Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to James Barr. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, James thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to have you retell us the story behind how you came up with the idea for your business, I think our audience would really enjoy hearing the backstory.

Great question! I have a past in youth leadership and was always asked to run large events. As a kid, the skating rink was like a second home. So I could use a mic, plan an event, and knew great music! But I didn’t see myself in weddings until I had my own.

My marketing teacher once said when starting a business aim for 2 things: 1) Know your target market, and 2) Know what you offer that no one else is! I was lucky enough to test the waters while going back to school for some side cash. And I knew from planning my own wedding, but also dealing with our DJ, that I would at least be more welcoming.

Over time it became clear that DJs tend to be the most unreliable and unprofessional wedding vendors. They’re stingy on time, nickel and dime add-ons, and get annoyed with requests. When I saw how being a stress reliever was paying off, it was a huge motivation to go all in. To this day my tag line is “Peace of mind is Paramount” and it has served me well.

James, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I first started DJing based off the knowledge from my own wedding. And I did it on Craigslist. I was… ok, but I learned a lot! I started making timelines early on. Once I saw the disarray an evening could be in without a coordinator, I realized I knew best how to solve it. A good Wedding DJ knows the music and moments that shape an evening. They should be the captain of flow.

I’ve also mentioned I don’t nickel and dime. If you’re hiring a DJ for a Ceremony and Reception, and paying for it, you should get the basics. I.E. Wireless mic’s, dance lights, a lapel for the Officiant, and plenty of time to get it down comfortably. Most DJ’s don’t offer enough time so you end up having to pay for more. Why would I want the last thing we discuss to be money!

Specific products? I also have up-lights, a Photobooth, monogram light, karaoke, and even build things like arches and donut walls.

One major thing that sets me apart is that it’s always me. I’ve tried to hire DJs, but I just don’t trust anyone to be professional on the mic, understand a timeline, and how to read a crowd with great bangers in the dance party. So my product is consistent and nothing gets lost in translation.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

Listen, weddings are high stress. And people are sometimes at their worst. They may not mean to be, but it is what it is. Some people you need to walk away from, but many just need to know you hear them. I have had countless weddings where I wasn’t sure if they liked me in the middle, but by the end of the night they were giving me a hug. You will do things you don’t love (like playing some new rap for me), but if you know you’re doing the job well, keep smiling and press through. It will pay off in the reviews and that will fill your bucket. Also, know that you will eventually get a bad review from an unreasonable person. Write a brief professional response. Own up to a mistake, thank them for the opportunity to learn from the experience, but also politely point out when they are incorrect. This takes skill. You don’t want to make excuses, but you also don’t want future clients thinking you do something that you don’t. Ex: I had a bride mention she couldn’t hear very well from the other end of the room. I politely commented that I was sorry to hear that, but that I recommended adding speakers which she declined to do.

And then shrug off and transcend. Don’t let it ruin your personal life. People are flawed and so are you. Just keep working hard!

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

Here’s a simple one: I started out with unlimited time. I wanted to be so accommodating that I shot myself in the foot. I soon found myself at 2am dealing with rude drunk guests yelling at me from the dance floor. And I had no out! So I moved to 7hrs. I stayed the most generous in the market without making my job harder. Find that sweet spot. And don’t think just because you’re the better deal that you’ll win more business. Sometimes it make you look desperate.

Contact Info:

• Website: RTBDJ.com
• Instagram: @raisethebarrdj
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RaisetheBarrDJ?mibextid=LQQJ4d

Image Credits
Mama B Photographie, Emily Lynn Photography