This is the first post in a new monthly column by Ray Martinez called “Unbridled Inspiration.”
This is an exciting time of the year as the NBA Playoffs are getting into the final rounds. You have superstars like Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Dwight Howard and Steve Nash all vying for an NBA Championship. OK, how does basketball tie into our jobs as DJ Entertainers?
Basketball is a great sport to watch because it’s also entertaining. As a DJ Entertainer you must put together a strategic plan in order to have a winning performance.
Defense wins many games. In our field, we must defend ourselves against issues that may stand in our way. But an intense defense ignites an offensive transition. When the opponent misses a shot, we rebound and seize the opportunity and start our fast break, dribble down court and score.
When we play the game right, with fundamentals, there is no reason you can’t have a championship caliber season.
When we perform on stage, many of us have received compliments of what a fine job we have done from clients and guests. It’s a great feeling. Cardinal Rule: Don’t Believe Your Own Press Clippings. Stay Humble!
Here’s some helpful hints on having a winning performance on stage just like many championship teams do.
1.) Self-evaluation after the game: When you are driving home or after you get home and start winding down, take a few moments to evaluate how you felt about your performance and compare that with the comments you may have received from guests or clients. Then think about what you feel you could have done to make that performance better. Although you cannot go back in time, you can go forward and make your next performance better than the last one.
2.) No evaluations during the game: We are in a mostly non-scripted business where we must learn to ad-lib to become a better performer. If something is said or done that did not go the way you hoped it would, don’t “beat yourself up” during a performance because if you do, it will all go downhill from there and you will be on the losing side of the scoreboard.
3.) No sulking or whining: We occasionally run into difficult people or circumstances. Never-the-less, remember to be as professional as possible and understand that we are in a service oriented industry. This means we are here to serve our clients and their guests, not the other way around.
4.) Team awareness: We must learn to put our egos aside and work with other professionals. It’s all about the client and the success of their event.
5.) Study the other players: Knowledge of other professionals and their businesses can help to make you more of an overall expert about all of the “players” in the event game. It can also lead to strategic alliances and mutual referrals. So study hard!
6.) Stay out of trouble: You never get a second chance to make a good first impression. Don’t Foul Out!
What are your tips for having a winning performance?
Ray Martinez of Ray Mar Productions in Goodyear, AZ is the single most highly recognized individual in the mobile DJ industry. A 30+ year veteran, Ray’s many accomplishments include: 2006 American Disc Jockey Hall of Fame Inductee; 2003 National Male Entertainer of the Year, American Disc Jockey Awards; 2001 & 2002 ADJA Southern California Entertainer of the Year; Author, “Performance Beyond Expectation” and “Music From My Heart, Orchestrating Your Business and Your Life;” Vice President-Board of Directors of N.A.M.E. (National Association of Mobile Entertainers); Executive Director, CrossMix-Christian DJ Association; Lifetime Member-American Disc Jockey Association; Former National Director of the ADJA, Former Vice President of the ADJA So. California Chapter; Ambassador and Endorsed Artist for QSC Audio. To contact him, email [email protected].
