What DJ’s need to know about cupcakes

Cupcakes, you say. “What do cupcakes have to do with Wedding Marketing?”

Read on, for an outstanding small business success story and a casebook example of public relations wizardry.

The essence of Seth Godin’s book, Purple Cow, is to create a product or service that is “remarkable.” Remarkable, in the sense that something about what you do is unusual, rare, excellent or fill-in-your-adjective-here that people will comment about it, to others. One advantage to ‘conversational referrals’ is that people who become customers tend to be less price sensitive.

One such Purple Cow was the subject of an outstanding business profile in the Las Vegas Sun, this morning. The business is The Cupcakery, and its owner, Pamela Jenkins, Cupcake Queen.

I first met Pamela, ever so briefly, at a bridal show a couple of years ago. She probably doesn’t remember me, but I remember the cupcakes. Like so many bakers at wedding shows, The Cupcakery was offering samples of their wares. In this case, mini-sized versions of a variety of their cupcakes.

Now incredibly delicious cupcakes dangerous for me, because I’m Diabetic. But, I had to try just one. After devouring one, the only problem was limiting myself.

Today’s profile really points out several things.

1. When your product or service is markedly superior, people will notice, and tell others.
2. There is nothing like good publicity to create even more awareness and new customers.
3. Blogs, such as this one, amplify the value of publicity from other sources.
4. Your local newspaper, business weekly, and other media outlets are always looking for interesting business profiles. Maybe yours?

Now, back to the cupcakes. If a business in this town really wants to make an impression on someone, they can have a dozen Cupcakery cupcakes delivered. It’s certainly several steps beyond bagels.

I imagine most people that taste one of these cupcakes become addicted rather easily. Addiction is, of course, the highest form of memorability.

What is it that your product or service offers that truly makes it remarkable, addictive, or otherwise memorable?

Read the full Las Vegas Sun Article.

Andy Ebon
The Wedding Marketing Authority

Wedding Marketing Authority feeds his own brain

I have spent much of the last five weeks traveling, and presenting at conferences in Chicago, Boston and Philadelphia.

Last night I gave a presentation here, in Las Vegas, on New Social Media, to the Convention Services Association - Las Vegas. Now, it’s my turn to feed my own brain.

Today through Saturday, I’m attending the New Media Expo (which just happens to be in my home town) to increase my knowledge about podcasting (primarily) 10-fold.

I shall report back on some of the things I learn. It may be that I’m only one or two pieces of information and some definitive action from my next major marketing breakthrough.

Come along for the ride.

My next step in my efforts in Wedding Marketing is to launch Wedding Marketing Radio, a series of audio-podcasts to accompany The Wedding Marketing Blog. There is a ton information here, at the expo, on both audio and video podcasting, from every perspective: technical, marketing, community, etc.,.

Have you fed your brain lately?

Andy Ebon
The Wedding Marketing Authority
Wedding Marketing Blog

Wedding Marketing Kudos: In praise of the $500 DJ; and the $5000 DJ

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Are You Using the 3 C’s? by Paul Kida

Three keys to DJ success, from C to shining CWe all have probably heard of the three “R’s”-reading, ‘riting and ‘rithmetic-but do you know what the three “C’s” are? More importantly, do you know how to use them to become a more effective mobile entertainer?

For those who need some refreshing, the three “C’s” that all mobile DJs need to master are the following: Confidence, Control and Clarity. These three are a must for any DJ wanting to stand out as a master entertainer, as well as provide exceptional service to all of your clients. Let’s examine each quality to see why it is important, how it can be applied and how all three are related to each other.

Confidence
First, some brief definitions of confidence: firm trust, conviction, boldness and belief in yourself. From these descriptions, can you see how vital it is to manifest confidence as an entertainer? By having a firm trust in yourself and your abilities, you not only strengthen yourself, but your confidence will be seen by your clients, thus forming that bridge of trust that is a necessary factor in establishing a solid bond an relationship between you for life. Displaying confidence means being yourself, believing in yourself. DO NOT compare yourself with others! You are unique, with your own personality and special traits. Use these differences to the full in creating your own style and persona. When you are convinced about your own capabilities, you will easily be able to convey this feeling to others. You believe in yourself and what you are doing! The positive part of your ego, your self-esteem, will shine through like a beacon that will make it easy for clients to follow your thoughts and directions. Your confidence always allows you to lead others effortlessly through any performance.

But a word of caution: Don’t confuse confidence with being an overbearing “know-it-all!” The negative side of your ego could become overblown if you turn this confidence into obnoxiousness. Whereas the positive side of ego is uplifting self-esteem, the negative part of ego is when you fail to consider others and become entirely devoted to your own self-interests (or way of doing things, or song choice, etc.). With a proper confidence in place, we can move on to our next “C.”

Control
Guidance, management and the power of directing-these are aspects of control. This quality is necessary from the first moment we speak to prospective clients. As we closely listen to prospects, we are able to find the necessary points to subtly guide them during our presentation. Control does not mean to be forceful or unyielding. Rather, use the right amount of skillful direction to steer the conversation to your way of thinking. Used properly, you will determine the outcome, while they will believe that it is all their own idea, and you will have gained a new client.

Obviously, proper control is also needed during all of your performances. Any event that you are in charge of needs your power of direction. You are the one to confidently guide the flow of events and smoothly engage all present through each stage of the festivities. Whether you are at an elegant and fun wedding reception, an entertaining corporate event or a simple backyard anniversary party, it will be your control that will make or break the event. Adept control will lead to smooth, successful events that will no doubt translate into future references for you!

Clarity
Without this last “C,” all the confidence and control you can muster will not be able to save you from disaster. What is clarity? It is simply being clear and understandable in direction and being clear and concise in your announcements. As DJs/MCs, we are communicators. Therefore, our expressions and our words must be chosen carefully and spoken well. During our performances, we should avoid high sounding or unusual language. Use words and phrases that are familiar and easily understood. We don’t want to see the audience with confused looks on their faces, scratching their heads saying, “What the heck is he talking about?” or looking at each other and saying, “What did he say?.”

Our speech needs to be clear; our diction needs to be precise. Some of us are not born with natural speaking ability. If this is the case, take the necessary time and effort to cultivate the clarity of your speech. A good method for improvement is to record yourself while reading aloud. This will help you find your weak points and correct them. I can give you a personal example: I originally began my DJ career in Connecticut and New York. When I met my lovely wife, I packed up my business and moved to Colorado. Evidently, (so my wife says) we tend to talk a lot faster in the East than they do in the West! People would look at her and ask what I just said. I had to adjust my thinking, and practice slowing down my speech, as well as minimizing my accent. (Accent? What accent?!) Another great idea is to have a fellow DJ accompany you to a gig and critique your presentation and clarity. I have had someone come with me and I also have gone with other DJs to help them. This really works! It’s amazing how such honest self-examination can help develop clarity.

Be absolutely confident in yourself and your abilities, and this will assist you as you control any situation that may arise. Add clarity of communication and you will be sure to stand out as an esteemed expert in your profession, a DJ entertainer worthy of your clients’ trust.

If you have any questions, comments or topics that you would like to see covered in future articles, please contact me at djcoach@mobilebeat.com.

Paul Kida, The DJ Coach, is a founding member of the Colorado Disc Jockey Association. He owns JAMMCATTS DJ Entertainment (www. jammcattsdj.com), and is a regular speaker at the Mobile Beat DJ Show.