To Quit or Not 2 Quit?

[absvicandmark 0]

I have been gigging for about 2 years. However, due to the amount of gigs I get, I am thinking of giving it up (see my equipment in the buy section).

Last year, I had a total of about 5 gigs (if that) and 2 of these were for family, the year b4 I had about 8 gigs and about 3 of these were for family.

My roadie is starting to get unreliable (not that I use him much!) and the only people I have left to help me is my dad (?!) or my brother (even worse).

The only gigs that I seem to get are for family.

I had a gig from my website which went down well.

I gave a quote the other day to someone local who wanted me at their wedding from 6pm to 1am. I usually charge £140 up to 12am then £30 per hour after so I quoted £170 (the gig was in a big converted barn thing in a posh hotel). I chased her up and she said she found someone cheaper!!!! I dont think I charge too much do I?

If my "roadie" gets me a gig its always for a m8 or family of his and he always wants it done for peanuts.

The last gig I done was so stressful because I gave karaoke a go that its put me off doing anymore.

The majority of my gigs have gone down great.

 

What do u think I should do?

 

 

 

 

[ChrisPointon 0]

I guess the fact that you've gone to the trouble of posting this, means that perhaps there is a niggling doubt that packing up isn't the right decision, and that perhaps you just need re-assurance that business will get better, and maybe a little bit of advice?.

 

First let me ask you a question. Do you enjoy Dj'ing as much now as you did when you first started?. But maybe you don't want to DJ alone?, and that you have more confidence and are more comfortable when somebody is there on stage alongside you?.

 

Just because your present roadie is unreliable isn't an excuse to stop doing something which you still enjoy yourself. Start looking for somebody else, perhaps somebody who has got ideas on how to boost business and is as interested in the industry as you.

 

Yes, finding a Roadie who is reliable and trustworthy isn't easy, but it isn't brain surgery or the end of the world either http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html//emoticons/smile.gif . There are different ways to find new roadies or just pay somebody part time to help out. Recently there have been people on the forum posting their willingness to help out other DJ's, even if there isn't somebody on the forum in your area looking to help you today, there could be somebody on tomorrow who is!. At the end of the day, you can always advertise for help, I'm willing to bet that there is somebody somewhere looking to break into DJ'ing, or just for a bit of part time work or a Saturday Job. Trust your instincts, as a Dj yourself you'll probably be able to tell who is / isn't right for the job when you are talking to them. Also ask around amongst neighbours / work colleagues etc to see if they have a son / daughter/ nephew / niece looking for some part time work.

 

Do you have a website? - advertise that you are looking for part time help there too.

 

With regard to getting more work, there are loads of ideas on marketing and promotion on the forum, but I think that you need to address the Roadie issue first, I think that this is perhaps the issue that is bugging you the most http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html//emoticons/smile.gif .

 

So in answer to your question. No, I don't think you should pack in just yet, because reading between the lines on this post, and your earlier enthusiasm on earlier posts, I don't think you really want to!. http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html//emoticons/thumbup.gif

 

What have you got to lose by delaying it for a few months, trying a few suggestions, asking a few questions for advice and seeing how it goes?

[wizard 0]

A bit of a sad tale that......... sorry you are feeling like giving up.

 

But being brutally honest you must be doing something wrong ( or worse still not doing something)

 

Your prices do not sound too expensive ( but doing ultra cheap disco's for freinds/family is not always a good idea ....small discount maybe)

 

Have you advertised

Do you have a website .... if so why are you not generating bookings from it ?

 

sorry just re-read your post you do have a website........... if it only generated 1 booking something sounds really amiss.... try to get some opinion on the quality of your site and improve the search rankings if necessary

 

If as you say the ones you did were good, did you not leave a few business cards laying around to generate more business.

 

The most important thing when starting is getting your name known and doing a damn good job.

 

Did you check what prices other Dj's in your area charge, if everyone else is charging £120 then you are priced too high. ( although unlikely I would hope)

 

Footslog all the local pubs/ clubs/ hotels or mailshot them. You may not think it will work , as I didnt' but I spent £20 on stamps a year ago and got 3 bookings from it. I have to admit it surprised me but these are the things you have to do.

 

99% of my bookings come from the website or referrals I do not pay for any advertising so it doesn't have to cost a fortune. ( ok the website cost is £30 a year )

 

You may feel despondant.... but if you enjoy it don't give up without a fight http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html//emoticons/biggrin.gif

 

Hope the above is of a little help

 

 

[RobbieD 0]

QUOTE (absvicandmark @ Feb 7 2006, 05:56 PM)

I gave a quote the other day to someone local who wanted me at their wedding from 6pm to 1am. I usually charge £140 up to 12am then £30 per hour after so I quoted £170 (the gig was in a big converted barn thing in a posh hotel). I chased her up and she said she found someone cheaper!!!! I dont think I charge too much do I?

I'm sure there are DJ's in your area that charge more. Certainly many of us here do.

 

How did the conversation go? Did she say how much do you charge, and you just gave a price? Or did you take the time to discuss her event, and explain what you offer, and what makes you different to other mobile disco's in the area?

 

Why not try going around the local venues in your area to offer your services. Many will say no, but some will give you a try, and if you are good at what you do, each booking will lead to more.

[ChrisPointon 0]

I honestly think that it's unfair to judge somebodies DJ'ing abilities just because they advertise as being quiet, or having a bad time getting work. I had a huge drop in bookings just over 6 years ago, as a result of a local 'agency' starting up.

 

They bought several sets of 2nd hand gear giving them 5 or 6 roadshows of basic equipment and began charging £60 a night to the local pubs. They could do this because they employed 16 - 20 year old cash in hand freelancers to do the work for them for peanuts. I am not saying that all DJ's in this age group are crap, but what I am saying is these were just teens working for beer money who had no interest in DJ'ing whatsoever and were just working for the booze / cigs / pocket money paid by this fagin character, because they were happy sitting between leaving school and entering the harsh world of full time work!.

 

The drop in bookings was huge, but business locally has never really recovered. However I started looking at taking on more Wedding & Marquee work, and travelling a little farther afield for slightly better money. Word of mouth in these other areas soon began to escalate and every year since, has been slightly better than the last.

 

Another mistake I made, was to take on some club work, which meant that for 2 years I lost all of my private function work on Fridays, and word soon got around that I was unavailable on fridays due to the residency. So although Saturdays were okay for mobile, Fridays died off. Then when I quit the residency, Fridays were a bleak emptyness and it took ages to recover. In hindsite, I should have arranged for somebody else to cover the mobile work on Fridays for me, just to keep the diary healthy and the function work ticking over.

 

With regard to marketing themselves, some people may be great Dj's but crap at sales and marketing, that isn't a crime!, and maybe they just lack relevant skills or experience in this area?. This is where the advice of others comes in http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html//emoticons/smile.gif .

[absvicandmark 0]

Thanks guys for such an instant response.

Your posts have made me feel better and Chris - you must have read my mind as that is exactly how I feel.

I must admit that I dont feel as "excited" as I first did when I started but this is probably due to the fact that at the last couple of gigs I have done, I have tried different things (last gig was karaoke - laptop broke down - aunties buggin me - you get the picture).

I might stop these "extras" and start concentrating on the disco rather than other "gimmicks".

My family and friends are always asking for parties etc but never want to put their hand in their pockets. If I say no, I am seen as tight fisted in the family. Its a vicious circle.

Like Chris says - the roadie issue is my main concern. At the mo, I dont really want to take a gig as I dont know whether id have my current roadie there or not.

I pay him about 30-35% of what I make. All he does is help with the gear (from house 2 car - car 2 venue - venue 2 car - car 2 house) and basically stand next to me to have a chat so am I paying enough? Hes a good bloke but like I said can be annoying for his unreliability.

I have a up and coming dj in the family in the form of my cousin. Problem is he is only 8 (!) but is very very very keen!

I think I need to also sort out the stress I get when peforming the disco. I expect everyone is nervous and stressed but I feel its 10 times worse!!

I also suffer from IBS which makes things worse for me. Thats why I could do with sticking with my current roadie as he knows how 2 cover for me if necessary!!!

 

As I said at the beginning - thanks so much for the support and help.

I was banned about a year ago for shouting my mouth off and I very much appreciate being allowed back into this community.

 

Bloody hell - dont I sound like a right old windger!

http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html//emoticons/sleep1.gif

 

[absvicandmark 0]

BTW - every contact with the woman with the wedding was through email.

When I found out she`d gone elsewhere , I just wished her well and hoped all went ok.

Though I did have a bitter taste in my mouth :)

[Andy Westcott 0]

Oh blimey! http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html//emoticons/huh.gif

 

This is pretty much my tale.

I had several issues all conspiring against my continuing with the DJing, but if I am honest with myself, one my biggest problems was finding a reliable roadie - another major factor was my unsociable working hours as a milkman - the two just didn't work.

 

I was getting a good number of bookings and really enjoyed what I did most of the time, but eventually after much soul searching I decided to give it all up as just waiting for my roadie to turn up (already half an hour late) was really stressing me out. This was the norm for him, unfortunately, but he enjoyed the discos and the night out, I've known the guy since school and his musical knowledge is excellent, so what do you do? There was no-one else I would trust.

 

Anyway, I did my last gig in January 2002, and haven't played since then.

 

Now I've taken 'time out' and been able to give the whole disco thing a good hard look from outside, as it were, I've decided to start up again later this year. Luckily I didn't sell any of the equipment - I suppose I had a suspicion I might go back to it one day. One big plus for me is on the roadie front: I now have an 18 year old son who will hopefully prove useful, and a 14 year old daughter who is (at the moment) keen to train as a DJ. There is also my original roadie, who has since divorced and seems a different person - possibly the reason for his 'sod it' attitude?

 

The one thing which has really made a difference to the way I perceive the business was discovering this forum, finding out that everyone experiences pretty much the same problems, and reading the wealth of advice available here. You've done well to join.

 

The upshot of all this is this:

Give it a break for a while, but DO NOT sell off your gear. Stash it somewhere in a corner, you may need it later. http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html//emoticons/smile.gif

 

With only a handful of gigs a year, there is obviously something going wrong, either with your show or your advertising, and this is where someone here can help. Maybe make a point of going out with an experienced DJ as a roadie (free), simply to gain experience of the crowd's reaction to different types of music; This is something I never had access to, and had to create my show out of nothing, but these days DJs seem to have a different attitude to what was once perceived as 'competition', and you may well find a local DJ willing to let you come along.

 

Then we can maybe discuss advertising strategies.... but first things first.

Where are you based? Let us know as there maybe someone from this forum nearby.

 

I hope you successfully overcome this doubt you currently have and are able to continue to 'live the dream'. http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html//emoticons/smile.gif

[RobbieD 0]

QUOTE (absvicandmark @ Feb 7 2006, 07:07 PM)

BTW - every contact with the woman with the wedding was through email. When I found out she`d gone elsewhere , I just wished her well and hoped all went ok. Though I did have a bitter taste in my mouth :)

Generally talking directly to a potential customer is a much better approach. Next time why not reply to he first Email along the lines of "can you let me know your phone number so that I can call you to discuss....".

 

Of course there will always be people who just contact everyone and go for the lowest price. Sometimes they don't know what to ask, and if you talk to them they will start to realise that some disco's are better than others, and that you get what you pay for. Sometimes they just want the cheapest, and that is that.

 

I understand the roadie problems. Several years ago I decided that I would rather know that I was going out on my own, and have a system that I could manage on my own, than be relying on other people that weren't as committed as me.

[ChrisPointon 0]

QUOTE

Chris - you must have read my mind as that is exactly how I feel

 

Been there, felt exactly like that, shared the same dis-illusions. I recognised the signs. Thankfully, I didn't quit, I learned from it and picked myself up brushed myself down and looked at it from another angle and gave it another shot. Fortunately, I also found a decent roadie on whom I could depend, and it made all of the difference. I'm never going to be rich and famous or have a house in the country, and i'll probably never even do DJ'ing full time, but hey!, ask me honestly and i'll tell you that I prefer it like that. http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html//emoticons/smile.gif

 

There is also the other side of the coin. You may NOT be charging enough for your area. There is such a thing as charging too low, low enough to arouse suspicions and make people think that you are charging such a low fee, because you aren't any good. Yes, it happens. Have you researched the going rate of several other Dj's in your area to get an idea of the average fee?.

 

QUOTE

I have a up and coming dj in the family in the form of my cousin. Problem is he is only 8 (!) but is very very very keen!

 

Hmm, sadly 8 is way too young for going out to gigs so don't even think about cheap child labour! http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html//emoticons/smile.gif . At least if you keep your roadshow going for another 5 years or so, you will eventually have somebody reliable to help you out, provided he's still interested.

 

QUOTE

I pay him about 30-35% of what I make. All he does is help with the gear (from house 2 car - car 2 venue - venue 2 car - car 2 house) and basically stand next to me to have a chat so am I paying enough?

 

35% of the booking fee for being a Roadie is pretty good, where do I sign up http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html//emoticons/smile.gif . Get a booking decent fee and a couple of Friday and Saturday Nights booked and that will probably work out far more than the minimum wage for a 16 - 18 year old, and be more enjoyable too, especially if they are interested in the work themselves.

 

QUOTE

Hes a good bloke but like I said can be annoying for his unreliability

 

Have you spoken to him about this, candidly and directly in the same way as you have posted here?. Maybe he is unreliable only because you let him get away with it!. Even as friends technically you are still his boss, and he is getting paid, rather than volunteering so perhaps you need to spell it out to him. After all, you are thinking of packing up, so what have you got to lose by laying down a few ground rules?. If you really can't confront him, write it down and email it to him, or send him the URL of this thread! http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html//emoticons/biggrin.gif

 

 

QUOTE

I also suffer from IBS which makes things worse for me

 

Ditto, since I was 16 and doing exams!. it can be managed, especially when it flares up at gigs, and i'm happy to give you a few tips by PM / Email. It's more common a complaint than you realise and I know 2 others on here with the same problem.

[Andy Westcott 0]

Sorry to openly display my ignorance, but what's IBS?

[ChrisPointon 0]

Irritable Bowel Syndrome. It's not catching, or infectious and it's not life threatening. Although it can cause severe discomfort, worry, and even rule your life if you let it. It affects people of all ages and lifestyles.

 

It's thought to be triggered by stress and some foods, and the worst symptoms are nearly always brought on by nerves or stressful situations. It causes cramping, nausea and lots of other "nice" things that you would normally associate with a stomach bug but I won't go into detail in case you are eating your tea!. Sometimes the cramps are so severe that in pre-diagnosis or onset it can be mistaken for Appendicitis or Gall stones. Put it this way, it's no fun, but it can be managed to a point where you can often get long periods between attacks, but the severity and frequency varies from person to person. You'll also be surprised in how many people suffer from it, it's just not the type of thing that you drop into conversation http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html//emoticons/smile.gif .

 

As Absvicandmark says, at its worst, it can sometimes make the decision for you, as to whether you go out or not.

[absvicandmark 0]

Thanku thanku thanku!!!

 

You dont know what it means to me to find out other people have the same problems and stress as me!!! Im not the minority!!!

 

I apologise if this is not in any sort of order but I got so many things in my head that I need to sort that i`ll just blabber on!

 

I work full time as an alarm engineer and work 1 night a week as callout. The missus complains I dont spend enough time with her and shes always bugging me with "you bought all that equipment and still havent made enough to pay it off."

So she doesnt help with my decison!

 

After reading the help and advice, i`ve decided to give it another go. However, I feel I want to start enjoying it properly again.

 

I will have a word with my current roadie.

 

I will start cataloging the rest of my cds on excel again.

 

I will start to give out cards again!!!

 

All the people I have done gigs for (not only family and friends but strangers) have commented on how well the gig went and that "it was the best disco ive been to. U played all the right songs. Excellent!" So I think I must be doing something right. The bar staff at ALL the venues I have played at have told me that im the best they have heard. After all these good comments, I think I have felt bad because nothing has come from them.

 

I havent got hardly any money spare for advertising and stuff (I use a free web space with free web name) so I will have to start spreading the word properly.

 

My cards are printed by vistaprint (excellent turnaround).

 

I have a gig booked for end of april (21st) which is the girlfriend of my brothers mate. I have asked my "unreliable" roadie for help and he said it was ok though I feel that he doesnt really want to do it.

Im not too bothered with this gig as my bros will be there to help carry as well as his mate that I know.

 

I have asked on this forum b4 if there is anyone wanting to roadie for me but didnt get any replies.

 

If anyone has any other ideas then please let me know.

 

 

 

[High Fidelity 0]

Yep, IBS is certainly not uncommon, I'm one of the "others" that Chris referred to and was diagnosed with it in my early 20's.

 

Have to say though that I've hardly suffered with it at all since the summer of last year when I was diagnosed with a twisted/tilted pelvis and given appropriate physio and excercises. After suffering all those years and the pain was gone in an instant. PM me if you want to know more.

 

I too am suffering from a lack of enquiries. And even more from a lack of bookings since I put my base price up from £120 to £160.

 

Have been doing some work on my website to try to increase the enquiries, and have decided to stick to the new base price for a minimum of 6 months and see how it goes. Not that I'll pack it in after 6 months, might just end up dropping my price to match everyone else locally.

[ChrisPointon 0]

Don't worry you aren't on your own or in a minority. Lots of DJ's get nervous before / during gigs, but I know how bad this can be for those who suffer from stress triggered ailments, because for all but two years of my DJ'ing career that has included me!.

 

Take each step at a time, ask friends and family for new ideas, and keep in touch with the forum, there are a lot of people here who will willingly share with you good advice, or a kick in the right direction!.

 

There have been a couple of posts recently from people wanting to help Dj's, it may be worth reading the introduction area or doing a search. It may not be in your area (Where are you based by the way?) but we have new members arriving all of the time. Also consider the other options for recruiting a roadie, if it comes to that. But I think that you existing one may come around to your way of thinking. People like to feel important and their opinions valued, so its just a thought but try and involve him a bit more in decisions and ask his opinions from time to time. Like you say he just carries the gear and such, maybe he'd like a bit more input?.

 

Another suggestion, why not see if there is another Dj on the forum within travelling distance?. Maybe it would be worth a trip out a couple of times to watch them, a change of routine and scenery and some friendly advice to spark some new enthusiasm?

 

The ball is in your court now http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html//emoticons/thumbup.gif . Anything else, just ask. http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html//emoticons/smile.gif

[absvicandmark 0]

MANY MANY MANY THANKS!!!!!

 

BTW - Im in Cirencester, Glos, but cover Swindon and surround glos/wilts.

 

[cookiecat 0]

Lets have a look at the web site.

Just curious.

[DJ Marky Marc 0]

absvicandmark, maybe you should come out and roadie for me at some gigs so you get a taste of what your missing and then can go back and work on making you own disco something you enjoy again.

 

if I'm too far then find another member to go along with.

 

a change of scean makes real difference, I'm always happy to help another DJ when I not working. its refreshing to hear new music and see how other people work.

 

[absvicandmark 0]

When ur in the glos or wilts area - give me a buzz - i`ll pm u.

Cheers

 

[C.S 0]

Do not sell your gear if you dont have to , and if you even have the slightest doubt dont give up. I can give you loads of examples of people picking themselves up and dusting themselves off and giving things yet another go and succeeding. I am sure you can make things work if you want to !

[KrazyKaz 0]

QUOTE (High Fidelity @ Feb 7 2006, 09:28 PM)

Yep, IBS is certainly not uncommon, I'm one of the "others" that Chris referred to and was diagnosed with it in my early 20's. .

My roadie suffers from IBS and my hubby suffers with Crohns disease, so we know all about it.

 

Stress is really not a good thing for sufferers of the conditions at all.

 

Anyway, back to topic.

 

I was on the brink of quitting 6 months ago. I was saying,I'm paying insurance for the gear just lying dormant.

If I did a gig, it was always like starting from scratch - first time everytime.

 

Thanks to hubby and roadie, I decided to stick with it, and I'm glad I did. I've now started getting bookings, for the first time ever, I have 2 bookings in one weekend next month. I've even got a booking for July. I don't go out every weekend and that suits me and my roadie, we both have family commitments and have to work around hubbies (babysitters )

 

Mine and my roadies eldest kids (both girls, ages 12 and 11 and best mates) are our lil' pa's telling their mates about us, and anyone else they know.

 

I put a poster up at my regular job (shop) and have an advert in a booklet that goes out to all the kids at the local primary schools. From both of those, the work in slowly starting to come in.

 

I just hope it continues.

[Les Brock 0]

Welcome in mate,

 

I'm in Stroud.. http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html//emoticons/042.gif

 

not got back into it yet after a break for nearly 8 years, if you want some moral support, I'll be glad to come along and give you hand !

 

as long as I'm not away on the Landrover off road series I'm competeing which is one weekend a month.

 

Still got all my gear if you want me to bring some lighting along...and light jock etc

 

Lesmond

[absvicandmark 0]

Thanks Brock - pm me your details and i`ll let u know.

 

[Andy Westcott 0]

Quote from Mr Pointon:

"Lots of DJ's get nervous before / during gigs"

 

Very true.

Even seasoned professionals in any branch of show buiness apparently at least get the butterflies - and for me personally, if I haven't gigged for a month or two I am virtually pooing myself and have often experienced stomach upsets beforehand.

 

I found that If I was working on a weekly basis, the nerves were greatly reduced so that is one benefit of regular work, apart from the money!

 

In my opinion, if a DJ really doesn't feel in the slightest bit nervous before a gig, he/she either doesn't care about the work or is telling fibs. http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html//emoticons/rolleyes.gif

 

Come and work with me, and we can foul ourselves together! http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html//emoticons/biggrin.gif

[absvicandmark 0]

Thinking of getting a wireless mic in case I get "caught short"!