New to Proms... How do you get booked?

[twok4]

Hello everyone, this is my first post on dj forums. I'm interested in booking a couple of gigs this prom season in the prom market. I have a couple of questions for the fellow dj's on this site. What is the best way to get hooked up into a school? I have tried emailing principles with no response.

My only other options would be to a = call a school or b = go into a school and try to talk to them...

The only thing that makes me nervous about either of those is being too pushy or looking desperate.

And also when do you usually book your proms is it too late in the season to possibly get a few?

I know for a fact that my package will sell, it is very moderately priced and is the biggest in the area by far. (40 ft box truss etc.)

I have been working for another dj company for some time and this is my first prom season under my own name. Let me know what you guys think!

[a-mart]

Send fliers. A week later call and ask to talk to whoever coordinates prom.

[Dixieland DJ]

^^^^ I agree. I used to send a post card to some schools.

[DJ Donnie Lewis]

Im writing letters to the schools and the district offices explaining who I am and giving our rates with a short bio of myself

[deejaygo]

Sometimes schools have long term contracts with DJs that cover an entire years worth of events, not just the prom. Schools usually don't let go of a mobile company they like unless they are looking for a lower price.

Do you know of any students/parents who are a part of the schools you are interested in working with? I've found that to be easier than going directly to the principal. You might want to find out who is in charge of event planning for the school's prom as well. Sometimes it's not the principal or the dean who is calling the shots for those events.

[LiteTrix]

I've found in past experiences that it's easier to get into schools or proms when you know someone at the school. Sending fliers or letters is a good idea though. You're going to want to get a move on that ASAP because schools are already starting to book their DJ's for prom. Good luck!

[Sween]

I've found in past experiences that it's easier to get into schools or proms when you know someone at the school. Sending fliers or letters is a good idea though. You're going to want to get a move on that ASAP because schools are already starting to book their DJ's for prom. Good luck!

2012 Proms are already booked by now (unless they're really dumb). I'm currently negotiating a May 2013 Prom.

[a-mart]

Im writing letters to the schools and the district offices explaining who I am and giving our rates with a short bio of myself

I wouldn't give your rates on the paper. That's something you should discuss with the school in person. Request a meeting. Then go over rates.

[DJ Donnie Lewis]

True although the rates are just my starting rates for private parties

[twok4]

thanks for all the info guys :). I think the mailing idea is a good one. Regardless if the proms are booked this year, at least i'll get an early start to homecoming. I'll start mailing stuff out and let you know the results.

[a-mart]

In my experience, you need to sell the idea that the school is not getting their money's worth. Charge slightly more than your competition but offer more as well. Convince them that you are a better overall value. That's what you need to convince the administration of. You need to convince the kids on the planning committee that you will offer them an experience that every other DJ in your market cannot. If you can convince the kids, the administration will follow. The nightclub/techno/rave scene is big with high schoolers right now. Find a way to offer that environment to the kids on the committee.

This is why I say you should ask for a meeting. It's very hard to convince anyone of anything over the phone.

[DJ Donnie Lewis]

Wasn't disagreeing at all. Your reply is honest and accurate. I was just saying what I have done to create that initial contact.

[a-mart]

Sorry Donnie, that wasn't meant in reply to you...I meant that just as general information or strategy for the OP to go about.

[DJ Donnie Lewis]

Oooh sorry lol.

[Roshanbhoj]

Sometimes schools have long term contracts with DJs that cover an entire years worth of events, not just the prom. Schools usually don't let go of a mobile company they like unless they are looking for a lower price.

Do you know of any students/parents who are a part of the schools you are interested in working with? I've found that to be easier than going directly to the principal. You might want to find out who is in charge of event planning for the school's prom as well. Sometimes it's not the principal or the dean who is calling the shots for those events.


^This. My school was in a contract with a guy who did an okay job but was charging way to high. Now we're booked for next year because of this. I can guarantee you though that once they see us in our first gig at the school they'll want all the other gigs booked with us. Should work out the same with you. Other schools sometimes will hear about you or at least after you're first one you're able to say you have experience. School dances are a lot of fun though! Just gotta make em big and memorable for them. Make the DJ the most memorable thing of the night, something they won't forget.

[RodneyL]

I sent custom made post cards to all local schools last year with a discount sticker on the back side to see if it would get me any. Never got one call. I'll admit I did not call around as a follow-up... it was more of a trial test than a sincere attempt to book a lot of dances.

[jazzyj]

My DJ friend does tons of proms round here and he happens to be a police officer that works within one of the schools here. I'm not hitting on any of em yet - but when I do, I'm going to get him to refer me and share the love.