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For any aspiring DJ's out there, here are several tips for running a solid DJ business.
1. Know what’s at stake Every gig is a big gig. It’s easy to slip into the mistake of perceiving a gig in light of its paycheck, but it is utterly critical to remember that every single gig is an audition for those attending. No matter how small a gig seems it's impossible to know how much value the gig can create for you later; so make sure to go into every gig with your best self. Your customer service skills and personality make a big difference in how you are perceived as a DJ and MC so always prepare yourself for a healthy level of expectation. 2. Have the full itinerary in mind Show up with a very clear view in your head of the entire event. This approach allows for maximum flexibility and maneuverability because you already know the entire night’s plan and can restructure on the fly. Take the time to thoroughly discuss all the details with the clients one or two weeks before the event date and look at it several times before going. The event should be covered with sound 100% of the time. Never, ever let there be long awkward silences between songs or speeches. It's the DJ's job to keep the sound and music going every moment possible. 3. Arrive early and add time for the unknown Never plan to arrive at an event with just enough time unless it is completely out of your control, instead you should factor in time for road closures, missed turns, equipment failures, locking your equipment in the car, and anything else that can go wrong in a night. A bit of time wasted is one thing, but arriving late or having a missing piece of equipment is tragic so add some extra time to your transit. Have a back-up person in place who can assist you in a pinch. This sort of forward thinking and planning is what differentiates any ol’ DJ from a Homerun DJ. 4. Do a venue walk through The first thing any DJ should do as soon as they arrive at a venue, before even pulling out any equipment, is do a thorough walkthrough of the available space and the floorplan. Take note of where the outlets are, how it's easiest to move through the room, the path the wedding party will take during the grand entrance, etc. You might discover that some tables need moved, or that there is a closer entry door for all your equipment than you expected. Even better, meet the venue manager or owner, and it might take your professionalism even higher to be in touch with the venue weeks before the event date. 5. Dress to impress, but not to stand out This is a hard mark to hit, but it’s a very important step of learning how to take your spot in a night’s events. The way you dress is a reflection of your self confidence, and to your clients, a reflection of your skill and professionalism; so you should absolutely be dressed well, remember overdressing is better than underdressing but it is also just as easy to make the mistake of being out of place. The clothes you wear need to match the style and level of dress of the event that you are attending. A suit may be perfect for a wedding but for a party in a barn it's not just overdressed, it is being dressed wrong. So when in doubt move a level up but make sure it still fits the event, and you’re able to take off a coat or tie later. 6. Make sure the client is paid up before the event starts One of the hardest hits to any DJ, big or small, is the first time they do an event before the client has paid, based on trust, then end up getting stiffed after. This was my experience at my second wedding, after being hired last minute because another DJ “backed out” (probably for not getting paid anything yet). So take it from those who know better; be careful about doing an event just on trust of being paid at or after the event. At the minimum, require payment in full before you set up equipment (if they do not have electronic payment capabilities). 7. Inform the wedding party and vendors You may think that the wedding party, photographer, caterer, and venue manager will know just as much as you, but that is often not the case. It’s better to be ready to share with VIPs or vendors a solid run through of the night’s events and make sure you know exactly when the bride wants different portions of the night to be announced. Have extra copies of the event plan. This is how you can actually be a great wedding MC and event planner, not just a DJ. 8. Get Good Gear Plenty of guys want to be DJs and start out with small or cheap gear. But the equipment sets the tone for your longevity. Literally. If the speakers cannot push clean and clear sound at a loud level to fill all kinds of room sizes, you’re going to have a problem convincing anyone to say positive things about your DJ business for long. You don’t need the top brands, but you definitely don’t want the cheapest things you can find either. It will come back to haunt you. This goes for a good wireless mic too. It needs to project speeches perfectly or else it looks bad on you - no one else. Dance lighting also needs to adequately fill a dance floor, if not the entire room, when the lights are low, without being annoying. A professional DJ knows how to create the perfect party that sounds, looks and feels great. When combined with good catering, people are sure to walk away happy! 9. Play to the crowd A big part of working as a DJ is having an eagle's eye for body language and facial changes. If a song is playing and you notice people looking tired and their dancing changing that might key you in that the song has been going just a bit too long. So it may be time to fade into a new song. Remember you are here for them not for you. Receive all requests with respect, and let them know what you can do. Sometimes, the client has a “do not play” list. Especially at weddings, the audience wants to hear familiar tunes. Slick mixing, editing and effects are not as important as playing the right kind of music that your crowd already enjoys. 10. Know your music It almost goes without saying that knowing music is key - lots of genres and top tracks in lots of decades. It could take years to know thousands of songs by memory and know how to use them effectively. Songs have a certain beat and vibes to them and it’s critical to shift those vibes somewhat gradually rather than all at once, because when those changes are too fast it really creates a disconnect in the party between what was happening and what is happening. Instead, you want those two moments to flow together perfectly and really make the whole night flow like a river. So take the time to listen to all the music you plan to play, know the names, artist, and even album cover art and be able to put them together in your head without needing to sample them. 11. Have fun It feels like a silly thing to remind people of, but it's so true! The event is not for you but it would be a mistake not to enjoy your time there. Remember, being a DJ should not just be a job like working at a store but a passion. Your hype and mood creates energy in the room too. So remember to have fun, dance a little behind the booth, laugh, take some pics or videos, and show what an amazing a job you are capable of through your own body language. People will pick up on that energy you are putting out and feel themselves drawn into the music you are playing, making the night all the more memorable. These are 11 ways you can ensure to hit a grand slam just like the Atlanta Braves did in their championship baseball season that just ended a few nights ago. I hope you enjoyed the read!
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Below is a list of a few preliminary items you may want to begin considering after you book your DJ company. You do NOT need to send us any of this information with a deposit. A complete planning questionnaire will be sent up to 90 days prior to your wedding day.
If you have already completed your DJ booking, we look forward to working with you!! 0As stated on the policies page:
Lite Packages. Events that select a "Lite" DJ package will likely be provided any or all of the following: an assigned staff DJ/MC, lesser geographical availability, and lesser program or technical options. We always attempt to provide the same overall experience regardless of whatever package is selected. To break that down further...
The Star Lite wedding DJ package is listed at $200 less than our 5-Star wedding package. The Star Lite ceremony and photo booth options are also ways to save money. To schedule a call or meeting, please go to www.tinyurl.com/micdropDJappt today. Here are several things a DJ or other vendors could find very helpful before arrive to setup at a brand new venue. Of course, some of these items will be determined by the client's chosen floor plan, and not all questions below apply to all vendors.
It's been a long year of COVID-19 restrictions. 11 months to be exact. Restaurants closed, schools closed, limited access to hospitals, face masks required everywhere, wedding reception dancing prohibited, and the list goes on. Last spring, we had to cancel or postpone 12 events and weddings. This past fall 2020, there were definitely many more people that I knew or heard of locally that had tested positive. But, alas, there is light ahead. Look at the below statistics in our part of Ohio. In Hancock county, as of today there are zero cases reported. So let's be grateful that this year may be wedding-cancel free (crossing fingers). Catch the latest reported numbers on COVID-19 in Ohio at: https://coronavirus.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/covid-19/dashboards/overview.
Over the past few years, I've been fortunate to work gigs in most of the event venues in the area. Here are my top 10 favorites in Findlay & Hancock County.
1. Old Mill Stream Centre www.hancockfairgrounds.org/the-old-mill-stream-centre/ 2. Circle P Reception Hall www.circlepreceptionhall.com 3. Marathon Performing Arts Center www.mcpa.org/about/facility-rental 4. The Barn at Walnut Creek www.facebook.com/TheBarnatWalnutCreek/ 5. The Hancock Hotel www.hancockhotel.com/weddings 6. Alexandria's www.alexandriasfindlay.com/plan-an-event 7. Brugeman Lodge www.hancockparks.com/facility-reservations/ 8. Findlay Country Club www.findlaycc.com/event 9. Scarlet Oaks Estate www.scarletoaksestate.com 10. Country Memories www.countrymemoriesrental.com Honorable Mentions:
Do you have a recommendation of a venue? Please leave a comment or question below. The year has so far been very good based on how many bookings we have in 2020 as compared to last year. As of early March, I had surpassed my wedding bookings # that I had for the entire year of 2019. However, the past week or so has been very quiet due to the coronavirus outbreak. A few weddings have been forced to reschedule by the venue managers. And the spring wedding expo has also been rescheduled for Sunday, June 6. We are currently adding to our staff of DJs and MCs, and eagerly anticipating the allowance of public events and gatherings, hopefully by mid-May! Please, let me know how I can be of assistance at your next big event.
1) Submit your information on our contact page such as date, kind of event, estimated times, what kind of experience you're looking for, etc.
2) Select your package options on the pricing document. This form is emailed to you as soon as you complete the first questionnaire form on our website. You can also click on the contract to read thru the details. The contract is attached to the pricing document. Click on "Accept". 3) Schedule your first consultation if you would like to discuss your options. We can meet by phone or in person. You can find a time slot to call or meet on the email sent or on our contact page. This can also occur after booking. 4) Sign the digital contract after you accept your price quote. Be sure to read our policies first. Once signed an invoice will be send and a first payment will be due. 5) Send your deposit within a week after receiving your invoice. Once, we receive the payment you will get a receipt by email. 6) Complete the final planning questionnaire with plenty of time before your event. This will be sent 90 days prior to your event (or less). 7) Schedule your final consultation to occur within two weeks of your event. Texting will be best to make final confirmation of any meetings. Your final payment is due prior to the event date. 8) Following the event please sent us any comments or online review of your experience! Often times, the hired DJ is also the MC at a wedding reception or event. But these are actually two very different roles. A great DJ does not equal a great MC (master of ceremonies). A wedding reception requires a MC who can also DJ. Later in the evening, the wedding dance party requires a DJ who can also MC.
Let's break these down a bit. The role of MC requires a lot of microphone usage, event planning skills, understanding of timing, reading the client's needs, keeping the event on schedule, flexibility, and a strong stage presence. The role of DJ can vary from a skilled turntablist or open format DJ who is energized and dancey to someone who just plays thru a prescribed set list with a laptop and iTunes while seated behind a table. I've seen both. A great DJ knows lots of styles of music genres and lots of decades of each, and offers well thought out musical entertainment. But a great MC knows how to engage a crowd, move amongst the crowd, be in the right spot before, during and after the ceremony and reception, and fit in well with the bridesmaids and groomsmen, sometimes step in where needed to make the event better, and make the bride and groom the center of the attention. The MC kicks off the reception with a bang from the first moment and runs the plan efficiently, tactfully and happily. Then, the bride & groom and wedding party can totally enjoy the night themselves and not worry about anything. While the DJ is the one most often hired, not all DJ's are competent to MC well. When the dance party is over, people often forget to mention how well the reception itself ran between all the elements from start to finish. It's the MC who sets the stage for a fun evening of music, dancing and celebration while providing excellent customer service. Contact us today to find your next professional DJ/MC! MicDrop is a relatively young company, with a beyond BIG potential. The amount of momentum we have this early in 2019 is humongous compared to last year. Our staff is growing and we will all be on hand to meet you in a public venue this Sunday!
Here are 13 Tips For attending a bridal show according to WeddingWire. The full article is linked HERE with plenty of links therein.
We are excited to meet some prospective brides this weekend at the Courier Bridal Expo in Findlay! More info at www.courierbridal.com. Is it possible to be a professional at parties? ABSOLUTELY! Event planners make a living at meticulously planning your event with flowers, decor, table settings, and intinerary. However, the one thing that seems to be overlooked is what goes on in the transitions and establishing the general vibe of the room.
Picture this...Your wedding ceremony is finished, and it is time to get to the celebration of the day. You and your newly wed spouse walk into the room and no one even notices it?! The entire wedding party sits at the head table and then people realize they missed the entry. There is an awkward moment of silence and then an even more awkward “do we eat now?” feeling in the air. Now, picture this...The ceremony is over and you and your newly wed spouse are waiting to enter the room. A well thought-out music list is playing in the background to add ambience to the reception space. Lights are dim and a light illuminates your entryway when the cue is given. The music changes and the DJ/MC is ready to announce the wedding party pair by pair. Everyone stands and applauds as the wedding party struts into the room and makes their way to the head table. There is another shift in music and you know the big moment has arrived to emerge into the room and make your appearance as a newlywed couple. The DJ/MC announces both you and your spouse to the crowd with a giant voice. You enter the door and your reception is amazing! All of your loved ones applaud as you make your way to the head table to have a seat, or to the dance floor to display your coolest dance moves together. You look around the reception area as you walk. The head table is back lit and fore lit with the closely matching the colors of your wedding, the cake is elegantly highlighted with downlighting from the DJ’s light rig, and the dance floor area shines with your pre-designed wedding logo. It’s so perfect it’s almost magical! Who made this happen? At MicDrop Productions, we are more than just DJ’s. Our team meticulously plans out the minor details with you before we even get to the big day. We want to partner with you to help you plan out every moment and make the celebration of your perfect day just as magical as your wedding ceremony. You spend months planning out all the details of your wedding, so your reception party is where you should be able to relax and enjoy your new life as a couple. For that matter, you want to remember the special dances with just the right lighting so the photos capture the special time forever. Carefully planned full-room lighting can highlight and prepare areas for photos that you may not think of like the cake cutting photo, father daughter dance, mother son dance, the shoe game, garter and bouquet toss, all accomplished while adding a degree of sophistication and flare to your special day. Nowadays, it seems that anyone with a Spotify account and a couple of speakers can say they're a DJ. But wouldn’t you want a crew that thinks through all the possible nuances of your wedding day, and offers you all the options you may not have thought about? Experience your favorite life soundtrack with a MicDrop DJ, and experience how MicDrop Productions can bring the boom to your room! Www.micdropdj.com
What's so hilarious about this? Is it the ill-timed use of the equipment? Is it how bored he looks? Can't dance? Wait a second...what the world....the equipment is not even plugged in?! There are zero chord and cables connected to this unit :0 --- Good job TV Producers :)
How much should you be paying for a quality DJ service at your event? Sure, some DJ's only charge a few hundred dollars for a wedding. They think earning some money is better than none; undercut the competition, keep costs very low, and win the job. On the other hand, the best-of-the-best in America charge well over $2,000 for a wedding event.
So what's the difference? A lot of things contribute to a solid price quoting process. Take these 10 factors into consideration:
This list in not exhaustive. But you get the idea. At the end of the day, you will have to take time for your due diligence and investigation, and set up a budget you can live with. If you're in the market for a wedding DJ, please look at our page www.micdropDJ.com/weddingDJ or our home page for social media links, etc. We would love to partner with you at your event! -Nate / DJ MicDrop
I'm excited to roll out my new video promo that I produced. It features clips from several of the events I've done since last May 2018. Enjoy!
Hi everybody! Here's a new promo video featuring work I've done so far this year. I hope you like it!
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