Another event planner and I were recently invited to speak to an association of DJs who are trying to improve the image of the industry. There is a trend with the prevailing economy to not hire a DJ. In a few cases it's a cost issue. In others, it is usually because of a horrible experience with a marriage DJ during the past. The group wanted to know what clients look out for when interviewing and hiring a DJ to play the best wedding songs. The following thoughts came out of the discussion.
Clients wish to know that their DJ and other pros working at their event will supply the best possible experience; they'd like to know the DJ is there to serve them and help make them and their event successful. Clients wish to meet their DJ in advance; they don't like having a stranger show up at their event. They desire somebody they know and with whom they can share any special points related to their family or another situation. They don't wish to be blindsided by insensitive, and potentially humiliating, actions, even though it's unintended. This is vital when handling divorced families and cultural and spiritual issues.
The DJ should arrive on time and be set up before the event starts. He/she should be dressed suitably, both for the formality of the event and the event location. He/she should have all the apparatus they require including microphones and lapel mic, if required. If a table is employed, bring a table-cloth.
Equipment should be up-to-date and in good repair. Workers should be adequately trained in its use.
Music should not contain controversial words or in any fashion be offensive to guests of any age. The DJ should find out in advance what the customer considers acceptable and what they don't need played, then don't accept requests for anything not pre-approved by the customer.
Don't attempt to be the centre of attention; that is the responsibility of the bride-to-be and groom, not the DJ. Don't talk too much; you aren't a radio personality. The bride and groom have to be introduced only once, not every half hour.
Be a team member with the event coordinator, shutter-bug, facility executive and any other person working the event. Don't make changes to a written agenda offered by the clients or event planner without permission. You don't know what eventualities or family dynamics might be involved and who you can offend. Be certain you read any written information given to you.
Don't try and force the clients into your mold; if they don't like to dance or it is not appropriate in their religion or culture, be sensitive. If they have other issues, respect them.
Don't drink on the job. You are there to work, not socialize, and the clients expect that you are going to be at your best.
Don't engage in group participation activities or games without prior approval from the hosts. They aren't acceptable for each group.
Don't nickel and dime the customer. Upcharging for every item doesn't go over well. Instead , if you must charge for something, include it in your charge; don't bill it separately. If something occurs and you need to play for an additional 10 or 15 minutes (the limousine doesn't arrive on time, etc.), don't make a big deal about it in front of the customer.
As in every industry, by putting the customer first and considering the effect of our behaviour on them, we as executives can help create a nice and remarkable event or we may be the basis of the bad memories. Let's target the good.
Clients wish to know that their DJ and other pros working at their event will supply the best possible experience; they'd like to know the DJ is there to serve them and help make them and their event successful. Clients wish to meet their DJ in advance; they don't like having a stranger show up at their event. They desire somebody they know and with whom they can share any special points related to their family or another situation. They don't wish to be blindsided by insensitive, and potentially humiliating, actions, even though it's unintended. This is vital when handling divorced families and cultural and spiritual issues.
The DJ should arrive on time and be set up before the event starts. He/she should be dressed suitably, both for the formality of the event and the event location. He/she should have all the apparatus they require including microphones and lapel mic, if required. If a table is employed, bring a table-cloth.
Equipment should be up-to-date and in good repair. Workers should be adequately trained in its use.
Music should not contain controversial words or in any fashion be offensive to guests of any age. The DJ should find out in advance what the customer considers acceptable and what they don't need played, then don't accept requests for anything not pre-approved by the customer.
Don't attempt to be the centre of attention; that is the responsibility of the bride-to-be and groom, not the DJ. Don't talk too much; you aren't a radio personality. The bride and groom have to be introduced only once, not every half hour.
Be a team member with the event coordinator, shutter-bug, facility executive and any other person working the event. Don't make changes to a written agenda offered by the clients or event planner without permission. You don't know what eventualities or family dynamics might be involved and who you can offend. Be certain you read any written information given to you.
Don't try and force the clients into your mold; if they don't like to dance or it is not appropriate in their religion or culture, be sensitive. If they have other issues, respect them.
Don't drink on the job. You are there to work, not socialize, and the clients expect that you are going to be at your best.
Don't engage in group participation activities or games without prior approval from the hosts. They aren't acceptable for each group.
Don't nickel and dime the customer. Upcharging for every item doesn't go over well. Instead , if you must charge for something, include it in your charge; don't bill it separately. If something occurs and you need to play for an additional 10 or 15 minutes (the limousine doesn't arrive on time, etc.), don't make a big deal about it in front of the customer.
As in every industry, by putting the customer first and considering the effect of our behaviour on them, we as executives can help create a nice and remarkable event or we may be the basis of the bad memories. Let's target the good.
About the Author:
RIchard Barker is the founder of WeddingApproved.com, a site that aids in finding a wedding dj as well asdesigning wedding invitations.
No comments:
Post a Comment