I Need to Decide on a DJ...
what kinds of questions should I ask?
WhatsNew:
New Best Family Member
December 28th, 2010
2010 saw some big changes with Fish Hook Entertainment. I decided to focus my efforts on Disc Jockey services and aim my Video services at businesses.
This year also saw our family grow by one new member, taking the total of Bests living in our house to 6. It can be pretty crazy at times but I wouldn't change it for the world.
Looking forward to seeing what 2011 has in store for Fish Hook Entertainment and the Best family.
CurrentNews:
The Need to be heard!
December 28, 2010
One of my goals for the upcoming year is to be more "plugged in". Well, at least more active in updating the site. I really want to dabble in some podcasting.
I want to be able to bring you pertenant issues as well as timely information for you to consider as you plan your event. Check back soon for the first Episode!
Convenient Planning:
Plan your event
December 28th, 2010
My day job includes working with technology and teaching teachers how to incorporate it into their daily lessons. With that said, it only makes sense that I would use some sort of "techie" way for your to plan your event.
If you decide to use Fish Hook Entertainment for your event, you will be given an online account which gives you the ability to plan the entertainment for your event entirely online. This is very convenient
if you are planning a party from out of state. Simply log in, click on the desired planning area, save and log out. Once you log out, I get an email alerting me of your changes. If you would like to see what an account looks like, click Client Logon
use the username: "thisisjusta" password: "sample".Use the following questions to help you decide who to use for your event
- Do they have experience?
- Did you check references?
- What kind of equipment are they using?
- What will they wear?
- Will they play a variety of music?
- Are they even available?
- Did you get it in writing?
- What can I expect to pay?
- Are you comfortable with your choice?
Look for Experience
- The experience of disc jockeys varies greatly. Find out how much experience the actual disc jockey performing at your special event will have. Look for someone that has been a disc jockey for years, not months, and has experience performing at events like yours. You will pay more for an experienced disc jockey, but it's a good investment if you want a successful event.
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Check References
- Get several references from previous clients of the disc jockey company. Make sure the references are from recent events, preferably from events held within the last six months. You also want to make sure the references are for the exact disc jockey that will perform at your event. References for a disc jockey that won't personally be at your event mean absolutely nothing. The quality of the show depends entirely on the specific disc jockey at your event. Trust the comments of previous customers much more than a slick marketing brochure. Don't ask if you can come to an event to "hear the dj". Disc jockeys are employees at private events and do not have the right to invite guests. Instead ask to meet with the disc jockey over coffee, lunch, etc. or thoroughly check their references.
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Equipment
- There is a tremendous difference in quality and reliability between home stereo equipment and professional duty sound equipment. With professional equipment you will be reasonably assured of quality sound and reliable operation. If you like, ask the disc jockey company the make of their equipment. If you recognize the names, and they are available at consumer electronics stores like Best Buy and Circuit City, they are using equipment designed for home use and not professional use. Also, make sure the disc jockey has some sort of equipment backup system in place.
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What will they Wear?
- The disc jockey should be dressed appropriately for your special event. You will need to ask the disc jockey exactly what they will wear to your event. Some disc jockeys will wear a full tuxedo to a wedding reception, or possibly a nice suit. For other less formal events, they should still wear neat and tidy clothing. Jeans and a t-shirt are not appropriate clothing for a disc jockey at any special event.
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Variety of Music
- Your disc jockey should be able to entertain everyone at your event by gearing music to you and your guests. Their music library should contain everything from big band, oldies and disco to the latest dance, country and rock, and they should play a variety of music styles. The disc jockey company should be able to provide a list of the music that they will bring to your event.
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Availability
- Top disc jockeys are typically booked a year or more in advance. Start your search for a quality disc jockey as early as possible to ensure that you find quality entertainment. Do not wait to select a disc jockey, as your choices will be severely limited if you wait until only a few months before your event. You will almost always have to pay a non-refundable booking fee to the disc jockey company to reserve them for your event.
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Agreement
- Protect yourself and get it in writing. Make sure that you have a signed contract with the disc jockey company that spells out the date and time of your event, name of event location, hours of performance, fee schedule, deposit required, who your disc jockey will be, cancellation requirements, and when the final payment is due.
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Cost
- The disc jockey fee is affected by geographic locale, day of the week, time of the day, number of hours of music required, lighting and sound system required, and experience of the disc jockey. On average, you'll pay $100 to $300 an hour for a disc jockey with a four-hour minimum.
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Are you Comfortable?
- Above all else, find a disc jockey that you feel comfortable working with. The disc jockey that takes the time to get to know you and your entertainment needs and expectations is the one that you want to hire. They will work with you to make sure that your event is a success and that all of your guests have a great time.
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