Potential Client Drop-Ins at Receptions...

Every once in a while, we will receive a request from a potential client looking to book us, asking if they can come to an event and watch us perform. I believe that many of these requests come after a potnetial client has called or visited a large multi-unit disc jockey company* located in the GTA. This company encourages this kind of behaviour from their clients, and they indicate that this is a good way for the client to get a feel for their disc jockeys. On the surface, this might sound like a great idea, but it isn't.

When we receive these requests, we always respond in the same manner. We do not allow potential clients to visit our client events for a number of different reasons. Here is why we don’t allow this:

1) We think it is wrong to try to use an existing client’s event (keep in mind we are exclusive to weddings and corporate) to try and market ourselves, as it is a distraction from the job at hand.

2) We can not control how long the potential client will stay, how they will dress, how they will act and whether or not they would consume from the bar.

3) We firmly believe that it is tacky to use someone's wedding reception as our sales office.

Thoroughly checking out a disc jockey company that you are considering hiring is a very wise move, and is highly encouraged. With this in mind, we always ensure that potential clients have access to speak directly with past clients. We believe that this is a far more effective means of checking out a potential disc jockey as it allows you to ask an actual past client, that used our services, any question that you would like. Furthermore, they will be able to comment on the entire process - from the planning assistance/vendor referrals right through to the last dance.

Showing up at someone else's wedding only gives a client a snapshot of what kind of service was provided - a mere 5 - 10 minute window. It does not indicate how accommodating the disc jockey was when it came to special requests, the level of service that they provided when it came to discussing your ideas, etc.

Let's say for example that you visited a reception that your potential disc jockey was playing. When you walked in you immediately saw that the dance floor was completely empty but for one older couple. Wouldn't you have seen enough to base your decision? It looks as though this disc jockey doesn't know how to get a crowd motivated and on to the dance floor, so you leave. Unfortunately what you didn't realize was that the older couple was the Bride's Grandparents who were celebrating their 50th Anniversary that night and the Bride and Groom had decided to do a special song just for them - they were the center of attention for that one song...

As you can see, the "client drop-in" method of doing business is flawed on many different levels. We believe that our clients are the "center of the universe" on the night of their reception and no one else...

Thanks for reading...

Most sincerely,

Brad Owens
Skip-A-Beat Entertainment
Tel: 1-866-998-8637
Web: http://www.skipabeat.ca/
Blog: http://skipabeatentertainment.blogspot.com/
"We make your event a memorable one"

* Name ommitted purposely

5 Points to Ponder For Your Reception

This time we bring you 5 Tips or Ideas that you can implement to improve your wedding ceremony and reception.

Tip 1 - Tell the Story Behind the First Dance
Most couples choose a first dance song that has meaning to them. Perhaps it was the first song that you danced to, or the song that was playing on the radio when you met or maybe lyrically it has significant meaning. Why not have us share this information with your guests? It makes a special moment that much more special!

Tip 2 - Toiletrie Baskets in Washrooms
One of the most thoughtful things you can do for your guests is to place a basket of toiletries in each washroom. Guests are apt to stay longer if they are comfortable. Contents could include: breath mints, individually wrapped toothpicks, band-aids, Tylenol, a Tide pen or Shout wipes, Static Guard, cologne, hair spray, etc.

Tip 3 - A Keepsake For All Your Guests
We love requests! One of the ways that we get guests to make a request is pretty unique. Just prior to opening the dance floor (after the parent dances), we invite all guests up to the dance floor and we take a group photo of everyone that was there. We then invite guests to come up to the DJ table, give us their email address and make a request. At the end of the night, we supply the Bride and Groom with the email addresses, and the photos, so that they can send the photos to their guests and look like super stars!

Tip 4 - Guests Don't Have To Leave Early at Chinese Weddings
Most Chinese brides worry that their guests are going to leave immediately after dinner. However, that doesn't have to be the case. There are many things that can be done to encourage guests to stay longer. We have found that by visiting the tables to encourage guest requests and by doing an interactive game or two (some of the traditional Chinese wedding games are so much fun!) guests tend to stay longer.

Tip 5 - Consider Allowing Your Disc Jockey to MC Your Reception
We are often asked if we would be willing to MC our clients reception. We love doing it and don't charge extra for it. Some of the advantages of having us as your MC include the fact that the more opportunity we have to interact with your guests, the more likely they are to make requests. Other advantages include the fact that we can keep things on track and on time, you will not have to feel that you are imposing on friends, we will save you potential embarrassment, etc. The only downside is that we don't have years of stories that we can tell, but for some clients this is a positive!