As a professional mobile DJ there are several important things that set us apart from those who may not take their services seriously. Now if you're a DJ who's just starting out and are looking to better themselves in the DJ industry this can help you go farther. Having the right tools to confirm with your new and current customers shows that you are creating a professional persona. Being able to work at any venue or facility is a necessary step to performing at more places.
If you look on craigslist or any classified ads website, there are numerous mobile DJs who advertise the lowest price and best deal with the most amazing packages. What many don't offer is peace of mind service. You'll very rarely see DJ Scratch'em Up at the Marriott Hotel or Ritz Carlton. Why is this? Most hotels build relationships with their vendors and require liability insurance, business license, references, etc. Some may require none, some may require only liability insurance. But having the important pieces to perform at a wedding or corporate affair will get you in the door. Having liability insurance is an absolute plus for vendors to work at many facilities. The standard is $1,000,000 to $2,000,000. You can obtain insurance from several places for as little as $350. Two places that have specific mobile DJ insurance are WEDJ.com and RV Nuccio insurance. It's easy to sign up and print your forms. Some facilities will ask for you to be additionally insured which is basically the same as sending over your liability insured form. The only extra thing you need on the form is in a small box at the bottom where the specific title of the venue and address are required. Your insurance company can fill this in for you. I guarantee having liability insurance will show your true professionalism and allow you to perform just about anywhere.
A professional website and planning tools is another great feature you can offer your customers. Having party or wedding planning forms and timelines will give your customer an added option to telling you exactly what they want. Custom music lists and announcement forms will give you exactly what you need to look and sound like a professional while mixing music and coordinating the announcements and activities. A couple of companies online that offer integrated planning tools are wedj.com (Gigbuilder DJ) and DJ Intelligence. Both have different features but have similar qualities.
Another tip for performing as a professional is attire. I have seen a lot of DJs who show up to wedding receptions wearing a polo shirt and pants or a plain white T-shirt and pants. If the affair requires formal attire make sure you at least have some very nice presentable dress shirts and pants with a coat and tie. You can even buy a couple pairs of black pants and vest. Something simple but stylish will help guests remember you as the (DEEJAY) not the guy who was playing music.
The last tip that is a must to being a professional is PREPARATION! Too many DJs show up and slap the show together. Having all the music checked off the list, the songs in a folder for the reception or party and the sheets with everyone's names being introduces is soooooooo important. Practice the names being introduced or even some of your announcements on the mic. Go over at least once or twice with your customer the outline and information so you know what you're doing. So many DJs show up and hope that they have what is needed. This is a key piece in being the best! Being prepared will show your true professionalism.
What is something you do before heading to a gig?
- Billman
DJ Miami
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