We know Dr. J (Julius Erving) is not a real doctor, he was a great professional
NBA basketball player for the 76ers. A friend named him “The Doctor” because of
the way we could slice through defenses and “operate” on his opponents.
Yet when someone adds the letters DJ in front of their name people believe that
person is a real Disc Jockey. The mobile DJ industry is not regulated, anyone
can proclaim to be a DJ. The mobile DJ industry is saturated with self proclaimed
professional Disc Jockeys and misinform people about what a real professional DJ
is and what he/she does..
The fact is, nearly 80% of all mobile DJ’s are part-time hobbyist,
and not real professionals.
Just because someone owns sound equipment and knows how to plug it in and
press play doesn’t instantly make them a professional DJ. First, this is a talent
based business, and if you have the talent one needs years of training and
experience to be considered professional.
NBA basketball player for the 76ers. A friend named him “The Doctor” because of
the way we could slice through defenses and “operate” on his opponents.
Yet when someone adds the letters DJ in front of their name people believe that
person is a real Disc Jockey. The mobile DJ industry is not regulated, anyone
can proclaim to be a DJ. The mobile DJ industry is saturated with self proclaimed
professional Disc Jockeys and misinform people about what a real professional DJ
is and what he/she does..
The fact is, nearly 80% of all mobile DJ’s are part-time hobbyist,
and not real professionals.
Just because someone owns sound equipment and knows how to plug it in and
press play doesn’t instantly make them a professional DJ. First, this is a talent
based business, and if you have the talent one needs years of training and
experience to be considered professional.
How can you tell if a mobile DJ is professional or amateur?
A professional DJ will have proof of their skills and talent. Today many DJ’s will
have video performances on their website or on YouTube. A non professional
DJ’s will only show video of short segments of a full dance floor or show off their
DJ gear and lighting.
What you won’t see is their talent and skill i.e. transitions from one song to the next.
Non-pros do not know how to segue, or beat match music properly, nor do they know
how to program and format music.
have video performances on their website or on YouTube. A non professional
DJ’s will only show video of short segments of a full dance floor or show off their
DJ gear and lighting.
What you won’t see is their talent and skill i.e. transitions from one song to the next.
Non-pros do not know how to segue, or beat match music properly, nor do they know
how to program and format music.
Also you won’t find too many videos of non-pros speaking on the microphone
at a live event. If you do, it means they believe it’s good. But from the repetitive
phrases to screaming on the mic it’s hard to watch or listen to.
Just because a DJ talks on a mic does not mean their a talented MC
(Master of Ceremonies).
If you watch closely you may notice a complete disconnect from their audience.
Also check the DJ’s rates. If the rates are low they simply cannot support a
lifestyle, let alone run a business. Lastly if you call a DJ business and they do not
answer the phone or they don’t get back with you until after 5:00pm there is
a good chance that DJ is working at his full-time day job. Professionals run a
business full-time.
at a live event. If you do, it means they believe it’s good. But from the repetitive
phrases to screaming on the mic it’s hard to watch or listen to.
Just because a DJ talks on a mic does not mean their a talented MC
(Master of Ceremonies).
If you watch closely you may notice a complete disconnect from their audience.
Also check the DJ’s rates. If the rates are low they simply cannot support a
lifestyle, let alone run a business. Lastly if you call a DJ business and they do not
answer the phone or they don’t get back with you until after 5:00pm there is
a good chance that DJ is working at his full-time day job. Professionals run a
business full-time.
Do you want DJ gear or a great party?
A colleague and mentor Mark Ferrell use to ask “If you go to Home Depot to
to buy a drill, do you really want that drill? No! You want a hole. The drill is
just a tool you need to get the result.
Another way to differentiate a pro from an amateur is from their website. A pro
DJ’s website will focus more how they can help make your event unique,
personalize, fun, and memorable. The amateur’s website will focus more on the
type of equipment they use with pictures of their gear and will base their event
packages on the amount of DJ gear they need to bring.
Therefore amateurs will proudly post set pricing on their website like an equipment
rental company & not a personalized service. It costs much less to rent equipment
and an amateurs rates are consistent with pro-audio equipment rental company rates.
Your clients want a great party not your DJ gear.
to buy a drill, do you really want that drill? No! You want a hole. The drill is
just a tool you need to get the result.
 |
| from the same DJ as pictured above |
Another way to differentiate a pro from an amateur is from their website. A pro
DJ’s website will focus more how they can help make your event unique,
personalize, fun, and memorable. The amateur’s website will focus more on the
type of equipment they use with pictures of their gear and will base their event
packages on the amount of DJ gear they need to bring.
Therefore amateurs will proudly post set pricing on their website like an equipment
rental company & not a personalized service. It costs much less to rent equipment
and an amateurs rates are consistent with pro-audio equipment rental company rates.
Your clients want a great party not your DJ gear.
A talented professional will be happy to provide videos of his or her skills.
A pro will always use the best in pro audio equipment and will have back up.
Do you ever ask a carpenter about the type of tools he uses before he builds
your home?
A pro DJ will want to know all the details about your event and custom craft a
pricing package to best fit your needs. A pro DJ should also provide proof of
credentials i.e. past and continued education, training
received, experience, etc..
A pro will always use the best in pro audio equipment and will have back up.
Do you ever ask a carpenter about the type of tools he uses before he builds
your home?
A pro DJ will want to know all the details about your event and custom craft a
pricing package to best fit your needs. A pro DJ should also provide proof of
credentials i.e. past and continued education, training
received, experience, etc..
Got Talent or Just Equipment?
Mark Sanchez
AZDJService.com
AZDJService.com
