DJs probably spend more time communicating with vendors, clients, occasionally client guests, employees, and employers than they do actually attending gigs. While music may be your life, communicating with those in the music world as well as those who hire your services is essential to you actually getting those gigs and being successful as a DJ.
Choosing the Appropriate Mode of Communication
One of the most important aspects of communicating for a DJ is to know which form of communication to use when and with whom. Here is a look at some different types of communication methods and when it is appropriate for DJs to use each type.
Texting
Texting should be reserved for co-workers, employees, contractors, and answering text messages from employers. Considered to be an extremely informal means of communication text messages should never be used when dealing with vendors or clients unless they suggest such a form of communication for a specific reason.
Emails
Emails should be confined to communication between people who work with one another, confirmation of dates and times with clients, and acceptance or rejections of invites to charity gigs if the invitation was issued to email. Emails can also be used to answered short enquiries by clients or can be used to send short enquiries to vendors.
Phone
Clients will often phone you to set up an appointment to meet, or if they have hired you before to check and see if you are available for a certain date. It is best not to make phone calls to potential clients unless they have asked you to call or return a call. Of course if you are DJ that works for someone else, you can certainly use phone communications to check with your employer regarding something at a gig you need to clarify. In fact, phone communications can be used for just about thing that you either need an instant answer to, or instant clarification on.
In Person
It’s becoming increasingly important to communicate in person. Meeting with potential clients and selling them on your services. Of course in person communication is needed when purchasing or looking at equipment.
By Letter
There are times when only a letter will suffice as a means of communication. Letters are usually used when sending contracts to be reviewed by potential clients, used in selling disagreements between yourself and clients, or yourself and venues, and many other issues that arise in the course of your business when a hard copy of what you have said is important to your business or collecting your money.
Keeping It Professional
No matter what form of communication you use, it is extremely important that you keep your communication professional. When communicating in any form of writing, whether you are texting, emailing, or writing a letter make sure that you use proper grammar, punctuation, and spelling. When talking on the phone remain polite and courteous even if the other party appears upset or angry. When meeting in person, offer a handshake, refreshments if applicable, and keep all remarks completely professional and polite. Never use curse words or slang, and if using terms of your trade make sure the person you are talking to understands what the terms mean.
By using the right forms of communication, and maintaining a professional demeanour when conducting business, you will help increase your reputation and earn yourself more gigs.
