Multiple Choices
In your work as a mobile DJ you often have to bite
your tongue or deal with a tricky situation. It can be a fine balancing act.
In this issue we're going to look at some scenarios that you may be
familiar with. Note down which you think is the most appropriate answer and why,
then scroll to the bottom of the page to see if you agree with us and our
explanation. As with most things, there's often more than one way to achieve the
same result, so our solutions are suggestions only.
1.
Now...We're about to tell the client the fee - Do you:
A. Hesitate
and answer in a timid voice.
B. Apologise about the cost and then try to justify it.
C.
Throw the ball into the client's court and ask them what their budget is.
D.
Just give your price in a confident manner.
2. You're at a
venue and you're told by the receptionist that you can bring your gear in and
put it near the door ready to dive into the function room and set up quickly.
You've just got the last piece in and the function manager appears and rudely
demands you take it all back out to your van for another half an hour as it's in
the way - Do you:
A. Stand your ground and refuse to budge.
B. Explain that to take
it back out would delay the start and suggest a compromise to the situation.
C. Explain politely that you'd been instructed by the receptionist to put it
here and here it was going to stay.
D. Do exactly what he asks as you're only
a visitor here.
3. You arrive at a venue for a private party.
You've spoken to the function manager about where to set up your rig. You've
just got started and your client turns up. She's not happy with where you're
positioned and insists that you move to the other side of the dance floor.
Do you:
A.
Suggest that you both have a word with the function manager and try and sort it
out.
B. Move straight away and ignore the angry glares from the function
manager.
C. Apologise and explain the function manager wants you there and
stand your ground.
D. Tell her where to sling her hook!
4. A guest
comes up to you and requests a song that you feel is either inappropriate for
the occasion or the age group. Do you:
A. Play the track regardless.
B.
Play the track making sure you announce on the mic who requested it.
C. Say,
"Sorry, I don't have it".
D. Say you don't feel it is suitable and explain
why.
5. It's been a brilliant night. Your last song finishes and the
crowd calls for one more. Do you:
A. Play another track.
B. Play
several more tracks until they've had enough.
C. Flatly refuse unless they
pay more money.
D. Check with the venue that it's alright to go over time.
6. During a conversation with a potential client, at what point will the
client be ready to book?
A. When you quote a lower price than anyone else.
B. When you can reach the requirements of their function.
C. When you have
convinced them that you are reliable, professional and can provide them with a
superior service.
D. When you tell them that you have PLI, PAT and a Produb
licence.
Before we look at our suggested answers it's worth considering
that, at any event, we not only please our clients, but we have a room full of
guests who are potential future customers. Also, we need to consider the venue
staff. If we can appear reasonable and amenable to the function manager of a
hotel, then there is a better chance he will want us to provide entertainment in
the future and recommend us.
1. Answer: D. Just give your price in a
confident manner. Before reaching the question of fee, ensure you have explained
what service you can provide, how experienced you are and how you can create a
memorable party/event for them. Even if their opening question is how much do
you charge, avoid it by asking them about their function. Listen to what they
say and use that to sell yourself and the benefits of booking you. By the time
you get to the fee, the client should be already imagining you at their party so
you can answer confidently in the knowledge that price is no longer the only
factor.
2. Answer: B. Explain that to take it back out would delay the
start and suggest a compromise to the situation. It's worth remembering that
everyone gets stressed and it's easy to take it out on someone else. The hard
thing is rising above it and remaining calm and in control. It is important,
because at the end of the day this function manager could determine the number
of repeat bookings you get at this venue. By compromising, you're not allowing
yourself to be bullied, but you are offering to meet him half way and come up
with a solution that suits you both.
3. Answer: A. Suggest that we both
have a word with the function manager and try and sort it out. In a situation
like this, we are the intermediary and can assist in bringing this problem to a
swift conclusion. By facilitating a conversation between both parties we can
help them to come up with a solution that satisfies everyone.
4. Answer:
C. Say "Sorry, I don't have it". This is the safe option. In many situations you
could use D, but there are occasions, especially with a slightly aggressive
guest, where this could develop into an argument, whereas by saying "Sorry, I
don't have that track", it's conclusive and more diplomatic.
5. Answer:
D. Check with the venue that it's alright to go over time. Ideally, you would
have spoken to the venue staff before the end of the night to know how strict
they were about the finish time. For some venues who have been dealing with
noise complaints, playing after time could jeopardise their music licence. Also,
it's showing respect to the staff as many of them may have been on duty since
the morning. If a client confronts you because of this decision, you need to
explain that your hands are tied and you have to comply with the rules of the
venue. Staff are more likely to look on you favourably and recommend you if you
are considerate in this way. Finishing on time shouldn't put you in a bad light
with the client either as your contract will state your finish time.
6.
Answer: C. When you have convinced them that you are reliable, professional and
can provide them with a superior service. One of a client's biggest worries is
reliability. Coming over professional will give your client more confidence and
trust in your ability. Whilst price is always an important factor, the ultimate
success of the event will surpass this and whilst PLI, PAT etc are useful they
will never be the only deciding factor. |
