10 Traits of a Professional DJ
DJing isn’t all about having a great music collection and knowing how to mix (although that is a big factor). If you’re hiring a professional DJ for your wedding or event, there are some important traits to look for.
Here are some tips on what to look for in a professional DJ:
10 Traits of Professional DJs
1. They love music and their job. Let’s face it. You want to hire a DJ who, at the bare minimum, loves their job. If they don’t enjoy their job, then are they really going to enjoy working your event? A professional DJ will be excited to work with you and will be committed to making sure they bring the love for their craft to your event.
2. They’re all-around confident. After a meeting with your professional DJ, you should have peace of mind when it comes to your event. A professional DJ will be confident in their abilities and know their limitations at the same time.
3. They’re incredibly organized. Your DJ should be really organized. The level of organization shows you what kind of DJ you’re hiring right from the start. They should be able to provide you a sample timeline, a sample playlist, and advise you on favorite songs from a variety of music genres.
4. They are open with their experience, and they have a lot of it. It’s okay if you’re willing to give an opportunity to a new or inexperienced DJ, but if you’re spending a large amount of your budget on the entertainment at your wedding or event, then you need to make sure your DJ has experience. A professional DJ will be open about their experiences, the gigs they have mixed at, and where their expertise lies.
5. They have their own voice. Everyone has favorites, and DJs are no different. While your professional DJ should be able to mix at almost any event, they will still have a comfort zone. Some professional DJs specialize in weddings, and others will specialize in night clubs or even salsa dancing events. Keep this in mind when hiring a DJ for any niche, some may be better suited to the task than others.
6. They are a business. When it comes to hiring a DJ, there are plenty of people mixing part-time or full-time, working out of their mom’s basement and requesting personal checks as payment. A professional DJ is going to have the business-end figured out. They’re going to have a DBA name, and they’re going to have some type of corporation information behind them, too.
7. They’re professional. Professionalism is the way your DJ appears when you meet them. When you meet with your professional DJ, they should be well-kept, clean-cut (whether it’s casual or business attire), be on time, and be prepared for your meeting. On the day of the event, they should be punctual and communicate openly with you to make sure your day goes as planned.
8. They have $2 million in liability insurance. A professional DJ will have liability insurance. Carting around expensive equipment to various venues isn’t a risk-free endeavor, and it opens the door for the possibility of all sorts of incidents. A DJ will have liability insurance in the event of any mishaps while performing at your event.
9. Their full-time job is DJing. A full-time, professional DJ is working over fifty events a year, or at least one event per week. It’s not enough to have a business license and a name, the DJ you hire should be actively working. Consistent business means other people enjoy working with them, and they deliver what they promise.
10. They’re dedicated. All these traits boil down to one thing: dedication. Knowing their business, being organized, spending time honing their craft - these are all examples of true, honest dedication. When a professional DJ is dedicated, it shines through in every way.
Keep all these things in mind when you start your search for a professional DJ. Don’t be afraid to ask how often they work, about their liability insurance, or how long they’ve been a full-time DJ. Knowing if your professional DJ possess these traits will insure your satisfaction with their service.