Just read this article by Ken Peterson in the Disc Jockey News (one of the many publications I subscribe to in my effort to improve my service to you.) One of the frustrating things about being a mobile DJ is that almost EVERY call you get, almost EVERY email, invariably starts out the same way--"HOW MUCH DO YOU CHARGE?"
While that is a legitimate question, and one that certainly needs an answer in these economically challenged times, I like to understand what it is YOU'RE looking for, and what it is you need for YOUR event, and then create the soundtrack for YOUR PARTICULAR event, rather than throwing out a cookie-cutter service, for a cookie-cutter price. It takes a little more time and effort for both of us, but it gets YOU better results, and helps me to stand out from some local companies that send a 'rent-a-dj' with limited or no experience, to entertain at your once-in-a-lifetime event.
Ken asks that as a bride, you treat the process of finding your wedding entertainment the same way you would conduct a job interview for your 'wedding firm'--by asking about their history, experience, and qualifications, and NOT just asking for their price. Give this a read, and let me know what you think!
School is over, and you enter the employment hunt.
Your resume has all the pertinent information in clearly defined sections:
-How to reach you.
-Objectives.
-Summary of skills.
-List of Education.
-Additional training.
-Certificates and Accreditations.
-Work Experience.
-References.
You know the next step in the job search is to get that resume out.
You have a great cover letter that expresses how you found out about the job opening and sets up dialogue for scheduling an interview.
You take an extracurricular class or two on job interviews.
You have practiced the interview numerous times with friends, roommates, or maybe even a few family members.
You get the call - a company is interested. It's a company you have stock in, you speak well of to your friends, and you really want to work for this firm!
The appointment is set.
This is your big break! You have been preparing and waiting for this moment. You know your are ready; you have put in the work to make yourself the best choice for the position. It is now time to show this company you know what you are doing!
You are excited! You may even dress one step higher than appropriate for the line of work you are interviewing for.
You're there on time - actually 10 minutes early.
You can already envision working for this firm.
The HR Dept calls you in...
The only question asked is simply, "How much do we have to pay you?"
There is no greeting, no handshake, no welcome, no offer to sit down or get comfortable, no query about anything on the resume. HR doesn't probe about history, education, skill sets, references, or even if you are over or under qualified for the job... Just a lone question: "How Much Are You?"
You are on the spot. You are the interviewee. You need to answer that question.
Your mind runs wild, "What about my qualifications, why aren't they asking about those? The entire labor pool is out there; and I know I am the single best candidate for this position. Is this company really looking for the cheapest labor? What if I say, 'I want $xx,xxx per year salary.'? The next guy in the lobby is wearing tattered jeans and a stained t-shirt. He's got a ticket for the company to sign off from the placement referral service so he can continue to collect unemployment and furthermore he's absolutely clueless - I know he's going to ask for less."
Many couples that are planning a wedding unknowingly do this daily to many service providers within wedding entertainment field.
Engaged couples are at that stage in life where the job hunt is very fresh in their mind; either they are about to start the search, right in the middle of it, or were recently placed in a nice job environment.
Wedding Entertainers (mobile DJs) can be thought of as the candidates waiting in the lobby (your lobby - you are the employer). They offer a service and a willingness to work for you. Some DJs position themselves for the menial tasks. Others, the better ones, can become your right-hand.
Wedding DJs have a resume. It's their marketing: a website, their printed materials, an informational e-mail. They have references to check such as thank you cards, happy clients to email, and reviews found online. There is a confirmable work history: ask your other vendors if they have worked with the DJ before- ask your DJ about the vendors they've worked with. What about training, accreditations and certificates? What have they done to earn the spot in your wedding budget.
Have some fun, pay us DJs back with the same thing you are going through (or went through recently). Scrutinize. Find the right employee for your own "wedding firm."
Reprinted with permission from the Disc Jockey News and author Ken Petersen of Rapid City, SD. Ken is a freelance writer and entertainer who can be reached at: ken@kensmilestones.com
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