By Stacy Zemon
I’m fortunate to know a number of remarkably successful people in our industry. Over the years, I’ve noticed that all of them share attitudes and behaviors that have propelled them to the top of our field. Chief among these is a willingness to consistently improve.
Here are four questions that can bring you into that same mindset for success!
1. Is there a skill I’ve been neglecting?
Regardless of your talent as a DJ, you cannot succeed as an entrepreneur if you fail to master business, marketing, and sales skills. For example, I’ve known mobiles who can teach line dancing like nobody’s business but haven’t mastered the essential art of microphone mastery.
Similarly, I’ve run across scores of DJs who can expound in detail upon the inner workings of audio equipment but have no idea how to properly follow-up on a qualified sales lead.
The lesson here is simple: learn ALL of the skills necessary to be successful. Unless you properly attend to the not-so-fun aspects of being a business owner, your bookings, referrals, and repeat business are just not going to soar.
2. Is there something I should stop doing?
Now it’s time to look at the stuff that’s getting in your way.
Look at your daily routine, your weekly activities, your monthly commitments. If you’re like most entertainers, you’re probably doing things that are counterproductive.
For many, it’s time spent on Facebook, Twitter, and texting that is non-business related when you could be learning or doing something valuable.
Whatever it is for you, you’ll get a huge burst of productivity when you limit (or stop) these behavioral impediments to your success.
3. Where can I improve?
Take a good hard look at all of the skills required of you that need improvement. For example, when you meet with a prospect, maybe you’re good at asking questions and presenting solutions, but tend to hem and haw when it’s time to close the deal. If so, work on your closing skill.
Similarly, if you’re a multi-op manager and great with people but weak at financial planning, find ways to shore up that weakness and (ideally) turn it into a real strength.
4. What else do I need to know?
Wow! You’re handling all the basics equally well and you’ve cleared the deck so that nothing will get in your way. It’s time to SOAR, baby! Here’s how.
Step back and look at the proverbial “big picture.” From this perspective, identify a skill or habit that today is totally foreign to you but which, if you mastered it, would also propel you to a level of success far beyond your current situation.
For example, suppose you’re a brilliant brander and have marketed your mobile entertainment company successfully to your ideal clients. What would happen if you mastered your business networking relationships to increase the number of referrals coming into your company?
BTW, it’s these “above and beyond” skills that turn you from a plug-and-play commodity (the status of most DJs) into an absolutely irreplaceable resource for your clients.
I’ll throw in one last piece of advice…Don’t be afraid to make mistakes, to have big dreams, to ask for help, and to credit others for helping you. Now go get busy creating success, and feel free to contact us at [email protected] to let us know how you are doing!
