Training

[Rob Peters]

Hey kids...

In addition to the Conferences and Conventions that are out there, including Idea Sharing, how do you gain more knowledge as a DJ and Entertainer?

Do you buy videos ?

Would you be willing to pay for a seminar in your area ? How much would you pay for continuing education to improve your business and performance ?

[HeadlineDJ]

I'm from NW UK.. (England)

I doubt I will ever attend a seminar round here that is if there ever was one..

Not wanting to blow my own trumpet but for business management and the wy I conduct my DJ Business Professionally, I am way ahead of the others around here.

Competitors round here are real fierce,, if they could put you out of business they would..

Hence why I prefer visiting USA forums more so than UK forums..

Though I do Moderate a UK forum which is mainly a place to have a laugh than to discuss Pro issues. :krazy

[Eclipse]

Read books, buy videos, or scan the boards is usually how I get most of them. We do have a local network and a couple of guys that I have become friends with to ask if I need some help.

Would I pay for a local conference: Yes, but as you know Rob there seems to be a problem with attendence.

[Bill Hollick]

Rob,

For me the DJ Boards are a very good source of information because I'm easily able to question those in the know, unlike reading a book or a piece in a magazine. That said, I think real world training sessions, where a quality facilitator and willing participants are all in the same room, can have tremendous value if they are prepared for and conducted properly.

As for how much I'm willing to pay, it would depend greatly on the content and it's applicability to my style of work. For example, I consider myself an accomplished dance instructor so I would only attend a DJ Dance Camp if it was very inexpensive. On the other hand I am weak in the Promotion / Advertising side of the business so I'd be interested in attending a more expensive seminar if it was solid on either or both of those two topics.

If I learn of a 2.5 to 3 hour, mid week seminar on a topic of interest, within reasonable driving distance, for $50 to $60, I'll probably be there. Like everyone else here I'm running an entertainment business and trying to have a life so I could not attend too many seminars in any given year. My capacity for such training would probably be along the lines of one seminar every other month or quarterly.

You didn't ask but, when I go to a training seminar, I don't need a meal or even snacks. A pitcher of water on the table and a clean glass works for me.

[Jim Casey]

Well Rob as you have seen I have driven many hours to attend seminars, Idea Sharings etc.

I admit I own ZERO videos, but do learn a ton from Online Forums such as this one.

[DJMC]

I feel truly blessed by all of the great advice and camraderie that is provided by these various boards.

My biggest regret of 2004 is that I am going to miss LV.

It is mind boggling to realize how ignorant I used to be (back in the late 90's) about interactivity, Karaoke, and customer service skills.

But despite my boneheadedness, my instincts for self-improvement took over and (with daughter Allie's help) DJ-MC Entertainment was born. I've got a "new attitude" and have undergone a transformation in the process. Sometimes I miss the "old DJ-MC" (the cantankerous SOB who would argue about anything) but now there's Jay Tea Vegas to piss everyone off (Just kidding Jay). Sometimes I wish JTV would come over here and we could get some real "battles" going again.

Just got a call from a National multi-op owner (won't mention any names to protect the guilty---hehe) who I used to "spar" with online, and we've become friends. He didn't take any of my good-natured criticism seriously back when, but I found honey attracts more flies than vinegar (don't know if I got that right!)
Point is its better to be on good terms with everyone, and be more Politically Correct. There is so much we can learn from these boards!



PS: I don't own any videos, but I've heard that Randy Bartlett's is pretty good [img]style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/wink.gif[/img]

[djdonny]

I gain the most by learning from other creative DJs at parties and events I attend. Even the worst DJs may try something I hadn't thought of, but of course, I usually learn what "not" to do from them.

Unfortunately, I'd be able to attend more of the events that I'm invited to if I weren't already booked for many of the same dates! But there were a few times that I attended events right after finishing my own, still dressed in my DJ tux.

[jay tea vegas]

Im Jay Tea and Im a DJ (30 yrs to include Radio 1974 til 76 clubs 81-95 and mobile 89- present, KJ from 92- present) Im attending my first local meeting of the minds here in BC Canada........ Matt Im sure that surprises you and Im even nastier in person j/k. I hope to make friends on this sight . But as Matt and a few others here might testify , I like a good slugfest so to speak if the opportunity knocks. Hope to meet all of you one way or another in here.

[DJMC]

OOOOOOOOOHhhhhhhhhh NOOOOOOOOOOOOOoooooooooo!

(Now, where's Teddyrock when you need him!)

[img]style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.gif[/img]