Article, Break Down A Professional DJ's Time, Tampa DJ, Tampa Wedding DJ, Disc Jockey Tampa, Florida Wedding DJ, Miami Disc Jockey, Disc Jockey Florida

Home - Jemstar Entertainment "MORE Than Just About The Music!"

Let's Break Down A Full-Time Professional Entertainer/MC/DJ's Time:

To those who believe that a professional "DJ's" job is "cushy" and / or easy,
or not aware of what else goes into that 4-6 hours of Performance Time...

People always call, shopping around, wondering, "How much do you charge for four hours?"
Believe me...If it were that easy, I couldn't stay in business.

First of all...I run everything (I have absolutely NO hired helpers):

THROUGHOUT THE WEEK:

Communication with prospects, clients, booking, planning etc (5 min to 1 hour).

Personal meetings with clients, prospects (1 hour).

Prep time for these meetings; Getting dressed; freshening up my memory, studying details before meeting;
Drive time to get there (at least 3 hours "opportunity time").

If prospect accepts, "Congratulations"...Now it's time to process their booking information (1 hr):
* Forms completed on-line by client (DJ WebMin)
* Process Booking Fee(s) and Agreement Form(s).
* Deposit funds / checks
* Create and send client copies and receipts
* Add event info to all calendars (Multi-calendars as a fail-safe to prevent scheduling mishaps)
* Create and send forms (weddings include up to 6 different questionnaires) to client (including personalized labels for client folders and materials)

Client planning meetings / Consultations (1 to 4 hours not including prep and drive time).

Organize and prepare all details from the planning meeting;
* Telephone coordination with client and vendors; photographer, Caterer, Hall Manager, etc (1.5 hrs)
* Study / Memorization of announcement details / Name Pronunciations (1 hr)

Music Editing & Preparation
* Music research...Track down all music promised (1.5 hrs)
* Music is edited and pre-arranged to fit the needs and/or requests of the client.
* Music is edited for ALL audiences.
* Music is pre-edited to insure flow of party.

Sound Preparation; Voice Salutations from client / client relatives and loved ones are collected and prepared for performance integration.

DAY OF EVENT:

Load van (1 hour)

Shower, dress (1 hour)

Travel to event (at least 1 hour)

Arrive 2 hours before first guest is expected

Up to 6 hours performance time.

Client resolution, then break down. (up to 2 hours)

Drive home (Again...at least 1 hour)

POST EVENT:

Paperwork; Update client database; record client comments and post event details.

Send survey(s)

Create calendar reminders for Anniversary or Birthday.

Implement adjustments from notes; Acquire unavailable requests.

Receive survey; Add comments to web site.

EXPENSES: Let's not forget to take into account Taxes, phone bill, web site hosting...

This article was inspired by Chicago's Jim Cerone: "The Perfect Host" of Disc-Jockey America Radio.

Jemstar Entertainment

Mobile Disc-Jockey Service
"More Than Just About The Music!"

Home I Weddings I Mitzvahs I Holidays I Corporate I Other Events I P.A. Rental I About Jeff I References / Testimonials I Music Collection I Games / Activities I My Promise To You
Equipment I Client Access I Make A Payment I Guest Song Requests I Music Database / Search I PlanningMadeSimple I LifeOnRecord I Price Estimate I FAQ
Prizes / Party Favors I Helpful Articles I Preferred Vendors I Photo Album I Jeff's Blog I Contact I Links I Legal Stuff I Limousines I Search I Site Map