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