No. But, there may not be glaring differences from one to the other at first glance. Most professional DJs have a decent website and great photos of their gigs. We all tell you we have all the best music and will get the crowd up and dancing. We go on and on about our excellent audio equipment. Sometimes I think DJ websites are written for other DJs, not folks trying to find a professional DJ for their wedding or party. Because most of us are typically good with people, we know what you want to hear and plaster it all over our websites.
So what is different about one DJ versus another?
Everything!
The difference between professional DJs are as different as pro basketball players, nobody would confuse Kobe Bryant or Michael Jordan for Joel Przybilla or Sheldon Williams but if you had never heard of basketball before, it might not be easy to distinguish them. I run into this dilemma when watching the Olympics. I rarely know who are the great athletes before the game since I do not follow most international sports. About fifteen minutes into the contest, I can distinguish the ones who excel from those who appear to be their competition.
So how can we figure out who excels as a professional DJ from those who are just a DJ?
Dig deeper.
Ask the questions they don’t want you to ask!
It’s your wedding or party. This is not the time to be shy or worry about making them feel nervous or embarrassed.
How many Weddings/Sweet Sixteens/Birthdays have you performed?
How many musical genres do you keep current, maintained and prepared for gigs as DJ?
Do you accept DJ requests for songs from my guests and make them feel honored?
Do you integrate our playlists and musical suggestions as a professional DJ?
How many songs do you have in your music library?
Do you have DJ experience planning and coordinating weddings and events?
Is your DJ equipment sound quality superior in all areas of the room?
Are you comfortable and skilled making guests from every generation included and satisfied as a professional DJ?
Where did you learn to speak professionally on a microphone or MC?
Do you accept Pay Pal or other forms of evidence of being a real DJ company?
Are you a full-time professional DJ?
Can I contact your references and get recommendations from past clients?
Do you have a DJ contract?
What do you do best as a professional DJ?
Ask the right questions and you will find your Derek Jeters, Paul McCartneys and Michael Jacksons from your weekend warriors, hobbyists and those getting their training on the job at your wedding or party? It’s all in the right questions.
What questions do you think are most important when hiring a professional Wedding or Party DJ in the New Jersey & New York area?