You will collect more bees with honey or you will receive more opportunities to DJ with honey. I think this advice can cross over into any job or relationship yet I will focus this month’s drop on the DJ industry. I was able to spin a full four hour set this past New Year’s Eve at one of the hottest clubs because of the following four factors:

Show up early! – You will quickly set yourself apart from other DJs if you simply show up early. Most DJs roll into the gig 5 minutes before they have to go on. Of course they also have to say hi to their friends, organize their records, go the bathroom and get something to drink. Arriving early and prepared will tell the club manager or promoter that you respect their time and that you are dependable. A good rule to follow is “being early is being on time.”

Put on humility and a smile! – People like working with people who are friendly, polite and considerate. Aside from your party rocking skills, club managers or promoters still want to hire DJs that are friendly and outgoing instead of “cooler than school” DJs with rock star attitudes. DJs with residencies or consistent bookings are not always the best DJs yet most likely have a positive, professional attitude.

Know your role! – Typically a club owner or promoter will hire DJs with the largest amount of focus on the peak hours of the night. If you are not the headlining DJ, then essentially you are a role player. Nothing frustrates a crowd, club manager or promoter than opening DJs that bang out their hardest tracks during the first couple of hours of the night. It is important to ask questions when you get that call for a booking. Ask about the headlining DJ and what kind of music they want for that time slot. Knowing their expectations should make your decision much easier.

Know your crowd! – This may apply more for club DJs yet is important for everyone to think about before taking a gig, even a church youth group event. If at all possible, before saying yes to a promoter or club manager, go to the club a couple of times to understand the crowd’s like and dislikes. Some clubs cater to a very particular sound where as other clubs try to promote diversity. If you play one style of dance music, it may be helpful to know if your music will be well received. Identifying the right environment for your music style and talent level will pay-off in the long run.

When I received the call for the big New Year’s Eve gig, I hadn’t spoken to that promoter in over eight months. The promoter had mentioned that I always played the right kind of music for the crowd and I was fun to work with at the other club. There are at least ten other DJs, much better than I am, who spin the same style that should have gotten the call instead of me. I praise the Lord that He has given me wisdom and insight into working relationships.