote my post but deleted it because I thought it may go off topic. I said that I don't tend to network with people in my area because half of them in my experience and the ones that I have dealt with in the past have done or tried to do exactly what I said and that's too take work away from me. Some of them have been totally out of order and luckily on most occasions, it hasn't worked. I am not interested in meeting up with them as it wouldn't be a pleasant experience.

I have had 3 other companies this year try to muscle in on one of my residencies. One of them even bad mouthed me when I have never even had any dealings with them whatsoever. They got nowhere as did the other one that tried at the time. The other one is more recent (last week) and the new manager at the venue wouldn't have any of it. I informed her during the Christmas period of past experiences with this so she was clued up straight away.

So Toby, I was not talking about your networking meetings etc...and as for the paranoia thing. Yes, I suppose I am a tad paranoid when it comes to my area.

I would like to know however WHY you haven't expected me to turn up at one of your meetings. I think that deserves an explanation. I have had reasons and the main ones being that I have had either bookings or Darts matches on when they are on.

I am sure your meetings are done well and they seem to be successful and growing. I don't need to see another video mate as I saw it the first time round. I am not saying I will never go to them. If I can then I will.

I have networked with people on the forum in the past. I have had gigs off people that hardly post on the forum which has surprised me. They don't know me from the next bloke but they have passed on gigs my way and they haven't been disappointed at all as far as I am aware. The feedback has been great.

Regarding Darren's comment - I can only agree. I don't go to any social gatherings at all because I have had other stuff to do etc. I am sure I will do one day.

OK so you've had THREE other companies try for your residencies?

This thread is about improving your Disco business. That is all the said operator/s are trying to do. IMPROVE their own business, No owner/operator is indespensible. You need to accept this will happen, even more so in the future.

2012 will see a big push from me and I will be very pro-active with my hunt for some bread and butter business. I will be contacting ALL local venues and hotels to offer my services on a resident basis. I also have myself booked in for a number of Wedding Fayres which is a first for me (I dont THINK you need to worry about any of YOUR venues Gary :D)

Networking is key. I WILL make an effort to meet quite a number of you from the forum over the coming year. First stop will be the next NADJ South Central meet.

Heres to profitable 2012 guys. I have a feeling it will be survival of the fittest.

Happy New Year :beer1: :beer1: :beer1:

[Excalibur]

Next month I'm Investing in two 40inch tv's, a licence which cost £600 to do VDJ (every year you have to pay this) !

Hold on there Musky ( one for our older viewers there. ;) :D :D ) if you are referring to the legendary and much loved Produb Licence ( I mentioned it once, but I think I got away with it. ;) Bit more recent, that one. ) then it may not be a large recurring annual cost. It certainly shouldn't be £600 per year. ( I'm fairly sure )

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Hold on there Musky ( one for our older viewers there. ;) :D :D ) if you are referring to the legendary and much loved Produb Licence ( I mentioned it once, but I think I got away with it. ;) Bit more recent, that one. ) then it may not be a large recurring annual cost. It certainly shouldn't be £600 per year. ( I'm fairly sure )

I think he's talking about video DJing and the VPL licence, but I don't think that covers you for ripping discs etc.

[yourdj]

I have had 3 other companies this year try to muscle in on one of my residencies.

I would like to know however WHY you haven't expected me to turn up at one of your meetings. I think that deserves an explanation. I have had reasons and the main ones being that I have had either bookings or Darts matches on when they are on.

I think its natural to be protective of business assets.
My venue (Careys) is great and gets loads of people all the time looking for business but the managers are happy with me and tell them to do one.

If a venue was happy for your services and willing to pay for it and then wanted to price haggle as someone else has come along then they are not worth bothering with. :)

Nothing personal as lots of people have said they will turn up made crap excuses - thats just normal with these things and Basingstoke is a distance from Southampton. :)


(I dont THINK you need to worry about any of YOUR venues Gary :D)

:agree:

in fact the meetigns we have actually make us think - as so-and-so is in that venue I will give that a miss etc. As there is a personal connection with other suppliers it makes it more of a nono to tout business from thier venues.

See you at the NADJ meeting - I am coming straight from Dereks thing in Reading.

[Ecstatic Events]

See you at the NADJ meeting - I am coming straight from Dereks thing in Reading.

When is the next meeting Toby?

I've spoken to 5 maybe 6 of the guys that attend these so I think it's about time I met them in person :D

[Shakermaker Promotions]

Yes Mike, THREE!
Totally agree that the thread is about how or what we are going to do to improve OUR businesses and that's why I edited out the comment when I posted originally, however....I felt the need to explain WHY I may feel a bit negative towards certain operators in my area. Hope that explains it a bit more easily for you.

To reply to a couple of your comments - Again, you're on the ball, well done. No'one is indespensible, that's true. That means you, me and anyone else. I have found that out in the past mate at a certain venue and I've mentioned it before. Some venues will go on the cheapest price possible so it doesn't matter if you have 100% positive feedback and bend over backwards to provide a brilliant, high quality service does it because some venues simply don't care.....and that's talking from experience.

Mike, there's saying you will do stuff and then there's actually doing it.
Good luck.

[Ecstatic Events]

Yes Mike, THREE!
Totally agree that the thread is about how or what we are going to do to improve OUR businesses and that's why I edited out the comment when I posted originally, however....I felt the need to explain WHY I may feel a bit negative towards certain operators in my area. Hope that explains it a bit more easily for you.

To reply to a couple of your comments - Again, you're on the ball, well done. No'one is indespensible, that's true. That means you, me and anyone else. I have found that out in the past mate at a certain venue and I've mentioned it before. Some venues will go on the cheapest price possible so it doesn't matter if you have 100% positive feedback and bend over backwards to provide a brilliant, high quality service does it because some venues simply don't care.....and that's talking from experience.

Mike, there's saying you will do stuff and then there's actually doing it.
Good luck.

Why be negative towards these operators? Business is business. I'll be treading on toes next year but I'm not going to grow my business sitting on my backside.

I know I've neglected the Disco side of things over the past few months, and you've made no bones about trying to tell me my heart isnt in it?

Rest assured, I'm embracing 2012 and pushing Basingstoke Discos as far as I can. I'm not just talking the talk here... I'm setting myself 10 targets/goals both personally and disco related.

I can't wait to have a storming year. I'll bear you in mind when I start to get REALLY busy :p :p :p :p

[Shakermaker Promotions]

I have no problem whatsoever in healthy competition locally because it gives the customers out there variety and a choice with who they want to go with for their entertainment. I am confiident in my ability and the service I provide and I have had great feedback. The only negative comments (and you could count them on half a hand) have been when I have had someone else do something for me.

I am sure you will be busy if you put everything into it as it doesn't get handed to you on a plate...
As I said, good luck to you. If this is definitely what you want to do and you go at it 100% without doubting yourself then I am sure you will do ok.

Like you, I'll be doing a lot more this year so we should BOTH be mega busy.

[Matty12]

I think he's talking about video DJing and the VPL licence, but I don't think that covers you for ripping discs etc.

Yes your right but the produb licence is included.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Yes your right but the produb licence is included.

The Pro-dub has nothing to do with video and as I said if you are ripping the Mixmash discs, you aren't covered by the VPL licence.

[DazzyD]

To be fair, I've done nowhere near as much as I could have done this year. For example, Chris (PPEntertainments) has done his best to encourage me to attend the NE DJ meets. I've attended one meeting in Darlington which I enjoyed and learned a lot (and not just about the real beer!! :D ). I really need to make the time to attend more of these meetings in the new year as I feel they could be invaluable given the current economic forecasts.


...
Heres to profitable 2012 guys. I have a feeling it will be survival of the fittest.
...

I think you could well be right. All's fair in love and war - and the DJ business!! ;)

[Matty12]

The Pro-dub has nothing to do with video and as I said if you are ripping the Mixmash discs, you aren't covered by the VPL licence.

Trust me it is well they said it is ive been in London and they have told me everything.

[Corabar Entertainment]

The VPL Mobile DJ Licence has NOTHING to do with the ripping of DVDs, etc. It purely relates to the public performance of videos at one-off events.
For the public performance of music videos/DVD/Hard Disk by the named licensee (individual mobile DJ) as specially featured
entertainment (e.g. Discotheque sessions, dances) as single events.
This tariff is a blanket fee to cover mobile DJ presentations by individual DJ's.
IT DOES NOT COVER THE FOLLOWING:
1. Permanent/regular engagements.
2. Consecutive events held in the same venue.
3. Events promoted by the mobile DJ.
In the cases of 1 and 2, further information should be provided to VPL so that licensing can be arranged with the individual
promoters concerned. In the case of 3, a separate licence application should be submitted by the mobile DJ.
It is the video equivalent of the PPL Mobile DJ Licence for recorded music.

The majority of us do not have / need either of these licences because we do not work at one-off public events (ie at venues that do not have their own licence because they regularly hold events, and for events that aren't just for invited family and friends).

I am not sure why you would need the VPL licence Matthew. What one-off public events do you work at?

In any event, the VPL Mobile DJ licence is currently £210+VAT pa, so you clearly have purchased more than this if you have paid out £600. It would be helpful if you checked exactly what licences you have purchased, Matthew and start a new thread to tell us so that we do not completely derail this one.

[yourdj]

When is the next meeting Toby?

I've spoken to 5 maybe 6 of the guys that attend these so I think it's about time I met them in person :D

Tom Burrel is running the next one so its up to him.

He is announcing it next week. :)

[Totally Plucked]

Anyway.........................Back on topic :)

I have improved my hire kit by selling my Mackie "Thumps" and replacing them with a superior QTX Sound QRC15A's :)

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Trust me it is well they said it is ive been in London and they have told me everything.

Trust you? You clearly have no idea what you are talking about or have been mis-informed.