To Tweet or Not to Tweet?

You want to use Social Networks like Twitter and Facebook to bring in more events and spread the word about how great you're DJ service is. You want people to look forward to your next status update or Tweet. You want to make sure that you don't get "hidden" in your friends news feed but how?
By making your posts relevant, interesting and most importantly..... YOU!

You're probably a pretty interesting individual. You probably have a lot of worthwhile information to share.  The problem is that when you sit down you can't think of anything to write.  Or...you sit down to write and too many ideas come all at once.  Well I have some good news Mr. DJ there are some tools and strategies that can help you get past BOTH of those problems.

 You'll need some sort of software or service to manage all of your posts and tweets.  I use HootSuite. It allows me to manage all of my Facebook Pages, Twitter, MySpace, LinkedIn, Ping, FourSquare and others. There's also TweetDeck and many more.  Try searching Social Media Management tools.

You also need to start a list.  it can be on notepad, google docs, or on a memo pad you carry in your pocket.  Anytime you think of a piece of information, or come across one on the web WRITE IT DOWN.  The more you have the better!  Break Big complicated topics into small bite sized pieces.  You'll soon discover you have months worth of interesting relevant content.   Not feeling inspired?  Read THIS for some idea sparks.


Once you have gotten the tools and gotten some ideas we'll look at how to create those posts.  Come back on Wednesday (after the Holiday!) for my next installment "If it ain't real...it ain't real interesting!"

You're (probably) HIDDEN on my Facebook newsfeed!

So my last post on Social Media gave you a glimpse into WHY you need to pay attention to the fastest growing trend in the history of marketing and media. This post will focus on what NOT to do before you dive in.
There is no doubt that using platforms like Facebook and Twitter is going to become absolutely essential. Unfortunately few DJ's are stopping to consider the best way to go about this. Have you read (or posted) Facebook statuses like these...




"So excited to be DJ'ing Jon & Marsha's wedding reception in June! Welcome to the XYZ Disc Jockeys Family!"

Or

"XYZ DJ's is the number one DJ company for wedding receptions! We offer...."

I don't see these anymore. I don't see them because I hide these status updates. They hold no interest for me. They aren't engaging and they feel "spammy." Like a commercial in the middle of my news feed. I know I'm not the only one who feels this way. I would venture to say that you have hidden a couple of these type posters as well. Imagine now how many people on your "friends" list are no longer reading your messages. They haven't un-friended you, they're still on your list, but they aren't seeing these messages cause they made the decision that you were boring or irrelevant! That means all your efforts are wasted. If you aren't getting through you aren't benefiting from the medium and leveraging the power of these platforms to increase your business and your bottom line.
What we say, to whom and when makes a BIG difference if you're going to take advantage of the power of social networks.  Like everything else it's best to have a plan.  Too many DJ's know they need to get involved in social networks but they tend to post impulsively and impersonally.  Think of your social networking like target shooting.  You can use a shotgun and hope something hits the bullseye or you can use high powered, laser sighted, sniper rifle and focus in on exactly who, when and what to say scoring on every shot.

So now what? Well.....check out the next post "To Tweet or Not to Tweet"

Social Media - Why you need to get in the game!

You probably have a Facebook personal profile. You might even have a separate page for your business. How about Twitter? YouTube? Personal Blog, Last.FM? Flickr? and on and on....

Social is the "new black!" It's EVERYWHERE and everything we read tells us that we had better get on board. Whether you "get it" or not is irrelevant. Your customers do. Don't believe me? Check out this video...(make sure you scroll down to the bottom to continue once you've watched it cause I have more to say!)


You watched it right? RIGHT! Then you are starting to see the big picture. The question now becomes. How do I use this? Well I have some thoughts on that that I'll share in my next post. "You're (probably) hidden on my Facebook" 

If you haven't checked out the US DJ Network come take a look. wwww.USDJNetwork.com

Wish List -Chauvet CIRRUS Green And Red Lumina Effect Laser

Ok I know I have too many new features being started all at once but I JUST CAN'T HELP MYSELF!  The Wish List is going to highlight new gear that I am interested in adding to my personal arsenal.  No particular publishing schedule...I'll just throw em up here as I find 'em.  If you have a suggestion let me know!

So to start it's the Chauvet CIRRUS.  I really dig this effect for a couple of reasons.  First it's reasonably priced.  Second it's pretty darned unique.  Now I know that there are some of you out there that are going to say that this is the "Poor man's" take on the Bliss Light but hang on...the CIRRUS doesn't try to mimic the Bliss, it's a whole new effect.  I like the concept and I can see this making a big impact and adding a real "ooo..ahhh" factor to just about any party.  I'm not a fan of lasers outside of niteclubs.  Most of the venues I perform at won't allow fog or hazers so lasers tend to look flat.  The CIRRUS gives you a multi-dimensional effect while still incorporating not one but 2 lasers~!  I like how it looks with fog but it's not necessary at all!  So what does it do?  Here's a brief explanation (click on the pic to see a video)

It’s a unique green and red lumia effect combined with a blue LED ripple effect, creating one unique laser. It has three operating modes: manual, automatic and sound-activated. Plus, it’s versatile with separate controls for lasers and LED. It’s lightweight and portable, perfect for mobile performers and small clubs.


* Combines LED and laser in one effect
* Creates a soothing night sky atmosphere with ever-changing patterns
* 3 operating modes: Sound-activated, Automatic, and Manual
* Separate control of laser effect and LED
* Laser: separate red and green strobe rates or full on
* LED: electronic dimmer (0 – 100%)
* Laser & LED: rotation speed
* High-power, 5W (1,000mA) LED
* Complies with FDA / CDRH standards for Class 3R
* Additional power output: max 50 units @ 120V (see manual for details)

Let me know what you think!  Send your comments (email is in the the Contributors section on the left) or leave your comments below!

Earn More in 2011 - Introduction

I decided to put together a series on how we can all increase our bottom lines this year. The series will focus on several different ways to make more money in our DJ businesses. This information should apply to single operators and multi-ops and I hope it will give you some things to consider.

I'm going to break this down and concentrate on 4 ways to affect your profits.

You can...

Charge more - This series will discuss pricing strategies (tiered packages, market placement, etc,)

Work more - These articles will address the ways in which we can increase the number of events we book.

Save more - How can you reduce overhead without sacrificing quality?

Offer more - What are the additional services that we can offer to our future and existing customers that can bring in new revenue?

I'm probably going to jump around because there's a lot to cover in each of those topics and there will DEFINITELY be other DJ's writing many of these articles. If you're interested in submitting an article dealing with one of these topics or have a question you'd like answered hit me up (my email is under the Contributors heading on the left!)

Here's hoping our 2011 will be the best year ever!

Looking to get into uplighting?

Let me suggest the Chauvet Slim Par 56. It's an affordable fixture casting a great amount of light for an LED Par 56. It's compact design makes it really easy to pack up and transport to gigs and the double yoke means set-up and placement is a breeze. RGB LED with DMX control means you can match virtually any color that your clients might ask for and change color simply and easily.  The units can be linked together making this a really great choice for those looking to add uplighting to their lighting arsenal.  Check the details below and click on through for a great offer from PSSL (Pro Sound Stage and Lighting)

Chauvet SLIMPAR56 Slim LED RGB Par Can
The SlimPAR 56 is a traditional LED PAR can housed in a casing that is only two inches thick, which allows it to go where other PAR cans don't fit. Powered by 108 red, green and blue LEDs, the fixture offers 3- or 7-channels of DMX control. It also provides static colors and RGB color mixing with or without DMX, built-in automated and sound activated programs and a variable speed pulse effect. Features 3 or 7-channel DMX-512 slim LED PAR can Operating modes: 3-channel: RGB control, 7-channel: RGB, macros, run/strobe speed, automatic/sound, dimmer Static colors and RGB color mixing with or without DMX controller Built-in automated programs via master/slave or DMX with variable speed Built-in sound activated programs via master/slave or DMX Pulse effect with adjustable speed Low-profile lights are 2.2in deep Additional power output: max 46 units @ 120V (see manual for details) Double-bracket yoke doubles as floor stand

DJ J Picks a fight!

What do you think? Leave your comments below!

Geeks.com...Deals in your InBox

Well if you're like me (and I believe most DJ's are, at least in this respect) you're in love with all things "gadget"

I love electronic toys and gizmos and if I can buy them for less, well then so much the better. So several years (Wow...actually quite a few) ago when I discovered the website Geeks.com I was...well a "geek" in heaven!

Geeks.com is a sort of wholesale, meets clearing house, meets import outlet. The main focus is on computer hardware. Most of it is B-stock, merchandise that is past it's prime, retail speaking, but still incredibly useful. There are some really great deals to be had. You can find really cheap media (Blank CDR's, DVD's, Flash drives) hard drives, laptops, and PC's. There are quite a few consumer electronics as well and one of a kind odds and ends.

One of the best parts of Geeks.com? The Daily Deal. A small item usually costing less than $20 that are different ...well as the name implies...everyday. You can sign up to receive alerts in your email for all of the regular merchandise deals (WARNING -you might get as many as 3 emails a day) but in the top right hand corner you'll find some of the best bargains on a wide range of quirky stuff.

I want to make very clear that we are not (yet!) affiliated with Geeks.com in any way. I am simply a subscriber to their emails and a mostly satisfied customer. "Mostly?" Yes..mostly...I have purchased one or two extremely cheap items and I got what i paid for. On the other hand I have purchased some really high quality items that were phenomenal!

As it's the holiday season you might want to head over to Geeks.com and take a look. You never know what you might find! Happy (bargain) Hunting!

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