making connections - mobile beat: essential info for djs€¦ · for djs and “boothers,” while...
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MAKING CONNECTIONSMAKING CONNECTIONS
MOB I L E BEAT. C OM#216
MAR
2020
THANKS FOR ALL THE SUPPORT OVER THE LAST 15 YEARS! ~ RYAN BURGER
PublisherRyan BurgerMobile Beat
Events DirectorJake Feldman
Editor-in-ChiefDan Walsh
Editorial Assistant / WriterRebecca Burger
Events Director EmeritusMichael Buonaccorso
P L A Y L I S TMBLV24 � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �6
Mobile Beat Las Vegas Live: A Last Hurrah and a New EraBy Mobile Beat Staff
MBLV24 � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 7
MBLV24: The Greatest DJ Show That Never WasBy Mike Cordeiro
A DIFFERENT BE AT � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 8
Social Distancing: The DJ Industry Takes Another HitBy Stu Chisholm
FE ATURE�� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 10
Virus AdviceBy Mike Fernino
PRO PERSPECTIVE � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 12
A Different DiSC in Disc Jockey By Troy Adams
PRODJFILES � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 14
DJ Angelo: Returning to His Burmese RootsBy Staci Nichols
MOBILE MATTERS � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 16
Reception Layout SuggestionsBy Matt Martindale
FE ATURE�� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 17
Is Your Website Connecting?By Matt Campbell
FE ATURE�� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 18
Maintaining a Leadership EDGE in Turbulent TimesBy Jill J. Johnson
Wow. A lot has changed, all of a sudden. I was helping prep for MBLV24 back in early March, and also trying to get ready
for Mobile Beat’s transition to new ownership on April 1, when the coronavirus crisis amped up. It ended up cancelling MBLV24 as an in-person event, and led us to create a live educational event online.
Presenting a live-streamed conference turned out to be a masterful way for owner Ryan Burger to go out on a high note, as he exits the DJ media / trade show business and refocuses on other endeavors. Ryan’s ability to quickly adjust to changing situations has always been something I appreciated while working with him over the last 15 years. Now, I’m hoping this old dog can learn some new tricks and adjust successfully to a new Mobile Beat era.
A quick refresher: Mobile Beat Las Vegas has been acquired by HPK Online Expos, the parent company of the wildy successful Photo Booth Expo. The 25th Anniversary Mobile Beat Las Vegas show (MBLV25) will be co-located with 7th Annual Photo Booth Expo (PBX) at the South Point in Las Vegas, February 22-25, 2021. MBLV and PBX will feature separate educational tracks for DJs and “boothers,” while attendees to either show will receive compli-mentary exhibit floor access to the other show.
Many are wondering what the new ownership means for this magazine. Well, for better or worse, the exact format is still to be determined. But Mobile Beat will remain a trusted source of infor-mation for the DJ community, as it has been since April 1991—of that I am sure. ~ Dan Walsh, Editor
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P.17
Ryan Burger, taking command back in 2006
MAKING MAKING CONNECTIONSCONNECTIONS
T R A C K O N E
ADVERTISERS
Bose www.bose.com/F1 5
ColorKey www.colorkeyled.com 2
DJ Event Planner www.djeventplanner.com 19
Innovative LED www.innovativeledsales.com 11
Mobile Beat Las Vegas www.mobilebeatlasvegas.com 20
QSC www.qsc.com 9
Roland www.roland.com/global/products/dj-707m 3
MARCH 2020
AA s you’ve no s you’ve no doubt heard by doubt heard by
now, the world-wide now, the world-wide coronavirus pandemic coronavirus pandemic caused the cancellation caused the cancellation of the actual, in of the actual, in person, live event person, live event that Mobile Beat Las that Mobile Beat Las Vegas is supposed to Vegas is supposed to be. But outgoing Mobile Beat owner Ryan Burger be. But outgoing Mobile Beat owner Ryan Burger was determined to offer one last huge gift to the DJ was determined to offer one last huge gift to the DJ community. With his right-hand man, Jake Feldman community. With his right-hand man, Jake Feldman at the virtual helm, the team of presenters originally at the virtual helm, the team of presenters originally scheduled to take the stage at the Tropicana LV, instead scheduled to take the stage at the Tropicana LV, instead shared their knowledge through online platforms shared their knowledge through online platforms to an audience of DJs around the nation and beyond.to an audience of DJs around the nation and beyond.
By offering, free of charge, what usually costs attendees the price of a badge, travel, food and lodging, the Mobile Beat team drew in an audience just shy of what would typically be on hand in
Vegas. According to Ryan, on Tuesday (the first day of the virtual show). “...we have over 900 registered, an average of over 450 viewers during the day, 375-400 on webinar feed and another
50-75 via Facebook Live.”On Day 1, with fearless
host Josh Yawn emceeing from his Joshua Productions studio in Texas, and show DJ Rick Parisi rocking tran-sitional mixes from his office in Rochester, NY, the show revved up, with only few, to-be-expected glitches. Speakers like Justin Reid, Thomas Heath,
Jeff Heidelberg, Jeremy Martorano and Parisi presented on the first day, to what ended up being a lively online “crowd,” with the Zoom comment section full of conversation that was almost like the "hallway talk" that is a hallmark of MBLV.
Despite the lack of a hands-on expo hall, many MBLV exhibitors provided info online as well. Virtual DJ and DJ Event Planner hosted online versions of their scheduled live workshops, while NLFX's Ben Stowe showcased new gear from Eternal Lighting and Electro-Voice. The show continued over the next two days (from 9:00 AM to about 5:00 PM, PDT), featuring the lion’s share of MBLV24 present-ers sharing their expertise.
(Go to www.mobilebeatlasvegas.com/live for a full list of pre-senters, and to watch recorded seminars.)
The online MBLV event clearly helped many DJs begin dealing
Mobile Beat Las Vegas Live: A Last Hurrah and a New Era
By Mobile Beat Staff
MOBILEBEAT.COM ▷▷6
M B L V 2 4
Sending Jake to the HOF
Show producer Ryan Burger seized his final opportunity to induct a Mobile Beat Hall of Fame member by honoring his one-time DJ business partner, veteran MBLV Technical Director and all-around right-hand man, Jake Feldman, with the award. Ryan said it best in his short speech at the end of the three crazy days of MBLV24 LIVE:
Before I talk about my retirement, it’s time to talk about my long time business partner, Jake Feldman. Without him, Mobile Beat Las Vegas, the MB Tours, and tons of other things under the Mobile Beat name wouldn’t have happened.
Jake came onto BC Productions, my local production company, back around 15 years ago and has been running BC Productions (now known as BCP Live) for 10-plus years.
Everything you have seen this week with the live stream has had Jake in the driver’s seat. Everything you have seen with logistics and production, including
video, lighting and sound at the MBLV shows, especially at the Tropicana, has been him. The security staff, the breakout rooms, the main stage, a large portion of the schedule and more, have all been in
his capable hands.Some of you who are behind the scenes at Mobile Beat
know even more about Jake, but none of you know him like I do. This is a man who has as much passion for the DJ industry as I do. Hopefully he will be continuing to help mold the DJ industry for many more years.
For the last 15 years of his work in the national DJ industry, I am today honoring him with the Mobile Beat Hall of Fame Award for 2020. Congratulations Jake!
with the challenging situation we’ve all found ourselves in, by providing education and encouragement in the early days of the virus crisis. Here are some messages that were shared, either in the Zoom or Facebook chats, or via email:
This has been a blessing today. And my kids haven’t destroyed that house, so that’s cool too. Thank you so much for organizing
all of the seminars! ~Jessica A. McKelvey
Thank you Ryan. So far, it's been a fantastic day of education. ~ Ron Michaels
...great work on this Ryan Burger, last year was my first, and I wish I had started attending years ago. Thank you for all the hard work
you and your team have put in over the years. ~ Karl Wiegand
Ryan - This is freakin’ fantastic! Since I started teaching, I have been unable to attend the conventions. I’m loving this online live broadcast. You have outdone yourself sir! Thank you for all you
do for our industry, Olyn D. Taylor
I respected that you were like the CBS News of our DJ Industry. You just wanted to get unbiased information into the DJ's Hands so that they could use it to make people’s celebrations better!
Godspeed, Ryan Burger...Thank You! Mark Klatskin
Meanwhile, back in Vegas, empty streets, quiet
casinos. Creepy.
Above, show host, Josh Yawn; right, presenter, Justin Reid; below, Ben Stowe of NLFX
Michael Cordeiro is the owner of M.C. Entertainment, a small multi-op in Rhode Island. He has been on TLC’s Four Weddings, hosted an episode of Toddlers & Tiaras and has opened for many celebrities. He has a degree in Entertainment and Event Management from Johnson and Wales University.
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MBLV24: The Greatest DJ Show That Never
WasBy Mike Cordeiro
MBLV24: The Greatest DJ Show
That Never WasBy Mike Cordeiro
Like so many of you, each year I count down the days until the next Mobile Beat convention. It’s like counting down for Christmas. Each seminar is like opening a new present and
seeing friends from around the world is like all those holiday get-togethers. It’s the same feeling of anticipation. Over the last few years of working for Mobile Beat, I’ve been honored to conduct the wrap-up interviews on the last day. And with this being (former) Mobile Beat owner Ryan Burger’s last show, I was really psyched about getting testimonials about his tenure as “master” of Mobile Beat. But of course, the coronavirus curtailed that.
So Ryan and his technical director, Jake Feldman decided to present the seminars online instead. Sitting at home watching, it got me thinking. They really outdid themselves this year. Live streaming all the seminars and offering up the content to everyone accomplished a number of important things.
Just like online universities, it showed that our industry can create classes and content to teach people all over the world how to become better at their craft, no matter what is happening socially.
By offering up this amazing content to all DJs it eliminated every excuse for not learning (it’s too far, it’s too expensive, I already know everything, etc.).
MB may have even set the bar for future DJ conventions, to simultaneously live stream seminars from the convention centers. No excuse for not attending (physically or virtually).
Hopefully all the naysayers that never go to conventions finally saw all the value that can be obtained by attending one. The presenters poured their hearts and souls into each seminar as if they were on stage in front of a live audience. I realize that after each Mobile Beat you can get access to recordings of the seminars, but it doesn’t quite feel the same as actually “being” there physi-cally or virtually, as they unfold live. MBLV24 proves that.
So you didn’t get drunk in Vegas. Take a vacation when this is all over. If you learned one thing from all the seminars that helps you book a new event for $1,000 or more, your next MBLV pass was worth it.
In the spirit of the virtual MB show, the sudden blaze of DJs live streaming sets is a great way of giving back to our clients and community in this time of uncertainty.
Ryan Burger has left quite a legacy and some pretty big shoes to fill, but I’m pretty sure he left Mobile Beat in great hands and I’m looking forward to being part of the new team moving forward. God bless and godspeed in your new endeavors, Ryan, and thank you for taking a chance on this DJ from a small town in Rhode Island. It’s been fun!
LLast time I cluttered these pages with my blather, ast time I cluttered these pages with my blather, I did my best to answer the question put forth I did my best to answer the question put forth
in another DJ publication: Is the wedding industry in another DJ publication: Is the wedding industry doomed? If you were in on the controversy, then doomed? If you were in on the controversy, then you know there are some good reasons to ask that you know there are some good reasons to ask that question! Yet during that discussion, nobody was question! Yet during that discussion, nobody was thinking about the doomsday bug of 2019: the novel thinking about the doomsday bug of 2019: the novel coronavirus and the disease it causes, COVID-19.coronavirus and the disease it causes, COVID-19.
We’ve all heard the recommendations of the CDC in order to thwart the spread of the virus and keep ourselves safe, the #1 suggestion being “social distancing,” or being “self-quarantined” at home. If you’re like most mobile DJ companies, as well as the
majority of bar and nightclub entertainers, then you have already felt the impact: canceled or postponed events, closed doors and layoffs for all involved. To put a finer point on it, “social distancing” is the antithesis of what we, as entertainers, strive to do: bring people
together and let them have fun.
RIDIN’ THE STORM OUTThe immediate impact is readily apparent: We’re not working. Unless you’re working in radio (and you’re extremely lucky if you do – you may be in for extended hours), then the only DJ work that most of us are doing is practicing our mixes at home or getting caught up with our office work. Hopefully you’ve stashed away enough savings to stay afloat for the next month or two? I can imagine more than a few readers saying, “Yeah, right!” Yes, that is what we SHOULD have done, but what if you didn’t?
First and foremost, if you’re actually on a payroll of an
entertainment group, bar or nightclub, then you will qualify for unemployment benefits. To my surprise, my own state makes the process easy, with an online application that includes the verbiage: “temporary shutdown,” which then bypasses the necessity of making applicants apply for work. Hopefully this is the case in most states, but whatever the overall picture, this is your first, best option.
For we self-employed types, there are two new options to consider. First off, the United Way has set up a help line in various states across the country. Google United Way in your area and give them a call. Just be sure you’re calling the number for your state! (There seems to be no national hotline as of yet.) They will also help you with contacting various other charities in your local area, and also assist should you decide to sell off any extra goods you might have lying around. Despite some online strangeness, the United Way really is helping people survive this crisis, and that includes those of us idled
as a result. The second option is the SBA, or Small Business Administration. They’ve implemented a program where small business owners can apply for, and more easily obtain, interest-free loans. Yes, you’ve read that right: they’ve dropped the interest rate to zero, for the duration of this crisis. See what they can do for you!
TRICKS OF THE TRADEOne refreshing resource I didn’t realize would come in handy was my membership in a com-mercial supply store. I like to save money by buying business supplies in bulk. Printer ink cartridges and other office supplies are cheaper that way, as are things like disinfec-tant wipes and hand sanitizer. I was delighted to find out that my supply house had plenty of both, not to mention the now elusive toilet
paper! So if you don’t have a membership (and some supply houses don’t require one), then I suggest you hook up with one near you today. Virtually. Online. Because, heaven forbid we actually interact with anyone for the next few weeks!
When life was normal, how often did you lament that “my schedule is so full,” that you didn’t have time to really focus on your marketing, or get another call out to someone who inquired recently? Instead of thinking of this as wasted time, it’s far better to use it to advantage! Talk to your clientele by via social media; put out an extra podcast, spend time you didn’t have before spicing up your Instagram page. Your clients know that this won’t last forever.
Plan a campaign centered on “emerging from quarantine”! Because it IS going to happen, and with all of this sudden spare time, there’s no excuse to not take advantage, think ahead and be ready when the phone, emails and texts start blowing up once again.
Until next time, safe and virus-free spinning!
Stu Chisholm had been collecting music since he was about age 8 and began his DJ career in 1979. After a stint at the Specs Howard School of Broadcast Arts, he studied the DJ arts with famous Michigan broadcaster Bill Henning, interned at Detroit's rock powerhouse, WRIF, and later added voiceover work and club gigs at Detroit's best venues. He has shared his extensive DJ experience through MB columns, as a seminar speaker and through his book, The Complete Disc Jockey: A Comprehensive Manual for the Professional DJ.
Social Distancing: The DJ Industry Takes Another Hit
By Stu Chisholm
MARCH 2020MOBILEBEAT.COM ▷▷8
A D I F F E R E N T B E A T
WWe offer the following from DJ Idea Sharing e offer the following from DJ Idea Sharing founder MIke Fernino to help you as you founder MIke Fernino to help you as you
you chart your course through the rough seas the you chart your course through the rough seas the coronavirus crisis has stirred up for most small coronavirus crisis has stirred up for most small business owners. For more great information and business owners. For more great information and encouragement, head over to encouragement, head over to DJIS Facebook groupDJIS Facebook group..
PANDEMIC POSTPONEMENTS“With extraordinary times comes the need for extraordinary planning, adaptation and anticipation.”
This is a very important message for single operator mobile DJs. I can see where this virus slowdown is headed for our busi-nesses and our recovery. You need to get out ahead of the curve now in order to be ready for the postpone-ment wave coming.
Many, if not all events for March, April and May will postpone. (hopefully not cancel). All of those postponements guarantee that we will feel a financially devastating first half of the year and an extremely busy second half, as clients move their events, many to the fall season. And we all know there are only so many Saturdays in the calendar year.
If you are a solo provider, it’s time to buddy up now and find some allies you can work with and arrange a working collaborative.
Let’s say you are booked for October 3rd and a client from April moves their event to that date. You can either turn them away or maintain the business with another trusted associate. You might make less but you won’t have to turn away the business, or provide a refund during this economic mess. This may be a great time to check for Facebook groups of LOCAL wedding professionals to network with and exchange work. If you can’t find any, why not consider starting one? You will be a hero!
Set yourself up to ride the wave of postponements. You don’t have to become a multi-system operator but you certainly can operate like one and take care of your customers.
GET OUT AHEAD OF YOUR CLIENTSYour clients are obviously aware of this situation that has an effect on all of us, so don’t wait for them to call you. CONTACT THEM! They are stressed, depressed
and concerned. Chances are that by the time they contact you to postpone their event they will be even more stressed out by the pandemic emergency.
A call or email from you will go a long way at calming their fears and settling them down.
Let them know you are willing to work with them on post-ponements and changes.
Provide them comfort that you are in control and flexible. Trust me, it will go a long long way! I sent out emails to ALL of my March-June clients letting them know we are totally standing by them to help make the process easier and less stressful. And I got back a lot of positive responses thanking me for my courtesy and saying that I made them feel better. I’ve also had many tremendously positive
conversations where we laughed and shared our frustrations with the situation. But the key word is “shared.”
I have even been asked by some of my clients as to MY AVAILABILITY and that they would plan their new date around me! Imagine that? And this is in large part because I simply gave a damn and let them know they were important.
Cash flow is so important, so I also politely requested payments due for the original dates even though we were postponing. Many
customers didn’t have a problem with the request as I explained it was essential to keep up and running properly. Just ask, it’s amazing what can happen.
So, get out ahead of your clients. Don’t wait for them to contact you with fear and concern. Reassure them and make them happy they booked you!
Mike Fernino founded DJ Idea Sharing in 2001 as a local DJ gathering to exchange ideas and information. It blossomed into a large-scale event which eventually turned into headlining Mobile Beat, Wedding MBA and even a podcast. In 2009 Mike created the DJ Idea Sharing group on Facebook, which is now the largest in the world for DJs. Mike also shares his experiences from his 35 year DJ career in his blog at djideasharing.com.
Virus AdviceTIPS TO HELP YOUR DJ BUSINESS SURVIVE, THEN THRIVE
By Mike Fernino
MARCH 2020MOBILEBEAT.COM ▷▷10
F E A T U R E
WWhen you hear the term “disc jockey,” it no hen you hear the term “disc jockey,” it no doubt conjures up images of DJ origins and doubt conjures up images of DJ origins and
mixing music off records. Maybe you think of the mixing music off records. Maybe you think of the crates of vinyl you carried around, or for another crates of vinyl you carried around, or for another generation, those massive books of compact discs. generation, those massive books of compact discs.
Let’s look at the DiSC in DJ from a different perspective, though. Let’s pick up a different tool to carry around and use to improve our business and our lives: an understanding of the DiSC personality assessment. Having insight on different personality styles and how to better communicate is essential to your DJ business.
All your prospects, clients and colleagues have the same per-sonality, right? Surely, we can agree the answer is no. If the people you interact with all have different personalities, but assuming you only have one, how do you communicate with them all? You wouldn't only speak English to someone who only understands Spanish, right?
TRIED AND TRUE The DiSC model has been around for over 90 years and evolved into a personality assessment in the 1950s. It measures an individual’s behaviors, preferences and tendencies. The model measures and identifies four basic styles: D, I, S and C. The self-guided test (which is available here) gives individuals a better understanding of them-selves and others. Using the DiSC tool in your business will help you develop more engaged and collaborative relationships with your clients, colleagues, team members and prospects.
There are several different personality assessment tests. What
I love about the DiSC platform though, is that while it can dive
deep, on a surface level it’s simple and easier to
apply. Let’s be real. If you’re
on a call or in a meeting with a prospective client,
you have minutes to try and connect with them and likely
win or lose that sale. The DiSC platform allows you to quickly
evaluate what style you think they are and adapt their com-
munication. If you’re meeting with clients to plan out their wedding or
corporate event, a better connection is going to translate into a better per-
formance. Better understanding of your team and colleagues will of course be ben-
eficial as well. I have my entire management and DJ team take the DiSC test. It allows me to
better lead, communicate and connect them.Let me give you an overview of each style and
how to identify it. I’ll follow that with how to adapt your style and apply to emails, your sales approach, and collabo-
ration with your team and colleagues.
D-STYLEThe D-style is summarized as being dominant and direct. These are results-oriented people who are firm, strong-willed and forceful. They prioritize results, action and challenges. They are motivated by power, competition and success. The D-style fears losing control, being at a disadvantage or being vulnerable. Their limitations are they can be impatient and insensitive. But they are strong leaders, can administer tasks and are determined. You can identify a D-style through their confidence, direct nature and risk-taking. D-styles will ask “what” needs to be done, will be focused on doing it their way, and will say “Just Do It.” Think LeBron James or Kanye West.
I-STYLEThe I-style is summarized as being an influencer. They are outgoing, optimistic, enthusiastic and high-spirited. They prioritize action, collaboration and enthusiasm. Their motivators are recognition, relationships and group-activities. The I-style fears being rejected, ignored or losing influence. Their limitations are being impulsive, disorganized and lacking follow-through. For strengths, they are persuasive, positive and entertaining. You can identify an I-style by their charm, social setting comfort, optimism, enthusiasm and talkativeness. An I-style will ask “who” is involved, is wordy, and will say “Let’s have fun doing it.” Taylor Swift and Jimmy Fallon are great examples.
S-STYLEThe S-style is summarized as being steady. They are patient people, who are even-tempered, accommodating, tactful and humble. They prioritize stability, support and collaboration. That same stability and collaboration is a motivator, as well as sincerity and opportu-nity. The S-style fears disharmony, offending others, change and losing stability. Their limitations are being overly accommodating to others, avoiding change and being indecisive. They are strong listeners, team-players and will follow-through. You can identify an S-style by their patience, calm demeanor, humility, listening skills
MARCH 2020MOBILEBEAT.COM ▷▷12
P R O P E R S P E C T I V E
A Different DiSC in Disc Jockey By Troy Adams
P R O P E R S P E C T I V E
A Different DiSC in Disc Jockey UNDERSTANDING PERSONALITIES IS A KEY TO GREATER SUCCESS
By Troy Adams
and focus on the team. They will ask “how” things are being done, may sit on a decision for a while, and will say “let’s do it together.” Brad Pitt and Carrie Underwood are S-styles.
C-STYLEThe C-style is summarized as being concise and conscientious. They are analytical, reserved, precise and systematic. They pri-oritize accuracy, stability and challenging assumptions. They are motivated by quality, and both gaining and using knowledge. The C-style fears poor methods, criticism and being wrong. Their limita-tions are they can be overly critical, over-analyze and can isolate themselves. Their strengths lie in systems, planning and orchestrat-ing tasks. You can identify a C-style by their precision, skepticism, analysis and focus on data. They will ask “why” something is being done, want the details, and will say “let’s do it right.” A great example of a C-style is New England Patriot’s head coach Bill Belichick.
Ok, so you have your cheat-sheet on identifying each style. Now the task becomes how to use this information and how to accommodate each style. The first step is we must know our own tendencies and styles so that we can adapt. Let’s talk about some general focuses in different areas.
OVERALL COMMUNICATIONWith a D-style, be brief. Focus on results. Don’t repeat or generalize. Act quickly, use facts, and ensure they win. With an I-style, smile, be friendly and let them talk. Ask their opinions and feelings. Don’t overdo the details. Socialize and support their dreams.
With an S-style, be personable and friendly also. Show interest in them, be inclusive and avoid confrontation. Listen, set clear expectations and follow-through. With a C-style, focus on facts, details and process. Minimize emotion. Be both persistent…but also patient and diplomatic. Don’t over-promise or give too many options.
BUYING AND SELLING SITUATIONSWith a D, be quick and firm. Make it easy, about them and an achievement. With an I, be open and keep it quick. Highlight popular decisions, provide recognition and focus on feelings. With an S, give them time to involve others and double-check their decision. Set steps where you can follow-through and build trust. And with a C, provide supporting information, facts and expert opinions. Make them comfortable they’re making the correct decision.
TEAM ENVIRONMENTSBuilding stronger relationships and working environments is a strength of the DiSC model. For example, Ds and Is share a faster pace and the ability to be assertive. Ds and Cs appreciate the logic and challenges of tasks. Both Cs and Ss work at a more methodical pace and value the process. Ss and Is appreciate openness and are focused on people. If you pair opposite styles together, like D/S and I/C, they help balance one another. An S sometimes needs to just do it, while a D needs patience. An I could better focus on follow-
through, while a C sometimes needs to avoid paralysis by analysis. Lastly, when reading the written word in emails, you can still
identify styles. Ds will be direct and about results. I-style writers will often be warm and wordy. An S will be agreeable and ask questions, while a C will give lots of data. The next time you receive an email from a client, colleague, team member or prospect, see if you can identify what they are and tailor your response to them.
I’m a walking conflict, but this article should give insight to part of my style. It took me forever to fact-check and get this perfect. Now all I need is a hug and huge dance-party.
Troy Adams has been a professional DJ for 27 years, starting at age 16. During that time, he also juggled successful “mini-careers” in television, radio, print, and as a golf pro, GM and business coach. He now manages a team of 40 at Carolina DJ Professionals. He also founded a Lunch & Learn series focused on better business practices for colleagues. A believer in life-long learning, he’s the son of a teacher, father of two boys, two dogs…and twenty-two sets of DJ equipment.
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BBack in January at the NAMM show, I had a chance ack in January at the NAMM show, I had a chance to sit down one-on-one with DJ Angelo, a jetsetting to sit down one-on-one with DJ Angelo, a jetsetting
turntablist and development consultant who turntablist and development consultant who helps Reloop design innovative DJ gear. While helps Reloop design innovative DJ gear. While at the big music industry tradeshow, if he at the big music industry tradeshow, if he wasn’t performing for Reloop or sponsor BPM wasn’t performing for Reloop or sponsor BPM Supreme, he was involved in product meetings. Supreme, he was involved in product meetings. DJ Angelo has performed in almost 70 countries, DJ Angelo has performed in almost 70 countries, and is widely recognized as a “DJ’s DJ” amongst and is widely recognized as a “DJ’s DJ” amongst superstars like Z-Trip, Atrak, and Qbert. As I started superstars like Z-Trip, Atrak, and Qbert. As I started to chat with him, an interesting story about his home to chat with him, an interesting story about his home country of Myanmar (formerly Burma) was unveiled.country of Myanmar (formerly Burma) was unveiled.
If you met DJ Angelo at the DJ Collective in Arizona a few months ago, then you’ll know he has a British accent, although he was born in Yangon, the capital city of Myanmar. His family left when he was eight months old because his father feared for their future during the military dictatorship that ruled at that time. After a difficult, carefully planned departure, his family arrived in England with a mere $20 in cash to start a new life.
Growing up in England as a member of a small minority, Angelo did not experience much Burmese culture, and would often play down his heritage in order to integrate into the British school system. But as he grew older, he became more confident, curious, and proud of his Burmese roots. In 2013, his globetrotting DJ career led him to return to Myanmar for the first time. By then, the military dictatorship there had been dismantled. Angelo came to understand that there was a burgeoning nightclub culture in his home country, and he wanted to play a part in it. Angelo told me, “When I first arrived, there was little diversity of music, and turn-tables were hard to come by. I believe the country's first DJ came about in 1995 or 1996.”
As DJ Angelo gained notoriety through viral videos and inter-national tours, word began to spread that he was of Burmese origin, and this ultimately led to a nightclub in Yangon booking him. Since 2013, Angelo has been back to Myanmar five times, with each visit connecting him more to the nation he’d only known about through photographs and stories from his parents. “Although I grew up in the UK and am proud to be a British national, I never felt 100% at home there and always felt something was missing.” His visits to Myanmar began to fill voids for him and answered questions about his identity.
Angelo still has a lot of family members in Myanmar. When he
visits, he also finds the time to teach free workshops for local DJs. With a proud beam, Angelo tells me that fellow Burmese DJs, are starting to shine and one local champion recently applied to compete in the world’s largest DJ battle, Red Bull 3Style.
When I asked him about the music and club scene in Myanmar, he tells me that EDM and “hard” music like trap are hugely popular. “I guess the kids need an outlet and these tough genres give them the escape they need,” he explained. Myanmar is home to one of the longest on-going civil wars in the world (since 1948) and has a long history of human rights violations, including the use of child soldiers. They have one of the most extreme rich-poor gaps in the world, yet produce 25% of the world's opium. So, if DJing is about entertaining the weary masses after long, hard days, celebrating, and good old fashioned fun, then nowhere needs it more than Myanmar.
But with increasing foreign investment, things are improving greatly in Myanmar. Musically, that means six or seven huge music festivals, three new hip hop clubs, showing that tastes are diversi-fying, and the growth of Myanmar as a tour stop for superstar DJs, “...including Armin Van Buren, Laidback Luke, and Skrillex who all
recently played there!” Angelo tells me victoriously.
With his unique perspective on Myanmar, DJ Angelo feels a sense of responsibility to represent his home country in a positive light and to be
DJ Staci, the Track Star, has been a full-time mobile DJ for 10 years. She has performed internationally, on the Vegas strip, at festivals, celebrity weddings, and for companies like Lamborghini and Reebok. Staci has spoken at industry conferences and been featured on DJ News TV, ADJA and BookMoreBrides.com webinars, the Wedding MBA podcast, and a BPM Supreme Female DJ Forum. Staci is represented by both Scratch Events & Purim Agency.
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P R O D J F I L E S
DJ Angelo: Returning to His Burmese Roots
By Staci Nichols
P R O D J F I L E S
DJ Angelo: Returning to His Burmese Roots By Staci Nichols
a role model for young Burmese people who have no one to relate to. Since his last visit, he has made plans to start filming a documen-tary in Myanmar this year around the topic of DJing, identity, and more. In 2020, he also plans to define his sound and release more music. “I consider myself a global ambassa-dor for DJing culture and I’m privileged to be connected to such a huge network of fellow DJs worldwide. I don’t represent just one place, one sound, or one idea. My brand is global, just like my identity and I’m proud of that”, says DJ Angelo.
Info source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Myanmar
https://djangelo.co.uk/
https://twitter.com/djangelouk
https://www.instagram.com/djangelouk/
“I consider myself a global ambassador for DJing culture and I’m privileged to be connected to such a huge network of fellow DJs worldwide� I don’t represent just one place, one sound, or one idea�”~ DJ Angelo
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TThe ceremony is over, and the reception about to he ceremony is over, and the reception about to begin…but before it starts, here are a three basic begin…but before it starts, here are a three basic
tips to maximize the enjoyment for all guests simply tips to maximize the enjoyment for all guests simply based upon the room layout regardless of the venue:based upon the room layout regardless of the venue:
TIP #1: DON’T PUT OLDER GUESTS NEAR THE SPEAKERSLong before guests arrive, smart DJs EQ/balance the room based on room acoustics and final room set up. Then, we repeatedly “walk the room” to maintain appropriate music volumes for both conver-sation during cocktails / dinner, and for dancing. So, we have to get our wedding couples and other interested parties thinking about guest placement as the evening unfolds. Nothing is more awkward than having a packed dance floor, with them and their guests asking us to turn up the volume, when grandpa is standing at the DJ booth making a scene, forcefully telling the DJ to turn it down because he’s been placed at the table nearest the dance floor—literally four feet in front of a speaker.
(A hint to assure that grandma, et. al. don’t end up in the wrong place: ALWAYS have reserved tables or place cards for important family with their specific names [ie. parents and grandpar-ents] because they will be taking pictures and arrive long after most of your other guests will. If it simply says “reserved for family,” then the cousin with her husband and three kids can easily occupy the seats intended for the parents or other older VIPs. So, it’s best to specify. For example, “reserved for parents of the bride, Jim and Susan Schwartz,” etc.)
TIP #2: SET UP NEXT TO THE DANCE FLOOR AND AVOID SHARING FACILITIESCouples should always avoid seating guests between the DJ and the dance floor. Being right next to the dance floor allows the DJ to maximize his or her ability to control the sound and interact with guests, as well as facilitate the seamless sequence of key wedding events (ie. toast, cake, etc.).
Be wary of situations where the dance floor is in the next room, along a wall, in the corner, on a different level (upstairs or downstairs) or, even worse,
where the dance floor is the center of the room surrounded by tables of guests with the DJ in a far corner. Not only does it create a barrier between the MC and dance floor, making it harder to host key events, but it may also force us to “blast” sound and lighting over tables and through guests to get it TO the dance floor. A dance floor in the center surrounded by tables also creates a false narrative where guests feel that they have to be world class dancers because everyone else is now watching. It’s always best to create “zones” so that guests who want to sit and talk can, those that want to can dance, etc without their dancing becoming the center of the room.
TIP #3: A “TOO SMALL” DANCE FLOOR IS BETTER THAN ONE THAT’S TOO BIGAvoid excessively large dance floors where it will look “full” only if a large majority of the guests are actually dancing. Why? Because a couple dozen dancers on a large dance floor still has the appear-ance that the dance floor is “empty,” thereby prompting non-dancer guests to think “I’m going to wait until more people are dancing.”
The reality is, they may never see that happen because the dance floor is 30’x 30’ set for 150 dancers; yet we could have 40+ guests dancing. It actually prevents guests from dancing in this case because it appears “empty” due to it’s inap-propriate size. A dance floor that is too large sets a visual cue that that stymies the best of intentions.
(NOTE: We can make more room by moving or adjusting tables away from the dance floor to create more space. IF a
large dance floor is the only option, maybe because the venue is large or the guest count is smaller than planned, then try to “hide” the perception of a large dance floor by having the caterer put up highboy cocktail tables on the edges of the floor.)
In the end, as wedding vendors, we all have the same mutual goal: that everything flows smoothly for the bride and groom,
and that their wedding vision is met. So, as a professional wedding DJ, I look hard at every key component—including the room layout—during the weeks and months leading up to the wedding. I evaluating how that layout will permit me to help guests feel welcome as well as help them connect to the flow and sequence of events.
Matt Martindale, a professional DJ and MC since 1989, has performed at more than 1,650 wedding receptions, and still counting. Along with running his 18-time award-winning company, Amoré DJ Entertainment (www.amoredjentertainment.com), he is a regular MB contributor and creator of the yearly “State of the Industry Report.” His extensive entertainment experience also includes training in audio production and sound engineering, lighting and design, improv comedy, voiceover artistry, magic, and more.
Reception Layout SuggestionsA DJ’S ADVICE TO BRIDES, FAMILIES, VENUES AND PLANNERS
By Matt Martindale
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M O B I L E M A T T E R S
YYour website is the single biggest piece our website is the single biggest piece of marketing you can have as a business of marketing you can have as a business
owner. It represents your brand and the people owner. It represents your brand and the people of the company. Just as the curb appeal of a home of the company. Just as the curb appeal of a home personifies the homeowners, so your website gives personifies the homeowners, so your website gives viewers a first impression about your business.viewers a first impression about your business.
What people feel about your website is transferred through communication with your business, or lack thereof. Impressions are everything and your website must live up to potential, existing and past clients’ expectations.
Five key aspects of a website to make a connection:
MAKE YOUR CONTACT INFORMATION EASILY FOUND AT THE TOP OF EVERY PAGE. Do not make it difficult for visitors to contact you. They need to be shown the way. Your phone number should be at the top of every page. You should have a “Request a Quote” button at the top of every page. In addition, the phone number and quote button should remain visible as customers scroll down the page.
Another feature to consider for contacting you is a Facebook Messenger chat feature on your website. The chat feature can be sent to your phone and you can respond to a message much more quickly than to an email. Plus, potential clients don’t feel like they are giving up as much personal information.
SPEED MATTERS—A LOT With the mass popularity of smartphones, as a society, our attention spans have been greatly reduced. As a standard measure, web pages must load in 3 seconds or less. Plus, speed is a ranking factor in Google search results. Keep an eye on all the content that has to load on your home page, such as videos and large photos, and make sure the files are not too big.
PAGE CONTENT LAYOUT SHOULD BE EASY TO READAs mentioned above, our attention spans are extremely short. Website visitors love to skim through a page to get the information they are looking for. Thus, the use of headings is very important. Headings break up content so that skimming is possible to get the gist of each section.
When you are writing your page content, you must remember what is the searcher’s intent for the page. For your “Hire us because we are a wedding
DJ page,” consider specific questions wedding couples ask. Then, make the questions headings and answer the questions in a short responses of three sentences or less.
WRITE THE CONTENT AS TO HOW YOU CAN BENEFIT YOUR CUSTOMERSLet’s be honest. Customers don’t care about you. They only care about themselves and what you can do for them. If I see one more time on a DJ website that they are “wedding specialists,” I will scream.
When writing content for your website, keep in mind that people don’t care that you are the best DJ. They only care how you are going to make them feel. What feature of your DJ business is unique to you and for your wedding couples? You must demon-strate on your website how you made couples feel on one of the most important days of their life.
For example, if you want to show yourself and your company creating fun on the dance floor, showcase video clips and/or
pictures of couples exuberating fun on the dance floor. If you state you create romance at weddings, showcase video clips and/or pictures of wedding couples romantically dancing their first dance encompassed with your intimate lighting.
PEOPLE BUY FROM PEOPLEA business is really a fictional entity. Potential clients don’t hire a business. They hire people.
One of the most important pages on your website is your “About Us” page. This is the
place to show off your personality. Make a connection with your potential clients. Show pictures of you and your dogs playing at the park. Show pictures of your last vacation.
Describe your hobbies and interests away from the DJ booth. Describe how you have helped at local charities and events. All of this helps to make a connection with anyone reading the page. People cannot connect with “Some DJ Entertainment Company.” They can connect with you as a real person.
I hope this article has helped you look at your website through the eyes of your potential customers. When looking at every page of your website, consider what benefit would your customers get
from reading the content. If you create a strong connection with a customer, the outcome could be a lifetime of mutual benefit.
Matthew Campbell is the founder of My Wedding Songs (www.myweddingsongs.com). After mobile DJing in Montana during the ‘90s, and also attending a few Mobile Beat conferences, Matt continued his love of music through the creation of My Wedding Songs, a unique service focused on helping wedding professionals pick the best possible music for their wedding clients. My WeddingSongs is a charter member of the Las Vegas Wedding Chamber of Commerce. Matthew is also an SEO Specialist at Horizon Web Marketing.
Is Your Website Connecting?FIVE THINGS YOU NEED TO CONSIDER, FROM THE CUSTOMER’S POV
By Matt Campbell
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F E A T U R E
F E A T U R E
Jill J. Johnson is the founder of Johnson Consulting Services, a highly accomplished speaker, an award-winning management consultant, and author of the bestselling book Compounding Your Confidence. Jill helps her clients make critical business decisions and develop market-based strategic plans for turnarounds or growth. Her consulting work has impacted more than $4 billion worth of decisions. She has a proven track record of dealing with complex business issues and getting results. For more information on Jill J. Johnson, please visit www.jcs-usa.com.
MARCH 2020MOBILEBEAT.COM ▷▷18
WWhy is it that some people seem to weather any hy is it that some people seem to weather any business storm or crisis without appearing business storm or crisis without appearing
to break into a sweat? How is it that they always to break into a sweat? How is it that they always seem able to recover from a stumble and move seem able to recover from a stumble and move on to even greater success? Are they immune to on to even greater success? Are they immune to failure because they have won the Success Lottery? failure because they have won the Success Lottery?
No. Those who achieve success during turbulent times do so because they have an EDGE to their approach to leadership: They understand the value of external information. They establish a framework for their decision-making. They develop goals to provide a focus for accountability. They also take advantage of outside experts to provide them with additional insight.
EXTERNAL INFORMATION IS ESSENTIALLeaders who have an EDGE in achieving success no matter the situation understand the value of using external information. They know it is vital to understanding what is going on with the target markets they serve, especially when they are in a distressed
situation. These leaders continually reassess their assumptions about their circumstances and they look for deeper insights to help them understand the complexity of the distressing situation.
EDGE leaders focus their time and energy on asking the hard questions that help them go deeper into understanding the alter-natives available for resolving their situation. They do not hide in their office with the door closed when they are working through a challenging situation. They get out of their day-to-day bubble and look outward to gain new ideas.
EDGE leaders leverage abundant external information to provide them with insights to use for reviewing their own situation. This external information is often the catalyst for a new beginning. They adapt and take advantage of evolving circumstances and
emerging opportunities to provide a foundation for even greater future success.
DECISIONS USE A FRAMEWORK OF CRITICAL CRITERIA Leaders who have an EDGE always develop a solid framework for making critical decisions. They understand that this framework will help them manage their
F E A T U R E
Maintaining a Leadership EDGE in Turbulent Times
By Jill J. Johnson
F E A T U R E
Maintaining a Leadership EDGE in Turbulent TimesBy Jill J. Johnson
emotions as they deal with the anxiety and pressure brought on by a business crisis. A solid decision framework provides focus for the criteria that they will use to evaluate their options. They also use their decision framework to consider the implications of each choice available to them.
Leaders with an EDGE use the questions they asked during the information gathering phase to ensure they consider a wide range of alternative solutions. Yet they drive their decision-making by using their decision criteria to help them establish a framework for their priorities. They are attentive to the nuances each option provides. They prioritize the value of each element of their decision criteria. They use their decision framework to determine what they need to do to reclaim their success as they sort through their various decision options. Knowing the boundaries for their deci-sion-making gives them a more objective sense of how to evaluate their options. It moves them to a more detached and impartial view as they go through their evaluation process.
These leaders do not avoid making decisions. They use decision criterial to control their emotions and stay focused on the most critical decisions that need to be made. They consider the conse-quences of implementing each option and are laser-focused on the elements that matter the most to resolving the critical issues.
GOALS FOCUS ON DAILY ACCOUNTABILITYLeaders who have an EDGE set high goals for themselves. When circumstances collide to put up barriers to their achievements, they reassess their goals and then create new ones. Their goals stretch their leadership capability and provide them with clarity for their on-going learning to expand their excellence. They establish metrics to measure their goal achievement. They use data and information to measure their performance.
Everything they do is focused on moving through the tough time to seek out options for resolving the situation. Yet these leaders take it further by pushing themselves to achieve even more. They view a difficult time as something that tests their abilities. They embrace the challenge this provides and they trust themselves to succeed by using thoughtful processes. They know they have the tenacity and focus to reach their goals each day and throughout their careers.
EDGE leaders view their role as one in which they need all hands on deck to solve the problem. They share accountability with other members of their team which helps to deepen team bonds while creating stretch challenges for them too. The best EDGE leaders hold their teams accountable but they never abandon their team or the challenge. They work collaboratively to resolve it.
EXPERTS PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INSIGHTLeaders who have an EDGE use outside advisors to augment their understanding of their options and to serve as an objective sounding board. The best advisors are the ones that challenge the leader’s thinking and help move them beyond the status quo. Seasoned advisors have seen challenging situations like this countless times. These leaders take advantage of outside expertise to gain deeper insight and move more quickly to understand and implement their available options.
Outside advisors may bring forward alternatives that had pre-viously been dismissed because they were not fully understood or how to tweak them for effective implementation. Once the array of options is on the table, working with outside advisors helps EDGE leaders assess the real benefits of each alternative while supporting them as they deal with the overload and pressure of a distressing situation. These leaders don’t feel so alone or isolated from deeper insights. Outside experts also provide a buffer so they can maintain their leadership authority in front of their employees.
FINAL THOUGHTSUsing the leadership EDGE to achieve success in turbulent times is not easy. It requires discipline, laser focus and daily effort. Those who continue to achieve success even after surviving a crisis recognize that they have to change and adjust to the evolving situation. When they do, they create opportunities to develop a real strategy for enduring success. When you thoughtfully look at your own circum-stances, you can develop your own leadership EDGE to evaluate your situation and chart a course for ongoing success.
EDGE leaders view their role as one in which they need all hands on deck to solve the problem� They share accountability with
other members of their team which helps to deepen team bonds while creating stretch challenges for them too�
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