Thread: Anyone work with DJs or event planners?

I got a solicitation to meet with a Dj/event planner to talk about "ways we can work together." He found my ad on Craig's List. He wants me to give him a packet and meet with him to talk about some promotional stuff. I'm not sure what I think about this. It sounds kinda sketchy. Thoughts? Similar situations? I wish I could access my private e-mail at work, or I would paste the message in....

It depends on the person of course, but it sounds like a great idea to me. You pass his cards out to people needing a dj and he'll pass your cards on to people wanting entertainment. People in the wedding business do it all the time. A florist will have reception hall sugesstions and those wedding halls will have cards for florists and so forth. Since they aren't directly compteting, it works out well for both of them.
If you had a live band that you performed with, on the other hand, then I would wonder what he was thinking.

When it comes to referrals and collaboration, I network far more with compatible non-competitors than with other dancers. I guess it's a little nontraditional in this field, but it's always worked to my advantage!

This guy might have some good connections at clubs or other entertainment venues, particularly those who are looking for fun parties and theme nights for the summer. A lot of DJ's also happen to be in cohoots with nightclubs, working as promoters for those venues. It's beneficial for the DJ and for you!

I say go to the meeting, exchange cards, and come prepared to dish out some fun ideas. Yay for networking!

I've often connected with Djs and event planners AT events, exchanged info and then referred work back and forth after. It can be a wonderful synergistic relationship...as long as it's the right person.

I targeted DJs and event planners with my postcard mailing a while ago, but never got any response. I think it's a great way to cross-market, and I just wish I could get someone to take me up on it!

I'm just worried he's a perv...

Originally Posted by andalee-oriental

I'm just worried he's a perv...

Did he say something to you, or come across in a way that made you uncomfortable? If you don't feel okay about working with him go with your gut, it would probably wind up effecting your performance abilities if you were working with someone who gives off perv vibes.

There are a few people I opt not to work with because I just don't feel that they are appropriate in how they treat me or talk to me, yes I lose some work but at the end of the day I keep my sanity and that's much more important.

If you feel uncomfortable meeting him in person, perhaps you could just say that you're exceptionally busy right now, but would be more than happy to mail him your promo kit?

I'd probably be willing to meet with a DJ under those circumstances (presuming his company seemed legitimate and his email wasn't overtly creepy), but I'd ask for the meeting to be in a public place like a coffeehouse.

Good idea. He didn't give me the perv vibe. I am just generally overly cautious. Thanks Galatea, I'll reply and ask for his address. I am seriously busy right now.

I have had a few calls from event planners but they always want me to work for very cheap. I guess they skim off the top to make there money; so they try to find the cheapest thing they can.

Originally Posted by toria_dances

I have had a few calls from event planners but they always want me to work for very cheap. I guess they skim off the top to make there money; so they try to find the cheapest thing they can.

A few years ago, I called around to various entertainment agencies because I wanted to know what was being charged for a BDer. I specifically recall one agency quoting a fee anywhere from $125 to $250 for the same type and length of set. When I asked why there was such a difference in price, I was told it depended upon which dancer was available/selected -- and much of the difference was based on the distance the dancer traveled to perform. (Although I won't comment at length upon the quote of $125, I will say that, even at that time, it was too low for this area.)

Most entertainment agencies take at least 10% (usually 20%) or a pre-determined dollar minimum based on the fee the entertainer determines. Other agencies might have a set fee paid to the entertainer based on the entertainment package selected by the client; ex: you do a 10-minute gig, you get $200, period. The entertainer has to decide if the amount he/she nets meets his/her requirements. Personally, I don't mind my net being slightly less than my usual fee if somebody else (here, the agency) is actually doing 85%+ of the logistical stuff, leaving me to to work almost solely on the "artistic" side of the gig.

What gets my goat is when it appears that event planners get paid as much as the entertainer!

Deborah

working with djs and event planners is very beneficial. Most people don't even realize how much they would like to have a dancer at their shindig until someone mentions it to them as part of a possible package.

however, while event planners might charge a pre-agreed 10-20%, a DJ might skim a lot more off your price. You might charge $200 and he will tell the client that the price is $300. I have had that happen several times. There's something about free money......

Also, if you are weirded out by a meeting, there is nothing that can't be arranged by phone or e-mail. We are living in an era of technology, aren't we?