Competitor Or Friend?

I had an enquiry through WDJA the other day and managed to get a meeting. I trotted along knowing I needed to secure it as a booking. They said they'd had four responses, two of which were unavailable and two really good responses, me and another guy. How would you have responded knowing that the job was still in the balance and you charge more than the other guy?

I replied that all four are excellent wedding DJs, but offer a slightly different service and the guy in question was a really nice guy. I followed it up with a joke about shooting myself in the foot but I had to be honest. I continued to say what I did and how I could make their day special.

I got the job.

Personally I treat the other guys around me as friends. i know I can call them for a favour at anytime, and vice versa. The other night when I was getting stressed with my equipment, I was close to calling one that lived local and wasn't out, and I know he'd have been down like a shot. We often bail each other out with equipment. I lent a smoke machine the other day, but then someone else lent me a screen and projector before Christmas. When I was canvassing the hotels before Christmas, I avoided those that I knew had one of my friends regularly. Work is passed between us regularly.

I think being honest and fair is the best policy. This shouldn't mean not quoting gigs when you've found that friends have also quoted.
I know a few local guys, and we pass work around if we're unable to quote (due to being busy), at some times, I guess we're all quoting for the same gig without knowing anyway!

I would have no bones about quoting a job that one of my friends were also quoting.
I guess the point is that my quote would be a normal quote - not attacking any other DJ (I don't do that anyway!), and simply explaining how I work, and the benefits of booking me.

I would not comment on the other DJ's quoting; what are you supposed to say "book them instead", or "I'm better"?
Being confident in what you offer, and your pricing

The 2 guys I know, 1 provides for decent 4* & 5* weddings, the other is more family parties (40ths in a village hall etc). Both good, experienced guys, with quality gear for the parties they provide.
I don't target specific venues (new website *will* list local venues though), but again if I were to work in a hotel a few times, I would get feedback from management, and provide my details if asked.
If I had a friend on the preferred suppliers list - I'd let them know, better to come from me than viewing it on a website/word of mouth.

I think if you can look your friends in the eye if they ask about your actions, you should be able to explain yourself and provide you have been fair.
If they cannot see past 1 lost gig, then its probably time to re-evaluate things.
From what I read Sandy, its a mutually beneficial friendship, so I wouldn't think there should be a problem.

Those that set-up to put other DJ's (or businesses) down, are only harming the industry- so in my eyes, deserve the reputation they are carving!

Jason

My best friend Denis of about 30 years standing is also a DJ, we get on really well and pass work to each other and also compete and even compare notes on clients that are doing the rounds. We chat often and meet up about once a month for a meal and a drink.

I am also good friends with another local DJ called Dave Dee who runs a very high quality service, we often pass work and also compete, in fact we were only chatting about 2 specific clients that are asking for quotes this morning. Before I had my screens he offered to lend me his pair of 52 inch plasmas or a pair of large screens and projectors and when I asked how much he said to come and take them as they were just doing nothing in his garage and I was welcome any time.

I also have a good relationship with Mark and Sharon who some will know from forums, we pass work and of course being local to each other we compete too.

Over the years I have mixed with a few local DJs and you soon learn who the freeloaders and back stabbers are and avoid them. I have also discussed this with venue owners and managers and the ones that have been in the business a while also know who the stirrers are and they mostly avoid them too unless they are really desperate.

As with the friends. I have a few who are dj's in the area Peter, Simon, Richard who all run other discos in the Hull area. We are still competition. But we are all good friends and work together wether its passing work onto each other.
or teaming up with one of them in a large gig and even lend each other gear.