It's been a long while since I've put anything down on the Edmonton Wedding DJ Blog. Mostly because it's been really busy during the "slowest months of the year". I've been focusing on a lot of things, like marketing materials and sales...all that boring business stuff.
We've been booking weddings like crazy, along with several corporate Christmas parties. If the trends continue, we'll have a pretty darn good year, and should be able to keep food on the table and a roof over our heads.
I've been reading a book by one of the DJ Industry's influential people, Larry Williams. It's called "Mind Your Own Business", a book of ethical standards for DJ's. Hmmm, ethical. There's a lot of people out there who aren't.
To me, ethical starts with our interactions with the customers. Always treat every single one of them as it's an honour to be chosen to be a part of their event. Listen to what they want and envision out of that event. Then, promise what you can do. The most important part of the step - MAKE IT HAPPEN. Now, that doesn't mean that we can't have an off night, everyone does once in a while (and I despise it if it happens), but if we truly did everything we could to make sure the crowd had a good time, then we can't hang our heads.
Beyond your direct interactions with the customers, how about "unseen" things? Like using a music subscription. Customers don't really care where the music comes from, but being an ethical person, I do. The artists that put out the music for our enjoyment should be paid accordingly when we add their songs to our library. So, a legal, licensed music subscription is the direction I take. They provide 99% of what you hear on the radio, too. With radio edits, so we can play to school-aged crowds, too, without upsetting parents or teachers. No illegally downloaded music here.
Next up, Association memberships. Associations usually mean a company is taking what they do seriously. They also usually mean certain standards must be upheld, as customers can complain to associations a business is part of....our memberships in the Alberta Association of Mobile Entertainers, as well as Edmonton Tourism (and soon to be a few more) hopefully show a little bit of our commitment to excellence for our customers. At least, I hope so. It's how I see it, anyway.
Insurance. What if something tragic happens? Who will be held responsible? The Bride and Groom? Well, if a DJ doesn't have insurance, it could happen. You never know what direction lawyers will take. It's good to ask if a company is carrying liability insurance, just in case.
But, most of all, it's going out and not being a _____________ (insert name here) when on performance. Do as discussed with the clients. Have as much of their music as possible. Don't tell inappropriate jokes. Don't play cheesy games if they don't want them. Don't solicit tips (if you're good enough, you'll get 'em). Don't drink. Stay the heck off your phone during the dance. This is the part people see.
It's been a long time since I've blogged, hopefully, it's not too long before it happens again!
Until next time, keep fit and have fun!
Tarcy
Advanced DJ Services
Edmonton Wedding DJ
Edmonton Corporate DJ
booking@advanceddj.ca
780-235-3866
