Friday, September 16, 2011

Speed Quality Price

I Want It All…And I Want It NOW! Not to mention CHEAP.

This is a big misconception by many clients in this industry that look to book quality DJ entertainment for their event. They know they need a DJ with a solid reputation and recognition, which is good. That means that high quality, talented DJ's are in high demand, which means work for good DJ's. But work shouldn’t leave a DJ with a bad taste in their mouth. Clients are under considerable stress to pull off a successful event. Deadlines, budgets, etc. all cause a client headaches.

This point is well taken. It also should be known that a license to be demanding can prohibit the DJ for doing a successful event and performing at a high level. If a client dictates a timeline that is unmanageable, the professional entertainer should be allowed to educate them in the nuances of the requirements for a successful event. If an unreasonable figure for financial compensation is offered, again the client must be willing to learn why cost is presented at a figure that is labeled as "value" for said services. DJOC has highly skilled and talented professional entertainers that have a reputation that is built upon hundreds if not thousands of successful events. This reputation needs to be acknowledged as well as trusted and the compensation should be reflected as such. The value for a DJ with their talent, professionalism and experience is going to usually be a premium as most DJ's who are in high demand are sticklers for details and know that they are only as good as their next, not last, performance.

That is why you sought such talent and that is why you want to hire such talent because they are putting their DNA on your event.

The DJ’s DNA and fingerprint on the event is what is going to make the event special and unique. The same way said DJ’s fingerprint are on the vinyl or CDJ's, along with the mixer faders, are making the music special.

If you’re not willing to pay for the talent, there are usually alternatives within DJOC and other top notch entertainment and management agencies. You will still receive incredible music consultation to insure success. Or you can go another route and you can be sure to expect that the performance will be less than stellar if you do not select an agency or performer who has a history of excellence and a commitment to providing you with their absolute very best.

Another misfortune is that many clients are simply unaware of the considerations in which said talent/performer/entertainment are already well versed.

Common examples:

· Equipment Issues

· Venue Issues

· Personnel Issues

A client may be unaware of, overlook, or simply forget, that the entertainment is often supplying the sound equipment (or other equipment for that matter such as lighting or multimedia presentation gear) for an ENTIRE event, i.e., the ceremony, reception, and possible wireless set up for the balcony after party, not just during their specific performance time. If the entertainment is supplying this equipment, they can expect to be paid for in doing so. If not, the entertainment would pack up upon completion of their performance and leave.

Also, some venues, like the Andrew Mellon Auditorium in Washington DC, are GSA Buildings that have specific loading and unloading requirements. These considerations require additional planning and manpower so that procedures are properly followed, hence…additional fees.

Finally, there are the personnel issues. A premium talent will need the proper support staff such as an operation liaison and equipment handlers present during the entire event. This is what is required for the event to operate properly.

The bottom line is that there are many items of considerations that are unique to a particular events. This is why the client wants to hire these performers. Never compromise on quality as this is the foundation for insuring a spectacular event. These things come at a level of compensation a client, who wants the best and demands the best, should be more than ready to contract.

Remember, you want a great event, therefore, hire a great entertainer.

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