Karaoke fans… We’re looking into doing another HUGE karaoke contest this year.  Multiple venues for people to qualify at, all over the tri-state area.  What would you be most interested in seeing?  A trip? Cash? A NEW CAR?  let us know what YOU would want for a contest.  and we just may use your posts to help “Shape” our contest!  Thanks guys!

Recently we were approached by a “gentleman” that was inquiring about our services for his venue.  He had been to a couple of our weekly karaoke shows in Sioux Falls and asked for a card to contact us about a “business opportunity”.  True to his word he called a couple days later and we had a good discussion about entertainment.

He wanted to diversify his offerings with bands, karaoke, dj’s, and some acoustic acts as well.  During the conversation he had asked me about our rates, schedule and what differentiated us from our competition.  After explaining our rate structures and abilities to contact bands and other entertainment he talked about using multiple companies for his weekly karaoke shows.  It is my sincere thought that if your going to do a karaoke show, do a trial run with the companies your thinking of using.  Have company A do the show for a couple weeks, and do the same with company b and c if you must.  Honestly I think doing some footwork and research would narrow it down to make a decision beforehand, but I understand completely.

This methodology isn’t uncommon…  But….  you should work towards a consistent entertainment company and schedule.  It’s good to look around and make comparisons.  Just keep in mind that when you Partner with someone they have a vested interest in seeing you prosper.  If they make money, you make money and that reciprocation is the key to a long term business relationship.

Look into a partnership with  Sioux Falls Dj’s Pinnacle Productions Mobile Music

What is the one thing you want more than anything when you go out for the night? Keep it CLEAN please, but let us know what YOU think is important. What you say might be influential with the powers that be in the bar and entertainment industry!

Pinnacle has doen well because we’ve added some new innovations, but more so because we’ve been fortunate to find some truly great entertainers. Another key issue is we don’t sell soley on price points. We have offered some discounts that expire over time to key incentives and build the crowds. BUT the biggest difference I think is that we actually LISTEN to what the owners and management want as well. Work with synergy to co promote the shows, and upcoming events not karaoke / dj related. There are several instances during the week where I’m promoting “Band x” at the same venues. I’ve worked and talked to tons of bands and help share contact information if I think the band or production would be a good “fit”. The worst thing an owner can do is say YES to everything that walks in. Don’t throw spaghetti on the wall hoping something sticks… Research the entertainment and VISIT other shows and then when you and the venue are in alignment it’s like throwing the same spaghetti with super glue! My grandfather said it best “You can have anything you want, as long as you help others get what they want!

Brides and grooms are the reason for the reception and all the planning they undertake is unmistakably difficult.  As a wedding professional we need to be aware of our choices and how they affect others.  We owe it to our brides and grooms to work together to make sure we all set them up for a spectacular day.

Work with synergy, work with concern, but most of all work for them!

Last evening I was fortunate enough to play for a smaller, older crowd at the Ramkota Inn in the Harvest Room.  The guest list was at 62 and the average age was close to 50.  Soon after my arrival, I introduced myself to the bride and her husband (the bride booked us about 3 months ago and knew “of” us from past corporate events) and what happened next, shocked me.

The bride and groom were personable individuals whom were married on site about 2 hours earlier.  Being their 2nd marriage each they were very specific about a couple don’t play issues.  They were upfront and didn’t want ANY country music, and wanted a low key dj presence.  Someone who wasn’t going to “talk all night” and play requests from their family and friends.  In our consults on the phone and via email I assured the clients that it was their day and that we were there to make her night special to her and her guests.

The bride, groom, and myself were quickly conversing and then she said “I need you to meet a few people”.  I thought, great!  I love talking to the photographer, catering staff, host and hostess.  NO…  She had other plans!  First she introduces me to everyone at her table.. Then the next table where her brother (bald like me) and I complimented one another on our “shared barber”. From there it was the next table.  Before 15 minutes were up she and her husband had taken me to meet ALL of her guests!  I had enough rapport built up with her guests that I was no longer a DJ, but I was a part of their lives…

The dance started about 15 minutes later, and from the very first dance, which they had taken lessons (as I found out later) to the very end we had requests, and a full dance floor for 80% of the evening.  She asked to play the conga so they were able to do a conga line, and everyone in the room, myself and the bartender included were on the dance floor having a great time.   It was one of the most unforgettable moments of my wedding dance career.

As the night ended an hour early (the honestly told me they were exhausted from all the dancing, and I believe it) I handed out a minimum of ten business cards and shaked EVERYONE’S hand as I was leaving and told them how much fun I had performing for them.

It would have been easy to think that because of the age of the group and the size that is would not be an engaging evening, and that it would certainly lack the energy of other weddings we’ve done.  We couldn’t have been more wrong.  The mood was positive and the requests made for an exciting time.  I’m a better dj for doing this show…..  and as Martha Stewart would say “that’s a very good thing!”

As the wedding season starts to slow down and we enter the fall, and soon to be winter, seasons we reflect back on the summer we’ve had.  One word… Amazing!  We’ve been all over the Sioux Empire and have done over 150 weddings since March 1st!  The brides have spoken about what they want and we’ve listened.

Todays brides are more discerning and focused upon their “wedding vision”.  No longer are brides choosing cookie cutter options, but the personalized choices are more and more apparent.  Gone are the days of high heels and wingtips.  Today it’s crocs and Chuck Taylors.  The traditional choices are becoming  passe as the contemporary brides are raising the bar on creativity and splurging to make their receptions glow with unrivaled elegance.

For those of you who’ve become engaged recently and are beginning your preparations for planning your wedding you’ve got choices!   Right after the holiday season there are at least 6 bridal shows in the area that we plan on attending.  We’re interested in hearing about your themed weddings, your reception after your destination wedding, and for you traditionalists we’re interested in talking with you too.  We are inquisitive about every aspect of your wedding and how we can accentuate your day, not only as entertainers, but as your friends.  We want to earn your trust.

At Pinnacle Productions we believe one thing has made our company a flagship for entertainment… We love what we do, but more importantly, when it comes to your wishes and dreams for an amazing day…..  WE CARE.

This month we were able to make our way to the Wedding MBA in Las Vegas at the Convention Center where we were able to network and absorb alot of information about the trends and new technology in both events and marketing.  We were able to attend seminars that gave us unique insights and tips about how to better connect with our clients…  But the common denominator has always been and always will be one thing….  CARE.

When you care about your clients, and you care about your work, it shows..