Advertising our differences!

[John Daniels]

I keep seeing posts all over the chats about us using 'negative' techniques in our advertising to make us look better than the other DJs!

Really, is there anything wrong with that?

Most TV ads tell how they are better than the competition!

As long as we aren't using names, what is wrong with pointing out things we feel make us stand out over our local competitors!

As long as its true, of course!

And realistic . . .

I've been accused of using negative advertising on my website in the past, but I don't think it is negative!

I see it as expressing why I do certain things certain ways . . . and why I think it is better!

Have a looksee . . . www.MusicDoctorDJ.com

And, what are your thoughts on this subject . . .

[ March 06, 2003, 02:59 PM: Message edited by: MusicDoctorDJ ]

[diskjokk]

I think John is right - to a certain degree.


Yes, there are other companies, services, heck even politicians that will put some product, service or other person in a negative position to get their message across. However, don't most consumers shy away from this sort of ad campaign? I'm no marketing manager, far from it, but as a consumer myself, I actually feel uncomfortable buying a product or service from someone who "slams" their competition.

On the other hand, there is advertising that may say, "here's why we are better than the competition... " In this case, I think this is ok. This kind of ad does not put it's competition in a negative light and yet, it can still get it's point across as to why we should buy it over the competition.

This is the kind of advertising I, as a consumer, am comfortable with. This is the kind of advertising that is dominant in my own DJ buisness: www.soundefxmusic.com.

[ March 06, 2003, 03:59 PM: Message edited by: diskjokk ]

[DJMC]

tailored ---not "taylored"

otherwise I like the part about headbanging gangsta rap.....wish I could advertise like that in my area!

My contract still has printed on it: "No Hardcore Rap or Heavy Metal Music" but I've crossed it out when booking 75% of my gigs nowadays.

Back in the late 80's and early 90's I was able to establish my reputation by saying "NO RAP OR CRAP" but I'm afraid that nowadays I'd lose too much business if I were that selective!

[diskjokk]

John,

To answer your question about your Website "if it seems that it contains negative advertising," overall it does not. However, there were a few lines that I felt, if I were a consumer, might seem a bit negative.

As quoted on your site:

"The MusicDoctorDJ provides what many other services don't: Personal Service!"

Too me this sounds pretty negative. The word "don't" really stands out and you are implying, boldly, that other DJ services don't have personal service, but you do.

There's also some wording regarding "head banging music" and "gangster rap" that seems a bit negative as well. There is definitely a slam against certain types of music on your site.

Otherwise, I think your site is worded in a way that it isn't negative advertising.

Just my thoughts.... what do I know?

[ March 06, 2003, 04:28 PM: Message edited by: diskjokk ]

[diskjokk]

Guys remember,

We are in a business to please our customer's. Hell, I don't like playing "The Chicken Dance", "YMCA", etc., but if it makes my clients and guests happy, then it gets played. And I look like I am having a good time playing it too (this took years of practice).

Rap is in the Mainstream.. BIG TIME. You may not like it, but if your Bride and Groom want to hear some "Ja-Rule" then play it. And have fun doing it (or at least pretend to). Our customer's are keeping us in business. We have to adapt to, pretty much, whatever music our clients desire from us.

Do you really think I like playing "Strokin?" Heck no! But when I know it's gonna move my crowd, it gets played.

DJMC, I loved what you had to say here. It certainly brought a smile to my face to see that you have adopted what I have always deemed true... you can't ignore the masses if you want to be successful in this business.

[ March 06, 2003, 04:26 PM: Message edited by: diskjokk ]

[John Daniels]

Taylored . . . Ooppssyy! Typo!

As for the headbanging and extreme rap . . . I have my reasons why I don't play it . . . and it is not neccesarily because I don't personally like it.

Although, truth be told . . . I don't personally like most of it!

There are lots of people out there that don't want a moshpit breaking out at their event . . . and I like to let them know right off the bat that I'm the DJ for them!

As for . . .

""The MusicDoctorDJ provides what many other services don't: Personal Service!""

The key word in this phrase is 'many' . . .

because many DJ services don't provide personal service!

'Many' DJ services can't always tell the client who will be their DJ until the event date . . .

'Many' DJ services refuse to meet with their client prior to event date . . . except to collect the retainer fee!

'Many' DJ services don't check out the venue or even contact them before the event date!

At least around here, anywayz . . .

----

By the way . . . thanks for the review of my site!

I am in the process of building an all new website!

Coming soon to a computer near you!

[Wolfie]

Hi John,

For my own part, I feel that this business is different from any other. Unlike products or or other types of services, entertaining is a one-of-a-kind business.

With that said, comparing one entertainer to another is in essence misleading. We are all different and serve different markets.

I have long been an advocate of avoiding negative terminology or references in our literature. Remember, we are in the business of selling fun. Negative comments aren't fun.

Just my thoughts.