The Top 10 Things DJs Should Do About COVID-19
By: Jason Walsh, USDJA President
March 15, 2020
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The DJ industry is bracing for the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19), a pandemic that will test the resolve of the entertainment industry as nightclubs close, events are cancelled, and uncertainty slows future bookings. Our challenge right now is to ensure the safety of ourselves, our family, and our friends, while still maintaining a business under adverse conditions and fearful economic times for everyone. The stock market is volatile – which brings fear to event planners, couples, and parents alike, as the market’s dip was also the first indication of a poor 2008 and 2009 booking season for many that were around. To that extent, I have created the following ten things you can do today as professional entertainers to help maintain your business, your client satisfaction, and your own peace-of-mind.
1. STAY CALM
“This too shall pass” is a Persian adage that reminds us that the temporary challenges before us are just that…temporary. Even if the pandemic extends for multiple months, this will eventually appear as a blip on the radar of our lives. It may bring temporary financial hardship, fear, and uncertainty, but remember – we will get through this crisis just as we have done through other national emergencies and difficult situations. I have seen a sea of red posted on the calendars of multi-op DJ companies – resulting in tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars in lost income. This seems like the end of the world and the end of the business you built, but it doesn’t have to be. Take one baby step at a time. Don’t make extreme decisions or let your emotions get the best of you. Reach out to family and friends if you feel panicked or depressed. You’ve got this!
2. GET PREPARED
The pandemic has caused issues with getting cleaning items and food supplies. As soon as possible, ensure you have at 3-4 weeks of food on hand – rice, pasta, cereal, tuna, canned foods, nuts, frozen meats, baking items and veggies are all good options. As you get low on food, head to the store late at night (about 30-40 before they close) to reload your pantry - there will be fewer people to interact with, and workers will be busy stocking shelves for the next day. Don’t forget the cold and flu products – they can’t cure or eliminate coronavirus, but they may be able to help with symptoms, and while people aren’t sick, they are actually readily available everywhere as of today in my area of the country.
3. STAY CLEAN & HEALTHY
If you are lucky enough to still be working during this, be sure to use sanitizing wipes (Lysol, Clorox, etc. - that kill germs on surfaces) on your gear or on the station’s/club’s equipment, before and after each use. Make especially sure to clean microphones and any equipment touched by others during your set/shift. Keep your distance from patrons at clubs and strategically set up your equipment to prevent people from jumping up in your face. Wash those hands frequently with hot/warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds and sanitize with 60+% alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Eat plenty of protein and get lots of sleep (it will keep your body ready to fight off the virus and it will allow you to not snack or consume your food stockpiles from being awake at 3am). Don’t shake hands or touch your face, eyes, or mouth.
4. AVOID CUSTOMER & PUBLIC RELATIONS GAFFES
Crises separate the men from the boys and the women from the girls. If you want to be professional, now is the time to shine. What’s the best thing to do about cancellations? Start with not posting social media comments like… “If I have to listen to one more b!@ch ask for her wedding deposit money back, I’m going to kill somebody!” Seriously, now is not the time to post anything unnecessary on your social media pages. Thanking customers for their support is a nice gesture, but worded poorly, may be a sign of weakness. Stand strong and confident (but not cocky) in the face of uncertain times. Have multiple people that you trust for their communication skills (not just other DJs) proofread any major post or email you put forward.
5. CHECK YOUR CONTRACT AND CANCELLATION CLAUSES
Another time to not solidly place your foot in your mouth, (or appear too weak), is when it comes to cancellations and postponements. I have had my share of cancelled weddings so far, and I am guessing there are more to come. What should you do about cancellations? The answer is quite simple… WHAT DOES YOUR CONTRACT SAY WILL HAPPEN IF THE CLIENT CANCELS? If the pandemic hasn’t taught you about saving money (it just had to happen during wedding and prom season after a typical Winter hiatus, right?), it hopefully will teach you that your cancellation clause may need to revised before you take another gig - and potentially, made into an entirely separate addendum of your contract if you are worried about its length. Next to the date and times of the event, this is the most important clause in your contract. Make sure it is fair, but most importantly, that it explains exactly what happens when a client (or an Act of God, pandemic, government intervention, etc.) shuts down an event. Show some compassion (and flexibility) to couples that have spent months and thousands of dollars to plan this event – but don’t go bankrupt breaking your own terms and conditions. Stick to the plan!
6. DOCUMENT, DOCUMENT, DOCUMENT
Make sure you have a clear copy of your contract signed by both parties and keep any emails or texts that you sent back and forth. Know who the parties are… you should be dealing with the bride if she is on your contract – just because mom and dad paid, doesn’t make them the boss when it comes to the signed contract. Any changes to your contract, pricing, or terms should be documented in a new contract or MOA (Memorandum of Agreement) signed by all parties.
7. MAXIMIZE YOUR CREDIT AND FINANCES NOW
Not only are people scared about COVID-19, so is your bank and credit card company. If you could benefit from a loan, credit card consolidation or convenience check, or any other financial product, and you have an offer waiting in a pile of mail on your desk, this is probably the week to make your move. In the last recession, with excellent credit and $20,000 in available credit, I used my credit card (which had a zero balance) to pay for my son’s weekly day care bill because I forgot my checkbook. This apparently set off an algorithm with the card company that I couldn’t afford basic bills and they slashed my available $20,000 credit down to just $3,000, the bank also removed my consolidation offers . Your income this year is likely going to be less than last year, so use your credit (wisely) while you have it, but don’t “bank” on your credit limit not changing – it can. Spend less and only make purchases that are absolutely necessary. Now is not the time to buy luxury items, although if you have the funds – it may be a good time to buy discounted gear. Don’t look at retirement accounts or attempt to day-trade in such a volatile market. See www.usdja.com/c19 for deals and special offers during this difficult time.
8. TAKE PROPER BUSINESS PRECAUTIONS
The Small Business Administration (SBA.gov) will likely be offering low-interest loans and potential grants or stimulus packages – but if you are not operating as a business, you might not qualify for all offers – consider the possibility of filing as a business with your State. Maintaining or obtaining DJ business insurance (such as www.usdja.org/insurance) will ensure that insult is not added to injury in the case of equipment theft, fire, or lawsuit that could bankrupt you.
9. USE THIS “BONUS” TIME WISELY
It seems like a prison sentence to be forced to stay in your home for the next several weeks.
I’ll agree there is nothing fun about it… but instead of wasting time complaining online about something beyond our control, or binge-watching movies, use this time to benefit your business. Spend time reviewing educational content on YouTube, read a business book, or even sign up for online courses. Get your gear and music library ready for your next events, update your website and marketing materials, and start networking with DJs and other vendors in your area. Contact past clients and ask them to review your services so you can be ready for the next booking surge. Bring a lunch tray to your favorite event planners or venue staff, and if needed, supplement your income by delivering food or packages on a temporary basis for extra cash. Beyond your business - spend some extra time with your children, spouse or loved ones.
10. SUPPORT OTHER SMALL BUSINESSES
This is the time to buy a take-out meal from a local pizza or sub shop over a big chain. Use the power of your Facebook, IG, and Twitter followers to advertise for these small businesses in exchange for a free meal or some gift cards. If necessary, barter future DJ events at restaurants and bars in exchange for gift cards or meals that you can benefit from now.
More tips & business advice at www.usdja.org - Stay safe, stay professional, and stay positive!
“Remember, despite all the current events, there is no crying in baseball.”
- Tom Hanks’ tweet to fans after testing positive for COVID-19