This is not only a guide to help you when hiring a DJ, it also gives you the opportunity to compare my qualifications to the standard.  
Below is a list compiled of many "How to hire a DJ" lists.  It will give you a well-rounded honest look at all sides of the most
popular asked questions when hiring a DJ.  Please take this as my personal point of view, and not the written word.

How do you go about finding a DJ in Dayton Ohio?
Well, of course the best way would be if you have recently attended an event, and liked the DJ that performed. If this is not your situation, then the Internet is the best
place to start.  DJ's use to advertise in the Yellow Pages for big money, the advent of the Internet ha significantly changed that...DJ's found that they can reach a much
wider audience for far less cost over the Internet !!  The unfortunate thing when trying to search for a local DJ, and you type in DJ Dayton, you get a bunch of national
companies that sell your booking to the local DJ's as a lead or a gig.  You will find your local DJ easily on the Internet if you are specific about what you want when
searching the major search engines...the more clicks to that website the higher the ranking (on average)...so the better DJ's or most researched DJ's are on the first few
pages of content.  Once you get a hold of a DJ, remember your gut, and first impressions are always right. If you do not like their personality, and communication skills
over the phone, then chances are they are not the right choice.   Most local DJ's in Dayton, Ohio are honest, well-respected professionals that will be glad to recommend
another DJ if you so choose...Listen to them too !!!

I usually fall on the first page on Yahoo Search and the third page on Google...The main competitors I deal with are those
national companies previously discussed.
virtualdj-dayton.com

What kind of experience do you have with MY TYPE OF EVENT?
The first thing to consider is experience, whether it's a wedding or a corporate event. When talking to a DJ make sure they have experience with the type of event you
would be hiring them for. Some DJ's like to use Video's, but beware. Remember, they are edited, and you only see what they want you to see. Also, if your DJ is a
flexible one, and willing to work with you, it is impossible to show all his abilities on one tape. However, video's can show a portion of their performance abilities. Many
like to think that if a DJ has worked in the industry for 20 years he must be good or doing something right. That's not necessarily true, especially in urban area's where
there is a lot more work. They might not get good word of mouth business, but a great advertising campaign can keep them going. Another common question on "How
to hire a DJ" lists is part-time DJ's verses full-time DJ's doing it for a living. Just because they do it part time, does not mean they are not experienced, or good at what
they do. I do it full time, and know many part-time DJ's who are experienced, and very good. Thus answering the question to franchise companies versus sole
ownership, and having a storefront verses working out of your home, it doesn't matter. Experience can incorporate all these questions, but don't ever forget to consider
their personality, and how it fits with you. I feel how their personality fits with you is the key.

Go to my About Me page to see my experiences:    virtualdj-dayton.com/about_me

Can you provide References?
I have stressed getting references, but they are not fool proof. Whether it's written, phone numbers, email's, or video, they all can be altered; even if they let you pick
which ones to use. Many people ask to see the DJ live in action, and that's great if you happen to be at an event they are working. But many parties are private, unless
they are doing some club work. You wouldn't want some stranger walking into your party would you? If your hiring a DJ for a wedding, seeing them at a club gig
would not show you what you need to see. I know it all seems a catch 22, but let me ask you this? If you were to hire a plumber, would you ask to go out with him on
one of his jobs first before hiring him?  Bottom line, I nor any other professional DJ is going to give you a reference that could turn out to be bad !!  Some will "hide" the
bad references so you can only select from the good ones.

That brings us to Professional References like Caterers, Banquet Facilities, Photographers, etc. These professionals work with your DJ, and see them in action. Don't
forget though, they work in the same industry. Many DJ's will give these vendors "kick backs" just to refer them, or use them for a reference, and the DJ will do the
same in return. That is why I feel the best way to truly feel good about you selection is to SEE THEM PERFORM !!!

I offer all clients the opportunity to see me "perform" just for them in my home.  I am honest about my abilities and I have not
done everything out there...some have.  I will show you my equipment in action and my performance activities live and in person
without distraction.  I will not invite a potential client to another's show under any circumstances.

Goto my references page to get references for different types of events:
   virtualdj-dayton.com/references

Are you Service-oriented or do you only offer "package" deals?:
The DJ needs to work with you, to make sure you can get the best service that you deserve. When you hire a DJ you are trusting that they know what they are doing,
and will do the job right, the way you want it. To start, there must be an initial consultation, whether in person, email, or over the phone. DJ's will commonly have you
fill out a form. The form will give them the necessary information, to customize your event to your taste. The consultation is a Q & A session that educates you as well
as the DJ on how you want your event to turn out.

I like for the client to come over see the equipment, see a personal performance and begin the paperwork...two reasons for this
order: Usually I get the client so pumped up that they cannot wait to sign up !!  I guess that is a sales tactic !!!  Second, it gets
the client in the right frame of mind to come up with ideas on what to do with the capability I can provide.

What kind of music do you have?  Do you have access to more?  Is it digital?  Do you take
requests?
The music library, whether it consists cassettes, Cd's, records, and even 8-tracks. Yes, I had to mention 8-tracks. I actually met one DJ who likes to use some 8-tracks
as a novelty thing. But for the most part, Cd's are most commonly used. I look at it this way, if the music is crisp, and clear who cares what format its on. Most DJ's
cannot provide you with a list of all their music because of how extensive it may be. There are many lists out there of the most popular music being played for certain
events, whether Weddings or Birthday Parties. Just ask the DJ for one. Chances are he will have one, or will know where you can get one. This will guide you in
picking out the music you like.  Make sure the DJ is willing to requests if you so choose...this is not a guarantee that all requests will be honored.  The DJ is a
professional and will make a judgement call if the request "fits" with the theme and the environment.

I primarily use an all-digital music library of over 45,000 songs on a external hard drive.  I also carry select "top" dance songs
on CD as a back-up.  I have a music subscription to a library of over 2-million songs...which means if I do not have it...I can get
it !!   I DO take requests but reserve the right to determine if it is appropriate or not.

Do you use professional-grade Sound Equipment?
The Equipment your DJ should have is professional pro sound equipment. You will not find these brands at a local electronics store. The next problem many people run
into is that the average person does not know anything about the equipment. So here are some of the more popular brands used, however, they are not limited to these
brands: Shure, Yamaha, Behringer, American Audio, Crown, Dennon and so on. Another good question to ask is does your DJ have any back up equipment with him.
Chances are the equipment will not go down. In the unlikely event something does go down, it's usually an amp or CD player. They should have a back up.

I carry a complete back-up system to every show and I use only professional-graded equipment.  I will tell you a story now!  I
have only had one show in my career where I had equipment failure.  I hooked into the venue electrical supply and had no
power...after talking to the venue personnel, I got the power turned on to the outlets I was using.  I then noticed that the amperage
I was getting was hovering around 92...if you do not know most electrical devices need at least 120 amps.  I could not run enough
power to get the equipment going and one by one, I started to loose sub-systems on my main system !!!  I immediately turned to
my back-up system while diagnosing my mains system.  There was NO interruption to service to the client...they did not even
know I was sweating the issue !!   Eventually my back-up started to loose power and I reverted to my back-up to my back-up !!  A
pro dual-CD player straight into a powered mixer...again the client never suspected a thing and the show went on !!!  My point, I
have already dealt with the worse that can happen and survived...you will not have to worry about equipment failure.

Please follow this link to see the audio equipment I use:
  virtualdj-dayton.com/audio_equipment

Do you have Effects Lighting?  Does it cost extra?
Lighting can really enhance your dance floor, but you want your DJ to use it appropriately. Again, they should have professional lighting equipment. Here are some of
the brand names, but not limited to these: American DJ, Chauvet, Martin etc..  Lighting is what ultimately makes one DJ stand out from another and there is simply no
other effect out there which matches the impressive performance of a laser.

I use many professional-grade lighting effects to satisfy all tastes!  I have a multiple laser projection laser system that is simply
one of the best in mobile entertainment across all of Ohio.  I use many halogen and LED lighting fixtures too to enhance the
entertainment, all of this for no additional costs.  I have to stress the importance of Haze and/or Fog for lighting fixtures to really
Pop...Haze puts small particles into the air which gives the lighting something to reflect off of to make it visible to the naked-eye.
 Haze and/or Fog is sometimes restricted by some venues to the potential risk of triggering a false fire alarm.  I also provide
custom monogram and logo projection, one of the few in or around Dayton.  Unfortunately, I cannot offer this as part of my
performance due to the unknown cost of any particular custom artwork to be developed...but you get to keep the custom design
and gobo for yourself.  

Please follow this link to see the lighting equipment I use:
   virtualdj-dayton.com/lighting_equipment

What will you wear to my event?
What ever you want them to wear. Of course you want them to dress appropriately for the occasion. If your DJ is a professional, they would not show up in ripped out
jeans & t-shirt for a wedding. Well, unless that's the way you wanted him to dress.

I own a Tuxedo...I own many suits, and I have custom logo's polo shirts for all types of events...it is your call what you want me
to wear !!!

Do you have a written Contract?
A written contract is very important. It protects you as well as the DJ. Even if your hiring a friend to DJ your event, you still need to get a written contract. Remember,
business is business, and if something goes wrong it could be a big mess. A word of warning, read your contract over thoroughly. Make sure there is no hidden costs
or fine print that might mislead you. Always, make sure the DJ you hire signs it. If not make sure their name is on the contract. Large franchises are famous for
switching around DJ's. The DJ you meet at the consultation, might not be the one that shows up at your event. Many companies will put in the fine print "We reserve
the right to use a replacement DJ if needed" so beware. Ask questions, if your not sure about what it says. If the DJ avoids answering it, that should tell you something
right there.

I will always be the DJ that performs at you function with one small exception...I die or have a life-threatening emergency or
someone in my immediate family dies or has a life-threatening emergency.  If that occurs, and I pray it never does...my brother
Joey VanCleve will immediately attempt to take over the planned event.  In the odd event he cannot take over, I have a agreement
with two other local DJ companies to back me up if necessary.

You can follow the link to them from my links page:
   virtualdj-dayton.com/links

Do you belong to any professional DJ organizations?
This one really makes me laugh. Its kind of like keeping up with the Joneses. Anyone can be a member of any organization if they pay their fee. Yes, there are certain
criteria you have to have. Just because they belong to an organization like the American DJ Association does not mean they're reputable. On the other hand, being apart
of an organization lets you network with other DJ's. The DJ can learn new skills, and keep up with the latest trends in the industry.

I belong to many professional DJ associations which are identified on the links page: virtualdj-dayton.com/links

Do you carry Liability Insurance?
Insurance is good protection for you, and your DJ. Lets say one of your guests accidentally falls, knocking over and breaking some lights. You do not have to worry
about the DJ trying to go after your guests for damages. That goes the same if the DJ happens to break something on accident.

I carry a $1-million liability policy with State Farm Insurance.  Some DJ's use less know names for their insurance coverage and
that does not make them any less reputable.  I choose to use State Farm at a higher cost to me because it is a name you know and
trust.

Are you a Licensed DJ?
This always makes me laugh when I see it on a DJ's "How to list" First of all, the only license needed for being a DJ is in broadcasting. The FCC requires you to have
one if you're an air personality. I can not tell you how many time's I have heard a DJ say "Well, I am licensed" If they are a mobile or Club DJ, and they say that; ask
them to see it, and then watch them scramble for excuses. Now you might also hear a DJ say they are licensed with ASCAP or BMI. Its not a license, just a form you
have to fill our for an event if your charging money at the door. They are the so-called music police that make sure the artists get their royalties for playing their music.
The DJ might say " If your DJ is not licensed, your event could get shut down" That is so untrue. The only time a license is needed is if your charging money to get in
at the door, like for a large fund raiser. The it is up to the venue owner to get the forms filled out not the DJ.  They can only give out fines, not shut your event down. If
this is the case where you're charging money at the door, make sure you let your DJ know. Then the appropriate steps can be made for attaining a license.  Now, the
National Association of Mobile Entertainers is working with the music recording industry as you read this to develop and apply a Endorsed Professional Entertainer
Certification.  This is a good thing in the long run, it will help keep the hobbyist at bay and help you to get the right DJ.  Right now, it is not being adopted by the
mainstream but as it evolves, I will most likely jump in line too to get the certification to prove to everyone I am certified.

There is no certification and/or license required to be a DJ...I do however, have a B.S. in Business Management with a minor in
Logistics Engineering.  I have a record deal with Ruthless Creations, an independent record label and write, compose, arrange
and produce my own music.  I expect my first album to be released in mid-March of 2008 on Amazon.com, iTunes, Napster,
Rhapsady, and Yahoo! Music.  This does not make me licensed, just an accomplished professional !!!

I hope this helps you to pick a DJ for your next event.  I want you to hire me but I also want you to get the best for your money and I hoped to have left no
stone unturned...let me know if there is anything I can do to help your next even t  success.

                                        
chadvancleve@virtualdj-dayton.com
Simply Your Best Choice For Entertainment
937-830-6500
Info@virtualdj-dayton.com
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