Find the Right DJ for Your Party
This may be the first time you’ve ever hosted a big party.
I’m sure you want your event to be a fantastic fun celebration,
one where you and your guests will always remember. You’ve
got the location, food and decor set, and now you have one last
detail that should not be overlooked. Finding the right Disc Jockey
entertainment. If this is the one and only time you ever need to
hire a DJ, it’s a good idea to get it right the first time.
If you are searching on line for a DJ, you may find literally hundreds
to choose from. The first thing you should keep in mind is
that…NOT ALL DJ’s ARE THE SAME! And searching for a DJ based on
the cheapest price is the BIGGEST MISTAKE people make
everyday, only to figure that out after the party is over. It’s OK to
ask about price, but I suggest making it your last question. A DJ is
a personalized service not a commodity, and it’s important to find out
what your getting for the price, because what people really
want is, the best VALUE FOR YOUR MONEY.
The DJ you do choose will be the one representing you on the
microphone, therefore it’s important to find someone you’re
comfortable and confident with. A successful party is one where you
and your guests have a great time. 80% of that success falls
on the shoulders of the entertainment. If the entertainment is bad
people will leave early with negative memories.
The overall success of your party is in the hands of your DJ.
What to look for…
Experience: Disc Jockeys that have been in business for a long time
speaks volumes. There is a reason for longevity, they must be doing
something right.
Experienced DJ’s are most likely to be able to handle many different
situations that may occur. Be sure your DJ has experience in the type
of event your celebrating. If your event is a wedding, it’s extremely
vital that the DJ is an expert in this field since weddings are not like
any other type of event, and it requires much more responsibility, skill,
and training.
References: Referrals is a great way to find a good DJ. Get referrals
from other event professionals, and ask the DJ for referrals from their
past clients. I recommend asking for references from the last 10 events
the DJ performed. A very good DJ should not have a problem giving you
the names, dates, and email’s of their past 10 clients. If the DJ did a
fantastic job at these events the clients should be happy to give you
a reference.
Beware, some vendors, mainly on-site banquet managers are paid to
give out names of disc jockeys. This is called kickbacks, and your not
guaranteed a quality DJ.
Full-Time Pro: Very few mobile DJ’s are full-time professionals, if your
planning a very important once-in-a-lifetime celebration like a wedding,
I suggest hiring a full time professional. Full-time pros will give you full-
time attention, proper planning and preparation of your event, and will
seek continued education in their field. Part-time DJ’s simply can’t put
in the time to get educated, and properly plan or prepare for your
special day. Their full-time day job holds priority over your event. If
they were really that good performing as a DJ wouldn’t they do it for
a full-time living? Sure you can get time-timers cheaper but expect
much less talent and quality of service.
Expertise: You wouldn’t hire an Italian caterer to serve Mexican food
for your party, why would you hire a Karaoke DJ to do your
wedding entertainment. Each mobile DJ will have a specialty whether
it’s kids events to corporate events or weddings. If a DJ tells you
that they specialize in everything, I personally believe they just care
more about your money then the outcome of your event. Your going
to get the best results when you find a DJ that specializes in the type
of event your celebrating.
Education: Only 10% of all mobile DJ’s in the industry have proper
education and specialized training they need to legitimately be a
professional. You don’t need a degree to be a mobile DJ. Proper
education and training is only an option. Many multi-system sub-
contracting companies only require a DJ to have equipment, music,
and transportation. Could you do your job
well without the proper training and education? Ask a potential DJ
where they received their education.
Talent: Anyone can press play, or make an announcement on a
microphone, but does make them a talented professional?
No. The Mobile Disc Jockey industry is a TALENT BASED SERVICE.
Many people believe being a DJ is easy, fun, and anyone
can do it. There are many folks that can pony up the money for
really nice equipment and are capable of plugging in and playing
some tunes, but very few who have enough talent and experience
in entertaining an audience and organizing the smooth flow of
a reception to fill the thimble.
Before you book the DJ…
It is VERY IMPORTANT to meet with your DJ (the one that will be
at your event) before you make any commitment. I suggest
meeting with a few DJ’s to see what they have to offer. Also go
with your gut feeling, you should feel completely confident and
comfortable with the DJ you choose, if not, imagine how you will
feel the day of the event. Ask all the important questions. It won’t
matter what price the DJ charges if the DJ is not a good match for
you.
If the price sounds to good to be true, it probably is. DJ’s will charge
what they believe their worth.
The price you pay for entertainment is proportional to the quality
you receive, which is proportional to the success of your event.
