I’m an expert ballroom dancer, and I’ve been able to use it to my advantage with my DJ company.
Here’s how:
In third grade:
I performed a choreographed Michael Jackson song in my elementary school talent show. I received a lot of compliments and realized that this was something that gave me notoriety. In November of 2006, when I was 14 years old, Emmet Smith won the Dancing with the Stars competition. I had watched the show and saw that a professional athlete had perfected the art of ballroom dancing. I too was an athlete (played club soccer, baseball, basketball and tennis) and realized that dancing is a SPORT as well. I continued to play travel soccer but started to take ballroom dancing lessons.
What ballroom dancing taught me:
Ballroom dancing taught me strong discipline and teamwork because you need to work together with your partner to perform the various dance moves correctly. I participated in dance competitions and enjoyed the experience of being judged with my partner. It is not an easy sport to master, but practicing 3-4 days a week helped build my strength, flexibility and confidence.
When I started my DJ business:
The fact that I could dance with both adults and children was attractive to my clients. I truly believe that being a trained ballroom dancer is a skill that has served me well. I truly love to dance and enjoy engaging partygoers on the dance floor. There’s nothing better than playing great music and seeing your guests have a great time. That’s what a party or celebration is all about!
How do I market it?
When I meet with a prospective client, I let them know my dance background and assure them that I will do my best, tactfully, to engage their guests. I’m not only the DJ, but I help motivate the guests into having a fun time. Most clients realize the value I bring and hire me based on my energy level and commitment to making sure their party is a success.’
I upsell my clients with the following services:
1) dance lessons before the party
2 I have musicians that I work with that can be hired to play at the cocktail hour or during the event
3) for Bar/Bat Mitzvahs I can provide games, special lighting, photo booths, etc.
4) custom video montages
5) customized logos and monograms on the dance floor
6) special choreographed dances during the event
7) logoed giveaways
Jason Zaplin is the owner of DJ Zap Music in Livingston, NJ.
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