Looking for an Identity

Years ago I made the decision to drop the big, bold banner that we had been using as part of our set-up, especially at weddings. After seeing a couple of pictures with this "billboard" in the background it just seemed tacky and out of place to me. That and the American Disc Jockey Association recommends not using one. There is no sign behind the cake advertising Hy-Vee Bakery, the photographer doesn't put up a kiosk, why should the DJ be advertising?



Of course over the years many other DJs have done the same, which is a good thing, but it has caused some confusion for potential customers because, after awhile, all of us DJs look the same. At first we tried to distinguish ourselves a little different by using a green table skirt at all of our events, because green and white are sort of our company colors. However there were times when green clashed with the decor or colors of a wedding. So my quest began on trying to find that something that would set us apart, without looking out of place. I knew what I was looking for, something like this:








Most everyone will be able to tell you the products associated with those logos are Nike, Coca-Cola and the Green bay Packers, and that is what I was looking for: something to be identifiable without broadcasting our name. I enlisted the help of Mike Keating of Dzine Wise and asked if he could put something together, and this is what he came up with:

It's a table runner with the treble that is part of our logo and the wavy music bar that can be found on our website (although Mike calls it the lasagna noodle with music notes :-). The green table skirt is an option that will only be used when a skirt is not supplied by the banquet hall.

This I think will provide a piece that is classy, will not clash with any colors or decor and help distinguish us from the others in our field that also do not use a banner.

We are expecting the banners to arrive in the next couple of weeks and hope to use them for our final weddings of the season.



Until next time,
~ Mike ~

Bridal Shows and Music Lists

Bridal Shows

There was a time, and it did not seem long ago, that bridal shows were as traditional as the first day of school or new leaves on the trees, meaning they always happened about the same time every year, which was usually just weeks after the holidays. Now you never know when they'll pop up. We just recently did two shows a couple of weeks ago and have another couple coming up on our schedule. It's a great one stop shop for the couples, but as a vendor, it gets tougher to choose between which ones to do and which ones to pass on.

There's at least three that I know of next month, the Kennedy Mall affair on October 15th and then two in one day, Sunday, October 23rd. One will be held at the Diamond Jo and the other on the American Lady River Boat. We've opted for the event on the boat, just something about taking a leisurely stroll down the Mississippi while talking wedding - with the fall color change in full bloom as a backdrop - that sounds so relaxing. I hope to see many of you there.

Music Lists

I was recently asked if I had one set of music that I played for all of my weddings. Good question! The answer though is no, I like to get some type of list from each bride and groom so I can hone in on exactly what the bride and groom are looking for on their wedding day - however -when making those lists it might be wise to remember what you personally like to listen to, and what I can get people to dance to, may be two different things.

Think about it, your favorite restaurant may be Taiko but would you have them cater your wedding reception? If you did you may have many of your guests in your buffet line say "What - I don't like any of this?"

Music is the same way. I strive to be unique and when someone comes to me and requests the YMCA and thinks they've just let me in on a big secret because it will pack the dance floor I cringe a bit before pushing 'play,' but I also know that those lists featuring someones favorite but obscure alternative band will get the same reaction as that japenese food. It really comes down to what is important to you - getting most of your guests to have a good time or hearing your favorite songs?

Until Next time

~ Mike ~

What a Great Question

Yesterday I met with a couple who were planning their wedding for next year. After exchanging some pleasantries we traded information on what their vision for their wedding was and what sevices I offered. Kind of like playing the Match Game to see if I was a fit for their big day.
They had some questions which I answered for them and at the conclusion I, as I typically do, asked for any other questions or thoughts.

"Yes," the groom-to-be answered, "what would you say is the biggest difference between you and the other DJs that are on the preferred vendor list here [the banquet hall], why should we go with you?"

I was taken back a bit, not because I didn't know how to answer it, but by how thoughtful I thought the question was. As a wedding vendor we usually get the same typical questions, which usually begin with: How much do you charge? And I would guess that this is because for most of our couples this is a whole new experience for them and, unlike clothes shopping or car shopping, they're not really sure what to look for.

But like cars, there are many differences between each service. We know there is a huge difference between the Cadillac Escalade and the Ford Escort, and that is reflected in the price. There are many differences in wedding vendors too, whether they be florists, decorators, DJs or photographers, and the question that this groom asked was a great way to find out what those differences are.

After a moment I told him that, knowing who the other DJs were on the list, I thought that I would be a stronger emcee, which helps make the event flow much more smoothly and motivates their guests to interact or participate more. In retrospect I wish I would have also highlighted the fact that I am the only one on that list that is a full time entertainer, which means I can dedicate more of my time into perfecting their wedding from my end, and over the years I have seen nearly every scenario imaginable and I know how to play off of the good ones, and work around the bad ones.

The next day I received an e-mail from that couple and they asked me to be a part of their wedding day. I can't wait! They seem like a fun couple and it's going to be an honor to be with them as they begin the journey called marriage together.

Until next time,
~ Mike ~

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