Frustrations Of Being A Single Operator

[Jim Casey]

Well, today I had two more solid leads I literally had to toss away (well to the Network anyway) because I have been booked for months

Hot dates so far this year

Jun 12 - 5 inquiries
Jun 19 - 4 in 4 days, 8 total
Jun 26 - 5


I know there are more, but I am just making the point. It's hard for me to get to 40 weddings with this kind of luck (along with the fact I will not under almost any circumstances do a double)

Anyone care to share their stories?

[djdonny]

Yeah, Jim, that's one of the negatives about being a single-system guy. I've had every Saturday in June 2004 booked before the year even started, and I do only one event a day also.

I've considered charging more for peak months (May-June, Sep-Oct), and more for Saturdays, but the way I see it is I'd rather fill those dates first for the same reasons that they are "peak" -- the weather and my regular work schedule.

Since I also have a M-F job, I'd always rather work on Sat than Fri night or Sun night. And who wants to work during a snowstorm in January?

[DJMC]

you could bring in independent contractors to perform, people who aren't as good at marketing and selling.

You make the sale, and a performer does the job.

There are alot of people out there. Start finding them! It could be one of the bartenders at the bar/club, that college kid in the music store who has considerable talent but no $$$ to market himself.

Its unfortunate to throw out possible money on the table.
Why not book them, collect a booking fee, and then drop the gigs into the laps of the performing DJ, an independent contractor who has his own insurance, equipment (leased by you), and business licence.

[djdonny]

I did that for about a month. It was the worst month for my company's reputation in our nearly 20 years of service. Only if I was REALLY desperate for cash would I consider doing that again. I hope I never have to.

[KJDJ]

I'm a whimp. I couldn't do my own gig with thoughts of how my other DJ's are doing, running through my head.

To much stress for me.

[Johnny Dee]

We have networked with a couple of DJ's in our area that own their own companies. We are all good friends and of equal quality. We trade leads and send work each others way.

While Matt is DJing a private party this evening, I have to go and pick up two large monitors and trussing we rented out for a trade show. One of these DJ's is not working this evening so he is going to pick up this stuff with me, with his van.

If you look for the right DJ's to network with, it can work out real well for everyone. We found it is best to network with people who own their own companies as they understand what has to be done to keep a successful business going.

Johnny Dee
Ambassador Entertainment
http://www.ambassdj.com

[Jim Casey]

Johnny,
That is what we do here in Maine with our Maine Disc Jockey Network. Unfortunately, everyone seesm to be gettign married on the same days this year.

Donny,
I would constantly worry too!

[TMSOriginal]

Jim,

June 5th seems to be the big one for me...have had at least six serious leads/inquiries within the past 2-3 weeks...but, of course, I'm already booked.

Being an Independent Operator, such as yourself, I completely understand your frustration. Guess that's why we consider our Saturdays our "inventory!"

Have a SUPER weekend!

[Jim Casey]

Todd...welcome!

Sorry I was so slow to respond. I took this weekend off!

Anyway, inquiries continue to come in. Mostly for days already booked.

I expect a jump in inquiries starting tomorrow due to the engagements on Valentine's Day.

[DJMC]

I do really well this time of year.

Maybe its because all my competitors are in Las Vegas---I'm not sure. (Wink, wink)