Alex Vaughan Mobile Entertainment Blog

Maybe I should say, I don’t drink when I work. That isn’t to say that I don’t enjoy an adult beverage from time to time. I do enjoy craft brewed beer like Dogfish Head and Fordham, two of my local favorites. But, I don’t think it’s a good idea for anyone to drink an alcoholic beverage when they are on the job. Do you?

Think about it. When someone consumes an alcoholic beverage, it impairs their ability to be at their best. The alcohol releases inhibitions, dulls the senses and often leaves one with a false sense of security.

What would you think if your bank teller smelled of alcohol? Would you recount your money? If your dentist were overly chatty and smelled like beer as they put a new bit in the drill they’re getting ready to use in your mouth, would you feel completely at ease? Probably not.

Many party hosts understand the hazards of allowing their guests to over-imbibe and either offer specials for people who will stay sober and drive the drinkers home, or provide designated drivers for their guests.

That being true, then, why is it acceptable for a DJ Entertainer to drink when we’re on the job? I think the answer should be, it’s not. It’s not acceptable, it’s not professional and it’s not how I’d like another DJ company to serve me or my family. So I won’t do it.

I don’t drink when I’m at work helping you celebrate what is most likely a very important mile post in your life. I think that’s the professional way to serve my customers. Just think of me as your Designated Party Co-Host.

Earlier today, a colleague and professional DJ Entertainer, Mike Fernino, of Music in Motion DJ Entertainment made a post on his blog titled “DJs should be more than “Just Music”. Find it his post at www.musicinmotiondjent.com/mim_blog/2010/01/04/466/

While I agree whole heartedly with Mike’s overall message, as president of the Delaware Association of Mobile Entertainers, (D.A.M.E.) I cannot completely agree with his final point which, in essence says, don’t hire part-time DJs. There are many part-time DJ Entertainers who are just as serious about delivering top quality performances as we full-timers are.

So how do you tell when you’ve got a good DJ?  Don’t worry; it’s pretty easy to weed out less-than-professional DJ Entertainers, full and part-time, with a few thoughtful questions. In addition to many of the points Mike made in his blog:

• Ask for a valid business license, mine covers the entire state;
• Ask for proof of business insurance, I carry a 2-million-dollar policy;
• Ask for a list of references, both professionals and customers, mine gets updated every quarter;
• Ask if they’re a member of the local Chamber of Commerce, I’m the 2009 Entrepreneur of the Year here;
• Ask if they’re a member of ADJA, NAME or some other nationally recognized DJ Trade organization.

If a DJ Entertainer is serious about delivering top quality entertainment services, asking good questions like the ones in Mike’s blog earlier today along with some like those I’ve suggested will go a long way toward your finding the best DJ Entertainer for your celebration, whether they’re full or part-timers. Look for their professionalism and level of commitment, then sign the contract.

For me, the hardest part is educating the public and our prospective customers that DJ Entertainment is a legitimate profession.  It is not something that just anyone can just jump into on a whim.  If more people understood that, we probably wouldn’t even have to address issues surrounding Full vs. Part-Time DJ Entertainers.   Alex