First contact. Phone or email.

[Excalibur]

I've noticed a couple of NaD enquiries where all or part of the reason given for choosing the DJ was that they had phoned before emailing. They seemed to think it was more polite this way.

To me, it's akin to cold calling, as the person at the other end is likely to have no idea of your experience, suitability, or anything else helpful. If they've already read an informative email from you, then they already have an idea of what you can offer.

I'm always delighted to speak to possible clients once they've read my email, and believe it can answer any questions arising, but I'm loath to ring up and utter the immortal lines ", I'm a DJ, I'm free on the 97th of Febroobarb, what else would you like to know"?

What I'd be interested in hearing is, firstly whether you'd ring first if possible, or email first, and secondly, if you did ring first, how would you structure the call? It appears to me that ringing up and asking the possible client " what would you like to know "? is not the way forward.

Over to you folks, the floor's yours.

[funkymook]

I've noticed a couple of NaD enquiries where all or part of the reason given for choosing the DJ was that they had phoned before emailing. They seemed to think it was more polite this way.

To me, it's akin to cold calling, as the person at the other end is likely to have no idea of your experience, suitability, or anything else helpful. If they've already read an informative email from you, then they already have an idea of what you can offer.

I'm always delighted to speak to possible clients once they've read my email, and believe it can answer any questions arising, but I'm loath to ring up and utter the immortal lines ", I'm a DJ, I'm free on the 97th of Febroobarb, what else would you like to know"?

What I'd be interested in hearing is, firstly whether you'd ring first if possible, or email first, and secondly, if you did ring first, how would you structure the call? It appears to me that ringing up and asking the possible client " what would you like to know "? is not the way forward.

Over to you folks, the floor's yours.

They have the option for email only so if they choose phone as well then it’s acceptable to make that your first contact, they asked for it!

Try opening the conversation with something like ‘tell me about your party/wedding, what are you looking for....?’ so they give you some information you can expand on (understanding and matching their needs).

[soundscapes]

I would respond with an email asking when would be the most appropriate time to ring them to discuss their requirements further or words to that affect. That way you get to speak to them when its most convenient to them and its not really cold callng. People have busy lives nowadays and if you ring at the wrong time they may not appreciate it

[musicology]

I do ring but have had some that seem irritated by the call and I have been told to put it all in an email. Maybe one of the couple is happy to take calls and the other isn't. Or perhaps they have had several calls. Who knows? The previous post maybe the way to go in future!

[Nakatomi]

Phoning. All the email enquiries I get start with how much and I've not had much joy converting them. Phone enquiries on the other hand.... They get steered towards talking about what they want pretty darn quick & I've a 75% conversion rate so far. Mind I still wish customer calls would outnumber marketing companies... Grrr

[funkymook]

I would respond with an email asking when would be the most appropriate time to ring them to discuss their requirements further or words to that affect. That way you get to speak to them when its most convenient to them and its not really cold callng. People have busy lives nowadays and if you ring at the wrong time they may not appreciate it

It’s not cold calling if they’ve ticked the option for telephone calls, and you just ask if it’s convenient for them to talk at the moment.

Look at it from an average member of the public’s viewpoint. With all the other emails from DJ’s they’re gong to be receiving why should they bother emailing you back and then waiting for your call at the arranged time just to get the information that a dozen others have already supplied? At that point you are no different to any other DJ, apart from you’re making them do extra work.

They’ve asked for a phone-call - give ‘em a ring and have a chat!


I do ring but have had some that seem irritated by the call and I have been told to put it all in an email. Maybe one of the couple is happy to take calls and the other isn't. Or perhaps they have had several calls. Who knows? The previous post maybe the way to go in future!

Or possibly they’re wading through two dozen emails as they didn’t realise they’d get so much response?

If you are going to respond by phone then it needs to be done straightaway before they get too many email responses or other calls, the longer you leave the call the less effective it will be.

[yourdj]

Personally i would want them to have a good look at my website first so they know what i did. This would be sent with an email and "from prices", with an option to be sent a brochure & full price list.

If I ever used a phone, then I would probably call them following that if on NAD. Depends on your business really I guess? So maybe an email then follow up phone call if they respond, unless they ring you? I would not feel comfortable calling them straight out (but i hate phones), despite their clear intent on being contacted like that. All you would get is "what, who when did you get my number" or "Sorry, I'm at work", "How much, my mate has a disco and does it for £100". If your going in on a good price then fine, but not great for someone reasonably well priced as the client will not know you from adam so unless they have seriously done their research and met loads of other suppliers, I would imagine the conversation would be a bit difficult, unless they had specified a time for you to call them.

For a decent profitable business marketing strategy, the 5 points of contact comes into call here i think (especially for weddings), ending perhaps in a sit down consultation at the venue? :)


Phoning. All the email enquiries I get start with how much and I've not had much joy converting them. Phone enquiries on the other hand.... They get steered towards talking about what they want pretty darn quick & I've a 75% conversion rate so far. Mind I still wish customer calls would outnumber marketing companies... Grrr

I do 95% of initial enquiries by email and never really use the phone unless someone is adamant to call me. I think it depends on strategy really and who you attract. i have tons of information and videos to link to online so that really works for me. Having said that I had an emailphobe earlier and had to call a very shy bride. Did a good job I guess as she has just booked all day. :)

[Excalibur]

Personally i would want them to have a good look at my website first so they know what i did.

Toby, I find myself broadly in agreement with you.

[Benny Smyth]

Toby, I find myself broadly in agreement with you.

http://gifrific.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/Chris-Farley-Sunglasses-Flip-Shock.gif

[yourdj]

Toby, I find myself broadly in agreement with you.

Oh good i have not offended anyone also. :banana:

[Excalibur]

Oh good i have not offended anyone also. :banana:

The day is young, Toby, the day is young. ;)

[CRAZY K]

I've noticed a couple of NaD enquiries where all or part of the reason given for choosing the DJ was that they had phoned before emailing. They seemed to think it was more polite this way.

To me, it's akin to cold calling, as the person at the other end is likely to have no idea of your experience, suitability, or anything else helpful. If they've already read an informative email from you, then they already have an idea of what you can offer.

I'm always delighted to speak to possible clients once they've read my email, and believe it can answer any questions arising, but I'm loath to ring up and utter the immortal lines ", I'm a DJ, I'm free on the 97th of Febroobarb, what else would you like to know"?

What I'd be interested in hearing is, firstly whether you'd ring first if possible, or email first, and secondly, if you did ring first, how would you structure the call? It appears to me that ringing up and asking the possible client " what would you like to know "? is not the way forward.

Over to you folks, the floor's yours.

We are in a different business but also similar:rolleyes:

Our strategies are focussed on email quotes outlining benefits and supported by videos and pictures plus links to the websites.

In fact all my personal quotes starting this year have half a dozen videos---which puts pressure on the competition --as most dont have any:D

I now also finish with a personal picture at the bottom of the email to set the scene--thats aready converted one client who said I was unaffordable--but suddenly changed their mind.

Although we dont phone many people we get plenty of enquiry messages to phone back--so we do !!!!!

I think a quick fact find call is fine-- rather than we have lots of big speakers --probably most DJs have got rid of those except me :D:D:D and we rarely quote figures over the phone as often its an agency job so we dont know the actual price-- unless pushed in which case usually its too expensive and goodbye--but generally people will accept a written quote.

Particularly useful for Committee Meetings and joint events when the person gathering information forgets to write down most of the selling points you have made.:mad:

We have been amazed at some of the written quotes that have been accepted despite our lack of enthusiasm that they would ever go ahead!

Theres no guaranteed way really, you just have to use tried and tested methods of your own and try different things as we are this year.

Weirdly in the past many of my best paying gigs have been conducted by email and no phone contact.

Confusing--yup:daft::daft::daft:

[ukpartydj]

I would prefer to work with emails with NaD first however if they provide a phone number others can get in contact and make more of an impression making it harder for your email to stand out.
Half the time on the phone I don't provide much information of much use to them it's more about being friendly and interested.

[ppentertainments]

Something I may need to look at, but for me I prefer email every time. To be honest if I get an enquiry by phone I basically just get an email to send over further information.

[yourdj]

Was about a text saying "thanks from Excalibur, we have emailed you the details, please feel free to email of phone us"
You can also send a link to your website so they can click through on their phones?

Thats assuming they leave a mobile no?
I think that shows attention to detail and is not too in your face.

[Excalibur]

They have the option for email only so if they choose phone as well then it’s acceptable to make that your first contact, they asked for it!

Try opening the conversation with something like ‘tell me about your party/wedding, what are you looking for....?’ so they give you some information you can expand on (understanding and matching their needs).

Just had an NaD enquiry a couple of hours ago where preferred contact method was " Telephone anytime ".

I did.


" Can you call me tomorrow, I'm entertaining at the moment" ? For heavens sake!! :mad:

Update: Rang today, as arranged. Went to answerphone. I'm losing the will to live. :(