Professionalism refers to one’s professional status, methods, character, or standards (dictionary.com). This is also reflected in attitude. A DJ’s professionalism can have a huge impact on bookings and even fans. Let’s look at some examples of how this can impact a DJ’s career.
Attitude is everything
I’ve booked many DJs for events over the years and simply put, DJs with a positive attitude are easy to work with and fun to be around. I’m more likely to bring them back too. Attitude can refer to a number of things; from working with me on a reasonable fee (based on venue size, door cover, day of the week, etc), promoting the event (via social networking is fine), to interacting with those involved and fans, dealing with equipment, and simply not being a diva about everything.
Most importantly, having a great attitude is about acknowledging people when they come up to you and introduce themselves….being humble. When someone tells me that they are happy I’m there, or I’m a big fan, or anything like that, I thank them whole heartedly, shake their hand, or even give them a hug. If I have a mix CD on me I give it to them as well. Sometimes I even suggest we take a picture for my website.
Double Booking
My biggest professionalism pet peeve I have is when DJs double book themselves. Sometimes this is intentional when a DJ has two gigs at different times on different sides of town. In a big city with different markets this can be done. However, it should be clear to both promoters before accepting both gigs. But this isn’t what I’m referring to. I’m talking about accepting two gigs on the same night in two different parts of the world and not showing up for one of them. I don’t care how hot of a DJ you are, and how much the other promoter offered you, doing this is completely unprofessional….and to just not showing up is the worst thing a DJ can do. A make up show is a loss as well. No one who came to the first one is going to have any faith that the DJ will show up for the next one.
Craziness
I’ve seen, on more than one occasion, DJs actually threaten bodily harm to promoters and club owners. I will say in most cases the DJ was wronged and had every right to be irate. But let’s not get illegal here. I mean I’ve seen them threaten to call they’re “boys” to tear the place up. This kind of behavior is completely unprofessional and will definitely bar you from future gigs. There has got to be a better way to handle bad situations. That’s why DJs should use contracts.
Drinking
Man if I had a nickel for every time I’ve seen a DJ get smashed at a gig and make an ass of himself. Have a few drinks but don’t loose your composure. Don’t get me wrong, we’ve all had our moments and should be given some level of forgiveness. Some drunks are funny and can still perform. Some are not so humorous and it ruins their set. This is a tough one because drinking is part of the scene. Unfortunately, so are drugs and this is another area that can lead to a memorable unprofessional situation. Know your limits.
Again….all of this within reason. DJs are entitled to a fair fee and equipment expectations but sometimes things don’t go as planned. I also know that many DJs have been burned in the past and as a result are not always ready to place a lot of trust in others. So there are two sides to this. But still…try to stay positive and professional. It will pay off in the long run.
David Sabat
DJ Marketing 101 
this is on point. i’ve done promotions, bookings and events and have seen almost all of these scenarios. yes being a dj is cool. and if you’re lucky you can support yourself from it. at that point conducting yourself as if this is work is key for longterm (continued)success.
Thanks for the feedback.
I totally agree with this one! I myself had the pleasure of working with many great Dj’s and I also have had the chance to work with Drama, famous “Do you know who I am type Dj’s”. One thing I like to also mention to some up and coming dj’s even the ones who have carved a name out for themselves, it’s also important to be Flexible, not only with the situations that arise but with promoters, set ups, what ever the reason may be, and it’s also helpful to be patient with the promoters that booked you! Some times things don’t go as planned and need to be re thought or worked out. Give the promoters a chance to work it out before you assume your getting the shaft and start flipping out.
And on the last one Drinking! this to me is the biggest down fall to any DJ famous or not… Too much alcohol is just that! too much for anyone, there is a limit and any professional DJ should set one for himself, a couple drinks are OK, but remember you are there to perform a job and do a good one and to do that you have to be able to perform your duties. A little moderation and good attitude goes a long way…
Good read though for sure Mr. Sabat..
Much love.
Man, I only made the alcohol mistake once. The club had “jungle juice” 10-gallon coolers set up around the club. It tasted like Hawaiian Punch. After 4 or 5 quick drinks, I was way too out of it to spin tracks. Luckily one of the other DJs came early enough and covered for the first hour or so. That was also when I discovered the danger of Vodka. I always limited myself to 1 or 2 jungle juice drinks on future nights!!!!
This brings up a great point. It was my “friendly and outgoing attitude” that kept many people I dealt with calling me back even when it was clear I may have not had as much talent at the time as other artists. It was my “like’ability” I guess you could say in the utmost humble way. I’ve been around when artists loose composure or don’t show up and it just oozes bad energy and makes everyone uncomfortable and therefore negating any opportunity for future work and or your reputation and what kind of person you are.
I find so much resourceful information from djmarketing101. As a budding artists its opened my eyes to all the areas that I was lacking and otherwise may have been common sense to some people but it flew over my head like my hair line years ago lol!
Thanks for the great advise on the website.
Tim…your “likability” not only helps you get booked more, but it probably brings more people to your shows and the promoters know this. Thansk for reading the blog and as you point out, there is a lot of common sense here. But it really helps to spell it out sometimes. Keeo that sense of humor too!
This is such a good post and it is applicable to life, and any business that you are in.
If you are a dick, you are probably a dick if you are a DJ, Bartender, or a NASCAR driver and people won’t want to be around you..plain and simple.
It is customer service. If you don’t have it, you shouldn’t be in the business of providing a service to people.
In any business,a good attitude will make you money, especially when you are starting out and trying to make a name for yourself.
It’s the same in every aspect of life, but it needed to be said.
As a bar manager here in Vegas (back in the day), I’d rather hire an average girl with a great attitude, than a hot one that’s a diva…too much trouble.
Same goes for any employee of service provider.
I know from experience, that your mouth can be responsible for some long periods of unemployment.
Great post, David. Not sure when some DJs got the idea it was ok to act like a diva, but some of the biggest names in the industry are still humble, approachable and down to earth.
Anyway, in addition to these ideas, I’d like to add communication. And this is a two-way professionalism street between DJ and promoter. Timely responses to phone calls, emails, FB messages, or texts; good spelling (if you know you’re a poor speller, please use spell check); and CLEAR communication (please try to avoid vagueness and don’t overpromise! it’s so much better to be honest!).
Nowadays DJs there’s often a subtext that DJs are hired not just for their vibe and music but also for how many heads they can bring through the door. In such a case, it’s imperative the DJ and promoter communicate clearly so expectations are known.
Good, timely communication is the basis for a good relationship.
Lola…GREAT point! Communication is very important to being professional. I’m trying to lock a DJ up right now who agreed to play on a given date but is now nowhere to be found when I’m trying to finalize the event. Now I view this DJ not only as UNPROFESSIONAL, but UNRELIABLE!