How you look, talk, write, act and work or perform determines whether you are a professional or an amateur. Society does not emphasize the importance of professionalism, so people tend to believe that amateur work is normal. Many people accept less-than-good results, or believe it is status quo. Average or below average is something that is accepted in the mobile DJ industry, and Disc Jockeys are praised simply because they showed up on time, dress appropriately or play a requested song. The word professional is defined as someone whose occupation requires extensive education or specialized training. It is also defined as a person who shows a high degree of skill or competence. A professional can make his or her job look easy. I believe one reason people get into the DJ business because it looks fun and it appears to be easy money. There are no regulations for mobile DJ’s, with the only a few requirements, equipment, music, & transportation.
Entertainment is a talent based business, even if you have the talent, you still need the education to be considered a professional. Ever seen American Idol? Many people truly believe they can sing yet very few have that raw talent to do so. However that does not mean they’re a professional singer. Ever heard of a voice coach? Many Disc Jockeys use the word “professional” loosely, whether it is on their websites,business cards or in conversation. Today there seem to be many experts mobile DJ’s with advise or instructional videos on how to become a professional DJ. Good education comes with a price, and if you are giving it away free, that only tells me you did not spend any time, effort, or money to get the proper education yourself. Where did you get your education? You can not become a doctor or a lawyer just by watching shows on TV. You do not see MIT professors teaching engineering classes on You Tube.
The difference between a professional & an amateur.
A professional continuously studies and learns every aspect of his/her job.
An amateur skips the learning process whenever possible.
A professional carefully seeks what their clients needs & wants are.
An amateur assumes what their needs are.
A professional looks, speaks and dresses like a professional.
An amateur is sloppy in appearance and speech.
A professional keeps his or her work area clean and orderly.
An amateur has a messy, or cluttered work area.
A professional is focused and clear-headed.
An amateur is easily confused and distracted.
A professional will take the time to get it done right.
An Amateur will use as little time possible, and hopes it turns out ok.
A professional does not let mistakes slide by, and will learn from those mistakes.
An amateur ignores or hides mistakes, and may blame others.
A professional jumps into difficult assignments.
An amateur tries to get out of difficult work.
A professional believes you can never stop learning.
An Amateur believes they know everything.
A professional completes projects as soon as possible.
An amateur is surrounded by unfinished work piled on top of unfinished work.
A professional remains level-headed and optimistic.
An amateur gets upset and assumes the worst.
A professional is willing to help with other peoples problems.
An amateur avoids others’ problems.
A professional uses higher emotional tones: Enthusiasm, cheerfulness, interest, contentment.
An amateur uses lower emotional tones: anger, hostility, resentment, fear, victim.
A professional persists until the objective is achieved.
An amateur gives up at the first opportunity.
A professional produces more than expected.
An amateur produces just enough to get by.
A professional produces a high-quality product or service or tools.
An amateur produces a medium-to-low quality product or service or tools.
A professional earns high pay.
An amateur earns low pay and feels it is unfair.
A professional has a promising future.
An amateur has an uncertain future.
Are you professional?
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We are fighting the good fight! I’m always saddened that there are a new crop of customers discovering our wedding and event industry each year and they don’t know what they are looking for, what to ask, what it costs and they may have resigned themselves to the thought that… “Well, that’s just the way DJs are.” and that because there are so many hobbyists doing it for cheap that those low prices seem to be the norm. I’m old enough to know that you get what you pay for. Thanks for the great post Mark.
Well said Mark. Thanks for sharing.