Last night’s DJ networking night (mentioned in my last post) was enlightening on a number of different levels, but one point made by another DJ really got my attention. We were having a roundtable discussion about how to get more referrals from venues, and the DJ moderating the discussion suggested that when we help to increase liquor sales at the venues we’re performing at, those venues take notice and will recommend us more frequently.
The moderator then told us what he does when working an event: he gets on the microphone and introduces everyone to the bartenders and waitresses working at the event by name, talks about what great people these employees are and how everyone should be sure to see them, say hi, and of course, take good care of them. Or, he might mention what a great place the venue is, like this: “Isn’t this a beautiful location? The next time I’m having an event, I think I’m going to have it right here at (insert name of venue)”.
Nice work, Mr. Subliminal. Why not go a step further ask them to give YOU a round of applause? It’s obvious to everyone that you’re a class act.
When I’m working at an event, I’m there for the people who’ve hired me and the guests they’ve invited. That’s it. And while I care about my relationships with the venues where I work, my clients come first, always. I have never, and will never, take the focus away from someone’s once-in-a-lifetime event for the sake of boosting a venue’s profits.
This DJ works for YOU.