FLASHBACK ARTICLE FROM SEPTEMBER 2009
To recap last month’s article, I think the Mobile DJ Industry needs a big kick in the rear. For too long many of us have been watching and waiting without very good results. I hear daily how bad the economy is and I read on the chat boards how the sky is falling. I think it’s time for a DJ revival and it’s my opinion that it has to happen on two levels, locally and globally.
Assuming you agree with me, the next question should be “Where do we start?” John Kennedy said, “Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country!”, so with that spirit, I say “Don’t ask how the DJ Industry can help you, ask how you can help the DJ Industry!”. This month I want us to focus locally because that is where we can have the most impact. Everything begins with YOU! I know this is scary, but let’s break it up and see what all of us can do to uplift our beloved industry.
The first thing we need to do is be brutally honest with ourselves. Regardless of where you are in your business and performance skill set, there is room for improvement. Decide the areas that you feel are your weakest and make it a point to do something about it. If you are a great performer, but average marketer, see if your community college or Small Business Administration offers classes to help you get better. Go to the library or local book store and get a book on the subject. Go on-line and get ideas. There are so many opportunities to learn and grow. Utilize all the opportunities at your disposal.
Attend networking meetings not just to promote yourself, but to improve the opinion others have about our industry. Too many people have either poor or wrong impressions about who we are and what we do. If possible, offer to perform for the networking event. People need to see that we aren’t all the loud guy with the powder blue tux with a ruffled shirt that the media has portrayed us to be.
I highly recommend being part of a local DJ association. The benefits are too numerous to not be a part of one. If you want to get the most out of these meetings, you need to check the ego at the door. The reality is that we are all unique and offer our clients something totally different, but having friends in the industry especially on a local level can be invaluable. I have friends that if I have a problem I can count on to help out and they can count on me. If your area doesn’t have a local association, organize a DJ night out. Pick up the phone and call other DJs in your area just to get to know one another. You won’t connect with everyone and some won’t be very receptive to your offer, but it’s amazing what can happen if you get enough people of like minds together. I have seen first hand how the bar of professionalism can be raised by just a few DJs banded together.
As I mentioned in my last article, our industry was growing and making so much progress just a few short years ago. I know that many people are concerned with the current economic realities, but now is not the time to regress. I’m always amazed when I read on the chat boards DJs arguing about what can’t be accomplished with people that have already achieved it. There are lots of DJs making a living (and in some cases a very good living) doing what we all love to do.
Next month I’ll end this series with what I believe we need to do globally as a body of DJs. I really challenge you to consider and hopefully act upon what I’ve said. I see the promised land up ahead.
Well my brethren, are you up for the challenge?
Kelly Suit can be reached at kellysuit@discjockeynews.com.
