Facebook and DJ groups – Facebook was originally intended to be a purely social network where you can stay in touch with friends and colleagues, but businesses and companies have also discovered Facebook as a marketing and communication channel and are actively using it.
But parts of the "shadow economy" are also very active on Facebook, and especially in the DJ sector, there are some truly outrageous excesses. DJs advertise themselves on their often poorly made, self-constructed websites, highlighting the fact that they have 30 or more DJs on their team (I'll discuss this issue in a separate blog post) and that they can always find the perfect DJ for your event.
That may be true, but have you ever wondered what kind of DJs they are...?
I've been working as a freelance and full-time DJ for almost ten years now, and the "people" who call themselves DJs are a special breed. Among the DJs who do it full-time, there's a relatively peaceful coexistence, while the rest are simply traitors who bring the DJ profession into disrepute through unprofessionalism, unrealistic fee demands (despite having a main job), and a lack of basic knowledge, be it in areas like event safety, accounting, taxes, etc.
Now you're probably wondering what this has to do with Facebook...? It's quite simple...
The latest trend is that various DJs, or those who call themselves DJs, are creating groups on Facebook with names like...
And countless more. You just have to search and you'll find them here by the hundreds. Initially, it seems like a good idea, because if a DJ cancels, you can quickly find a replacement. BUT whether that DJ is actually any good and can adapt to the audience isn't clear, just as it's unclear whether it's their first time or if they already have experience. You also never know what kind of equipment the DJ will bring, and so on and so forth…
The reason behind this behavior of some so-called DJs who post their booking requests on Facebook is that they collect a commission from those who accept the gigs. This can range from €50 to 30% of the total fee. Easy money for the group administrators, but this isn't a business model; it's an outrage, not only towards full-time, professional DJs but also towards the client, who completely loses control over their booking request, as it's buried in the depths of the "leftovers" Facebook DJ groups...
Imagine this scenario: You contact a DJ whose website and references look reasonably good, and you decide to get in touch to request a quote. However, this DJ is already booked and, usually without asking, posts the request in, for example, their Facebook group. This group is teeming with 150 to 1,000 so-called DJs, most of whom they don't know personally at all, let alone know what equipment they use, what kind of music they play, how they mix it, or whether they have any social skills when dealing with clients. Then, you usually get a call from one of these DJs, which you didn't want. You simply wanted a non-binding quote, and now a complete stranger, whom you neither know nor have contacted, is calling your mobile number. Great, privacy violation! And hopefully, you don't end up with 20 washing machines delivered but no DJ for your wedding, company party, Christmas party, or whatever else you're celebrating. Furthermore, you want 1,000 supposed DJs to know that you are celebrating your wedding on day X at location Y...?
Professional DJs work with a few DJ colleagues who know them personally and also know what kind of music they play, because they only want to recommend a DJ colleague who has a similar understanding of quality as themselves, whether it's music, technology or communication with the customer.
I personally work closely with a maximum of three DJs, as I know exactly how they work, what kind of sound they play, and what equipment they use. However, if all my colleagues are already booked, I also have a small pool of six other DJ colleagues whom I know personally and have seen and heard perform live. Therefore, I will never post a job request in a Facebook group or make it publicly available there, and certainly not pass on any contact information to third parties I don't know personally and trust.
If none of my DJ colleagues are available, then I will be open and honest with you and communicate this without promising you the moon…
Even though some people still believe that "cheap is chic," if you don't hire a professional, you could end up without a DJ or music on the day of your party. These DJs, in particular, have no qualms about turning you down as soon as an offer of a few extra euros comes along. Think about that…
