PLEASE NOTE: Below you will find links for 4 lessons for Extreme Bingo. After watching them you will know the in’s and out’s of this valuable tool. Then, be sure to read the ‘IN CONCLUSION’ remarks at the bottom of this page.
EXTREME BINGO TUTORIAL #1
Where to download and install Extreme Bingo.
Directory structure and Application Folder of Extreme Bingo.
Variations of Game Play overview.
Coverage of 3 main sections of Extreme Bingo – Create Catalogs, Print Bingo Cards, the Play Screen.
Extreme Bingo Lesson 1 HERE
42 Minutes____________________________________________________________________
EXTREME BINGO TUTORIAL #2
More with Printing Bingo Cards.
Playing a game.
Customization of cards and details about Card ID’s for Auto Checker.
Printing Bingo cards to PDF.
About Extreme Bingo’s Control Panel.
About Extreme Bingo’s Help/About.
Deregistering Extreme Bingo
Extending your desktop.
Extreme Bingo Lesson 2 HERE
42 Minutes____________________________________________________________________
EXTREME BINGO TUTORIAL #3
Updating Extreme Bingo.
Moving files from one computer to another.
Working with “Missing Media”.
Creating and playing Picture Bingo.
Creating and playing Trivia Bingo.
Creating and playing Traditional Bingo.
Creating and playing Physical Challenge Bingo.
Extreme Bingo Lesson 3 HERE
29 Minutes____________________________________________________________________
EXTREME BINGO TUTORIAL #4
Rearranging the Call List.
Working with Wireless Buzzers with Extreme Bingo
Using the Wizard Tool.
Defining Wizard Files.
Edit Start and End Points.
Tips for fast/slow games.
Advanced options for customizing Bingo Cards.
Extreme Bingo Lesson 4 HERE
36 Minutes____________________________________________________________________
IN CONCLUSION
Extreme Bingo provides the tools necessary for generating some serious cash. However, having the tools doesn’t automatically make you a successful entertainer any more than having expensive DJ gear makes you a highly polished and well-paid entertainer.
The ABILITY to use the tools PROPERLY as an entertainer is now your next step.
How can you use Extreme Bingo properly as a money maker? Join the exclusive Facebook page for “Extreme Bingo Hosts”. Benefits of joining include getting in on the latest hot ideas for hosting Extreme Bingo and the best ways to market your service to prospective clients. This FaceBook group of elite Extreme Bingo entertainers will help you gain the necessary expertise prior to performing your first or next event.
DigiGames gear has had numerous appearances on TV game shows over the years. You will NEVER find contestants falling asleep behind our gear!
DigiGames Appears on National TV – “THE REAL”
DigiGames custom-built game system.
DigiGames Appears on National TV – the History Channel
This exciting new program, National History Bee, is the History Channel’s hottest televised game show production program. DigiGames was directly involved in the podium technology, software, and timing and scoring for the show.
Watch a portion of the episode here:
DigiGames Appears on National TV – SPELLMAGEDDON
A Modified version of our “Trivia Towers” (Model TM-195) appears on ABC’s hit series – Spellmageddon. Please note that the Trivia Towers are normally built for stationary trivia applications.
DigiGames Appears on National TV – With Metallica
DigiGames 3-player V-Station appears on stage in this televised concert warm up. Unfortunately we cannot show the broadcast version.
DigiGames with Local TV Station
DigiGames V-Station featured in a televised morning show.
Timing and Scoring for Philadelphia TV Game Show
DigiGames V-Station used for Philadelphia Feud-style game show.
DigiGames with Local TV Station
DigiGames gear featured on religious TV stations in Chicago and Atlanta. Special thanks to Anil Nai and Ametra Self for their contribution for their ‘Just Say The Word’ video.
DigiGames with Philly Pheud
DigiGames special built V-Station, Podiums and Trivia Cubes used in Philadelphia’s local hit TV show “Philly Pheud”.
Custom Built Game Show Systems
Whether you are making television shows, apps or running events in bars, the world of Trivia is a challenging place. Competition, innovation and quality are all key components of what is proving to be a creative, lucrative yet demanding industry. How can you make that next breakthrough? How can you take be the one who hits on that next trivia idea that sparks a generation of interest? What you need are people who have been there, done it and bought the t-shirt. People with an experience of quality, delivering success and building on innovation. That is where DigiGames can help you!
With years of experience building custom games show systems for all manner of clients, DigiGames can help you with your trivia needs. Even if you just have a concept, a vague idea of some loose knowledge of what you want to achieve DigiGames are here to help. The engineering team is filled with experienced technicians, design teams and software developers who can look to turn your ideas into reality. Come to us with your plans, your visions and your goals and we can begin the process of turning them into a working custom built game show system.
Having a custom built system to meet your needs is crucial. No longer do you have to be restricted by what other people have used, built and designed. We appreciate at DigiGames that everyone has different Trivia needs and different requirements for game show systems. You may be putting together a new television project, working on a new system for a trivia event or simply looking to incorporate trivia into your existing services. Whatever the project, no matter how big or how small, DigiGames is here to help you along the way. From creation to implementation you can be sure of a top premium service, whenever you need it!
From small to big systems we are here to cater for your every need. After all, if you are looking for a game show system that is going to work for you it needs to match your needs and requirements. Whether you are looking for buzzers, wired or wireless devices, microphone embedding, LED light up features (the list goes on )…..we can help. With your input, looking at the event, the needs, the venue, the budget we can put together a plan to ensure that your needs are met to the highest possible standard. With years of experience we will find a solution that makes you happy and DigiGames will not stop until you have a custom built game show system that suits your needs and works for you!
Timing and scoring
The whole concept is built around perfect timing and scoring systems as personal to you as you desire. There are no restrictions to what we can provide you with based on your ideas in terms of creating your own custom games. Timing and scoring can all be fine-tuned to exactly how you need it. Perhaps what you desire is a Timing and Scoring system based loosely on an existing trivia show/format. No problem….we can mimic, adapt and reformat existing ideas to suit your needs.
Therefore, if you are seeking a custom based game show system or timing and scoring system there is only one place you need to turn. The place were experience and innovation are couple with customer service and high standards – that place is DigiGames.
COME BACK AGAIN! We will be posting videos where DigiGames gear was used for TV game shows:
Famous game show host Chuck Wollery running DigiGames gear for an event.
Game show nationally aired TV game show in France.
Game show nationally aired TV game show in Canada.
Game show nationally aired in the UK.
Game show nationally aired in the USA on MTV.
Game show nationally aired in Trinidad and Tobago.
Then, investing in a Jeopardy style game system may be the route for you. Trivia hosts around the world are using TV-style game systems to increase business, get bookings and provide customers with an entertaining trivia experience. If you are a serious trivia host with a serious attitude towards making a good living, the investing in a game system is the step you need to embarking on!
Click the image above to try a demo of our popular Jeopary-style game software.
Why should you invest in a system that replicates a TV show I hear you ask? There are many reasons…..not only will your players enjoy taking part in a trivia format that they have been merely spectators of for years on end, but it will make explaining the rules much easier! Sometimes the unknown puts players off coming to an event as they don’t want to waste time turning up to a trivia show that doesn’t suit their needs, but by running an event such as answer buzzers the customers will know what to expect.
Jeopardy Game Buzzer – How to use
The Jeopardy game buzzer games can be combined with a range of other products to ensure you can create a truly unique trivia occasions. DigiGames prides itself on creating products that have unique levels of customisation in built so you can create whatever game style you like. You can take the premise of a Jeopardy game buzzer event and customise it until your heart is content….the only limit is your imagination. You can use innovative buzzer systems such as Clobber or the renowned Trivia Pads from DigiGames, or you can combine it with QandACellphone trivia to create a truly unique appeal.
Click the image above to read more about our popular Jeopary-style game buzzers and software.
As with all games based on buzzer quizzing, the players receive a unique experience. Gone are the days where pen and paper quizzes dominate. Technology is now dominating the market with affordable games and you need to make sure you are part of the trend. Players love the feeling of using the buzzer systems and the Jeopardy game buzzer system even more so as it’s a game they know and love. DigiGames products are reliable, user friendly and robust so you can have every faith that these products will last time after time from the first buzzer game to the last! Our customers all over the world report how they are making money with trivia games supplied to them by DigiGames.
Jeopardy Game Buzzer – How to stand out
Give your event that “game show feel” to make your customers feel like they are part of a professional trivia contest or talent contest. The DigiGames products are professional, durable and reliable devices and not just cheap gimmicky toys. An investment in a product from DigiGames is made with the knowledge and confidence that you are buying goods that will last the test of time!
As with all products for DigiGames they are easy to set up and have a professional appeal so you should have no concerns about the reliability, innovative nature and user-friendly approach of the products. For nearly 2 decades DigiGames has been market leaders in the field of trivia products and a reputation of quality, trustworthiness and innovation. Click here to view our many wireless buzzer game systems.
Are you seeking the very finest cutting edge equipment to make your game show stand out from the crowd?
Are you looking for products that will stand you out above all your rivals?
Then fear not, DigiGames can help you develop your game show with pre-developed light weight portable game systems that only take a few minutes to set up. With user friendly systems, affordable prices and a proven track record in the trivia industry, DigiGames is the natural choice for trivia hosts worldwide looking to build their own gameshow..
DigiGames produces many innovative and exciting games so that you can easily build your own game show in exactly the way you desire. With a vast degree of customization that ensures you can create the exact game show experience you are looking for, and a dedicated support team on hand to guide you through your game show creation every step of the way, there can be only one choice when you are seeking a company to help you build your own game show…..and that’s DigiGames.
Whether it is for a small low-budget application or for larger television and broadcasting applications we have everything you need here with a professional look, the latest market-leading technology and reliability of performance including:
1. Wireless transmitters and receivers. Wireless push-buttons and the computer USB receiver picks up the signal.
2. Jumbo game show style push buttons. We have a variety of push buttons in different colors and sizes.
3. Lighting controllers. Our wireless transmitters have outputs which allow you to turn lights on at will, whether it is LED lights, banks of LED lights, flood lights, pin spots, etc.
4. API controls. We can assist you with the development of your own quiz software using our SDK. The SDK provide real use of the technology in VB6 or .NET so that you can interface your custom software program with DigiGames technology.
5. ‘Brain Box’ (V-Station LE – DIY Game Show System). Using our brain box technology, you can interface multiple monitors to the box and show the scores of each contestant and also easily provide monitor identification of which contestant was first.
6. Leader board software. We have various software tools that provide an attractive leader-board for your custom built game show.
….and much more! Just let us know the details of your project and our engineering team will go to work to assist you in your efforts to Build Your Own Game Show! With unrivalled experience and a customer service approach that puts you at the heart of all decision, you will not be let down by the DigiGames team and receive a product and system that you are proud to have been part of.
All of the products come with the assurance that they have been tried and tested by trivia hosts around the globe and with almost two decades of experience in the industry you can be assured of dealing with staff who have the knowledge and the passion you need to get your trivia gameshow off the ground!
How to get started – Build Your Own Gameshow
You may want to consider some of our pre-built wireless buzzer systems, which have been used by trivia hosts for the best part of the past two decades. However, we fully understand you are here because we don’t have EXACTLY what you are looking for. You may be looking for inspiration from experience professionals. No problem! Let us know your requirements and we can supply you a ‘kit’ for you to build your own game show system. We will support every step of the way to ensure you leave the process with a product that suits both you and your audience. This is professional, quality and reliable equipment we supply, not some cheap game show buzzer lockout system. The options are endless with DigiGames and the only limit to how creative you can be is your imagination!
How Our Custom Built Systems Work:
1. The hosts asks a question
2. The quickest player will buzz in first
3. The system locks out the other buzzers
4. Scores are counted according to correct answers
There are many game show software systems that we have developed and current systems can easily be customized for each client or audience. All systems are user-friendly and place you, the trivia host and your customers at the heart of the games. Within minutes you will have the systems up and running and see the profits start rolling in.
Here is a list of some of the stock game systems we have:
Click on any of the above items to learn more about each product or software system. You will receive the service, affordability and product quality DigiGames offers better than from anywhere else on the market. So without delay, get onto the site and look through the products today.
Best of all, all systems include all the necessary cables, over the phone training, personal delivery/training (additional fee), and a 30-day satisfaction guarantee with 1-year warranty.
1. Connect the included phone line to the back of the phone to the back of the treasure chest.
2. Power the phone with the included 12 VDC power transformer.
3. Install the drivers for the USB to Serial adapter.
4. Insert USB to Serial adapter into USB port. Drivers for device will now be loaded.
5. Connect the included 9-pin serial line from the back of the treasure chest to the USB to Serial adapter.
6. Confirm the port number that Windows has assigned to your USB port
a. Click START
b. Click CONTROL PANEL
c. Double-Click SYSTEM
d. Click HARDWARE
e. Click DEVICE MANAGER
f. Click the “+” symbol in front of PORT to expand the list of devices
g. Note the entry for USB to Serial converter. Note the COM port number in brackets – example (Com 4).
7. Download and install Take it ‘er Leave It, or use the provided CD to install, if a DigiGames’ labeled disc was provided.
8. Contact DigiGames for a registration code.
9. Launch Take It ‘er Leave It.
10. Select “File” then “Options” in the upper left portion of the game.
11. Choose the “Interface” Tab.
12. WIRED VERSION: Select the Com Port value that Windows assigned to your USB to Serial converter as noted in section 6 above (for example Com 4). WIRELESS VERSION: Select “TM (Wireless)” as the interface type. No com port selection is needed for the wireless version.
13. Click “Apply” then “OK”.
14. Close out and restart your software. If you launch Take It ‘er Leave It and you have an error message, simply restart your computer.
YOU’VE HEARD IT BEFORE, BUT HAVE YOU REALLY APPLIED IT TO YOUR BUSINESS?
It often amazes me when I see people appear to work a lot harder than they need to. This article has nothing to do with what you charge. I truly don’t care. What it does have to do with is working smarter and more efficient to obtain your goals.
I travel a lot promoting DigiGames. I see a lot of different things. As I write this article I am sitting in another airport coming home from Las Vegas where I attended a convention from January 6th through 9th. (No, it wasn’t CES. It was the other one.) They brought me in to speak on “adult” trivia. Apparently it is a HUGE market. Who knew? I observed a lot while there. Most of it I couldn’t begin to print in this fine, upstanding magazine. The relevant thing I can tell you is that we are not the only industry where people seem to work hard to race to ZERO.
The convention staff worked very hard to accomplish nothing. Same with the union workers who staffed the convention center. All the food service people I came across seemed to NOT work very hard, and they still managed to accomplish very little.
Work Smarter, Not Harder – Setting Priorities
Somebody recently posed the question to me: “You must not be married, are you?” I can only assume it was either due to the amount I seem to travel, (or the fact that I was attending the Adult Entertainment Expo). Either way it struck me as odd. I have been happily married for 15 years and have three beautiful boys. What does that have to do with anything? Those of us that are self employed (again, I don’t care if you’re full-time or part-time) know that it is OUR responsibility to balance our time. Family comes first. That being said, isn’t taking care of your business the same as taking care of your family? The income I receive from being self-employed allows me to take care of my family.
Most of my friends work a “real” job and think I have it made. I get to golf. I get to spend a LOT of time with my family. My wife probably thinks it is too much…but that might be another column. I get to sleep in. I get to do what I want. I get to not do anything if I want. (But that wouldn’t pay the bills, would it). So what do I do? I CHOOSE to put my-self in the position to do something I love, entertaining people, while making as much money as I can in the shortest amount of time. I like to be efficient. If I have to travel for 5 days to make what some of my friends make in a month, I am fine with that. If I have to work some late nights so I can be home during the day with my wife and kids if I want, I am fine with that. I set my own goals.
Work Smarter, Not Harder – Achieve Financial Goals
What do I need to bring in for an income, to lead the lifestyle that I want for my family? Answer that and the rest is simple. Get out there and book enough events to make that happen. Simple math: If your goal is $100,000 per year and you charge $500 per event, you will have to do 200 events per year, or about 4 per week. You will also have to work harder DURING office hours to obtain all those bookings. If you charge $1000.00 per event you will only have to book 100 events to achieve the same goal. The question is, will you have to work harder or smarter to book those events? You will likely find that you have to work smarter to market yourself and find clients willing to pay your price. Booking the shows at a lower rate might be easier, but then you will have to work harder by performing more shows. It really just comes down to what you want. There are a ton of Midweek Money shows out there. You just have to find them.
Adding all the Midweek Money events has made a great difference to me. The Hypno Man shows I do increase the per show rate by a lot. The DigiGames Gameshow Ex-travaganza events also make a big difference. It is amazing what people will pay for “alternate” types of entertainment, rather than low-balling “just a DJ”. Give them what they want. Offer more. Show the customer that you are worth more and they will pay it. I also fill in the gaps with shows during the day. My favorite was $450.00 for 30 minutes over a company’s lunch hour. I know that $450 is not a lot of money, but I like to think of it as making $900 per hour. That doesn’t seem too bad. Does it?
Mobile Beat has been around for 20 years. What a milestone! In this industry where it is common for people to get in and out of the business at a rapid pace, it is awesome to see some longevity.
I know many DJs who have been doing what they love for well over 20 years. I also know MANY “DJs” who just decided to get into the business not too long ago. They may have thought, “What an easy and fun way to make some extra money.”
TIME MANAGEMENT – A WIDE ANGLE VIEW OF ENTERTAINMENT
In my column I regularly discuss how to diversify and increase your MIDWEEK MONEY options. In speaking with various people who call to ask me questions about this topic, I have come to realize that TIME MANAGEMENT is a key component for longevity. If you are not able to prioritize, you will likely run into all kinds of issues.
I am involved with a lot of different things as a result of expanding my DJ business: game shows, karaoke, photo booths, bubble parties, comedy hypnotist shows, a limousine service, team building, and I am currently in the process of opening a bar/club that holds 500 people in the town I live in.
I have been traveling a lot this year and the question “What do you do?” comes up a lot. I usually answer that I am in the “entertainment business.” That always leads to more questions. If I am in the mood to chat, I will generally list the various things I am involved in. A recent response was, “Wow! What do you focus on”? The answer was easy. None of the above.
TIME MANAGEMENT – ZOOMING IN ON WHAT’S MOST IMPORTANT
I focus on FAMILY. I am fortunate to have a beautiful wife and three wonderful boys ages 14, 12 and 10. They are all very busy and involved in activities every day. One of the perks of being self-employed is that I have the flexibility to set my own schedule. I rarely miss one of my sons’ events. When I do, they understand that even though I am not there, I am still focusing on my family! I am increasing my bottom line to provide for them.
My business and all of the things I do are designed with one question in mind: “How can I best provide for my family?” It is easy to let the details get away from you. It is easy to get lazy and complacent. I know. I have been there. The older and more experienced I get, the better I am at time management. I am a list guy. I am a daily planner guy. My Droid smartphone has changed my life. I put things in order of importance and then concentrate on finishing one before starting the next. It doesn’t always work, but I have found that it focuses me on my priorities.
I have clearly stated a theme in all of my articles and speaking engagements. My goal is to increase my bottom line as much as possible. There are only 52 weekends every year, so if you limit yourself to weekend work, you are limiting yourself to weekend pay. You might make a great living at it, but if you do, you are in the minority. MOST people will have a tough time supporting their family if their entire income is earned a couple of days a week. I know it takes a lot of time to prepare for weekend work during the week but I’m talking about bringing in additional midweek money.
In my business, I focus on what is going to bring me the most money for the least amount of time commitment. If I do that, I am better able to provide my family with the best lifestyle I can and I will have more time to spend with them. TIME MANAGEMENT – WORKING ALL THE ANGLES
I stopped focusing on negative things a long time ago and now I only worry about the things I can control. I truly don’t worry about my competition. I don’t think I have any competition. I don’t mean this in a negative way. There are lots of people that I compete with for business, but I try to network with them rather than fight against them.
My one simple goal is to answer the question “How can I do a better job for my customers?”
It is my belief that if I do the best job I can and continue to improve, my business will grow. It works. I attend training sessions and conventions to improve. I hear “DJs” say they don’t have time for that. I think it is the opposite. I hear “DJs” say they can’t afford to attend conventions and training seminars. Maybe the truth is that you can’t afford NOT to attend. One nugget of knowledge or inspiration could generate huge rewards down the road. (See the sidebar for a new learning opportunity that I’m really excited about!)
No matter what you are involved in, you will be more successful if you focus on the things you can control. Focus on the things that make your business better. Focus on what is the most important to you. If you focus on positive things and on your family, you will be successful.
The use of video has changed our lives. MTV has often been credited with changing modern culture. Did “Video Kill the Radio Star?” I don’t know. But I do know it has really enhanced the DJ business in many ways.
From a game show or trivia stand point, the advancements in the use of video have been dramatic. For example, the company I represent, DigiGames, has integrated video with its games and greatly increased their “wow factor.” The Internet is a wonderful source for great video clips. Combine the two and you have VIDEO TRIVIA–a great way to have a lot of fun making MidWeek Money.
Name-that-video is a popular concept used by many DigiGames users, especially in the Jeopardy format. People can guess the year that the video was released. You can ask people to identify the singer or guitarist, what the song about, what style of music it is and lots of other questions about an abundance of videos. In addition to music videos, I find that movie clips are a great part of the game. Not only do they challenge the contestant but they entertain the audience. Every time I use the “Fat Guy in a Little Coat” clip from Tommy Boy with Chris Farley, the audience ends up roaring.
You can also capture TV commercials, play a clip and have people determine the product the commercial relates to. This can also be applied to movie clips. Play a clip of a movie and ask what year it was released, who played the lead role or what the title is.
Minute-to-Win-It-style games are really popular right now and a great way to pitch you services to your client. Download videos from YouTube and add them into a system like DigiGames’ Trivia Board and use the video challenges for your own minute-to-win-it games. This brings a whole new level of interaction to your events.
VIDEO TRIVA – WOW FACTOR
So you only do weddings. You don’t mess with the Midweek Money events. No problem.
Get video of your bride and groom asking the questions or doing something. Have the bridesmaids and groomsmen answer the 30 Q’s that the bride and groom were videotaped asking. What a great tool for adding a personal touch to the wedding! Another twist is to video bridesmaids and groomsmen asking questions about love, relationships, marriage, and have the bride and groom go head-to-head to answer the video questions. Get the in-laws involved and you will create lasting memories that the families will rave about for years.
An old favorite of mine is the Newlywed Game. Have husbands make statements on video that are used in a newlywed type game format. Then ask the wives the questions and play videos and compare answers. Answers that match earn points. Use your creativity to adapt these ideas to your style.
VIDEO TRIVIA – SERIOUS BUSINESS, SERIOUS FUN
Corporate events are always my most successful events. Have your client supply video clips from factory or office workers. The video can be of company workers actually asking general trivia questions or a worker can highlight some detail about their life that their fellow co-workers should know about. People LOVE to see themselves in the spotlight. They don’t always want to be in front of LIVE audiences, but behind a camera is great.
Be creative: Virtually all smartphones now days have high-resolution cameras that can film stuff on the fly and send it to your PC for immediate use, even right before the start of a show. At your events, utilize this technology to interview guests, faculty, friends, family and create a few questions on the fly. Going the extra mile with your service will set you aside from the competition. It will increase your bookings. It will make you more money.
Sponsorships are something that many performers do not utilize…and thus leave a lot of money on the table. Have a local business supply you their TV or radio commercial. Use the commercial at your events to acknowledge your sponsors before, during or after your show. (I DON’T recommend this for weddings.) I DO recommend you know your client and make sure you are not stepping on any toes or offending anyone. This is great for public performances such as in bars, hotels, resorts and other venues. Many DigiGames users utilize this to generate additional revenue; a going rate is $500 for a six-month span, for two or more shows per week. This adds up, and will increase your bottom line if done right. Imagine securing only four of these sponsorships every year. It could put another $4000 in your pocket.
All of these things can be adapted to fit your style. If you know where to look and are willing to put in the effort and time, there is a ton of Midweek Money out there.
I hope you will come see my seminar at MBLV 2012. I love sharing ideas and learning from all the creative people in this industry. Video may have killed the radio star…but it definitely enhanced the DJ business.
A WEDDING ADD-ON THAT CAN MAKE THE END OF THE WEEK MORE LUCRATIVE TOO
By Rob Johnson
I know that I focus on Midweek Money. After all, that is the name of my column, isn’t it? But in this issue I want to focus on something that isn’t EXACTLY Midweek Money. It is, however, becoming a very important and lucrative part of many companies’ wedding packages.
Rehearsal dinners and groom’s dinners. I mentioned these a few years ago but now they are really becoming huge. You already have a great relationship cultivated with your brides and grooms; so why not help them out while adding some more money to your bottom line?
Rehearsal dinners provide a great opportunity to provide additional service to your customer. Think of it as a way for YOU to help THEM. I have been a part of some great events prior to weddings, and it has always made the actual reception that much better. When you invest in your couple–and they invest in you–it is a win-win situation. DigiGames’ V Station (see a review of this unit elsewhere in this MB issue) has been a great tool for doing Bridal Trivia and Family Feud type events. These can be performed the night before the wedding, after the rehearsal or at any time. I have done engagement parties, and this summer I even did a bachelor/bachelorette party where they didn’t want the typical falling down drunk event. It was a BLAST. I really got to know this group of friends and even booked one of their company parties out of it. (Referrals, referrals, referrals.)
New Pre-Nuptial Fun With Trivia
I have done Bridal Trivia at the actual reception. You MUST know your customer and make sure it is what they want. (Which is easy since you are charging them a lot more to do it.) The involvement of the guests is amazing. Watching the reactions as they learn intimate (but approved!) details about the couple is awesome. What questions have I asked? Here’s a sampling:
How did you meet?
Who asked who out?
Where was your first date?
How long before you kissed?
Who introduced the couple?
At a recent wedding the person that introduced the couple stood up and was recognized. She got a standing ovation. It was really cool.
I will always go over the plan with the couple. I want them to set the boundaries. Those of you who know me personally know that I like to push the limits. I never, let me repeat, NEVER push the boundaries with weddings. To me this is the bride’s big day and the last thing I want to do is be a part of ruining it with my sense of humor. ALWAYS know your customer. Don’t assume anything.
New Pre-Nuptial Fun – Book More Trivia Shows
One of the best things about this part of my business is that it is so easy to book these shows. Think about it. You already have their trust. They are paying you big bucks to perform at their actual wedding. All you have to do is identify their needs and fill them. Ask them what they are doing the night before the wedding? Let them know they have options. In the old days, the night before was an excuse for the groomsmen to go out and get drunk. How many times have you seen bad things on the day of the wedding because the groom or groomsmen were hung over? Eliminate that problem. Show them an option where everyone can have a blast at the trivia show and make the experience that much better. The best part about Family Feud type games or Bridal Trivia is that EVERYONE can have fun. Who doesn’t love live GAMESHOWS? Trivia is a great way to break the ice and get everyone participating.
Midweek Money is just that. It puts more money in your pocket. DJ author and speaker Larry Williams has devoted a good deal of time in his recent presentations to up-selling rehearsal dinners. It has been a very good and profitable thing for him. It can be for you as well. Ask around. You might be the first in your market to offer something like this. If so, it will definitely set you apart from your competitors. Most people are looking for a way to increase their bottom line. Why not do it in a way that makes the entire event better? If you are interested in more information on how this can work for you please don’t hesitate to contact me.
CONNECTING PEOPLE TOGETHER WITH TEAMBUILDING GAMES
By Rob Johnson
I did two shows on January 7th. One was 90 minutes of my interactive fun and game show and the other was 60 minutes of the same type of interaction. My rate for the two shows was $4080. As I was driving home wondering how I was fortunate enough to get paid that much money in one night to have a great time, it hit me. I have built the relationships.
ALWAYS READY TO CONNECT
Everywhere I go I am working. Every time I meet someone I am paying attention to see if they need something I offer. Every show I perform has prospective clients in attendance. They all have people who have sons and daughters getting married. They all have companies that are looking for entertainment for their holiday parties. They have people involved with reunions, churches, schools teambuilding organizers and fund raisers. It is important to pay attention.
I was recently flying home from Las Vegas, and the woman sitting next to me happened to be the CEO of a fairly large company. After some small talk, she seemed very curious about what I do to make a living. By the time we landed she had requested a card and was going to “have her assistant call me.” I don’t know if that will happen, but I know I will be following up with her.
I have built relationships with DJs, entertainers, and team-builders all over the world. One of them even got me a booking in Hawaii (thanks again Chuck) and enabled me to have a wonderful trip with my family. Many people look at other DJs as “competitors.” I don’t. I look at them as opportunities. If I build a great relationship with them there is a good chance that at some point they may refer me. I am always looking for people to network with to improve my company.
Every time I do a show it is my goal to do such a great job that anyone in attendance will remember who I am, if they ever hear of someone looking for my type of entertainment. I make it a point of developing rapport with the staff at banquet facilities where I perform. Some entertainers and team-builders take the attitude to their events that “I am the expert and we will do it MY WAY.” Anyone who knows me knows I am plenty strong-willed and opinionated. It is my opinion that the better job I do at building relationships, the more quality events I will book.
SMALLER GIGS AS BUILDING BLOCKS
I do A LOT of midweek events. While I did do a $2000 show for 90 minutes on a Thursday a while back, weekday gigs at that price are rare. It is the smaller, lower-paying gigs that I use to build relationships. I have done events that many would think are “bottom feeder” or “bargain basement” gigs. Yeah, I admit it. I am not too proud to take an event for $400 for an hour or two on a weekday.
I can’t put a number on how many times I have performed at a midweek event and met or impressed someone enough to get a more lucrative event for a future date. The best way for me to book awesome events is to get out there in front of people and show them WHY they NEED to book me. I hear a lot of people TELLING someone why they are good at what they do. I prefer to SHOW people what I can do. Not everyone will like my style. No problem. Maybe one of the other entertainers I have built a relationship with will be more suited and I can pass the potential booking on. (I told Chuck in Hawaii I would repay him by booking a show in North Dakota for him but for some reason he hasn’t taken me up on it.)
I travel a lot for DigiGames. I have met hundreds of DJs and entertainers around the world. There are THOUSANDS of “DJs” around. There are full-timers and part-timers. Professionals and hobbyists. I even know a lot of people who do another PROFESSIONAL JOB while working as a part-time hobbyists. Most of them probably won’t read this. Many of those that read this won’t agree or care. I am fine with that. If you get something out if it, I have done what I set out to do. I’ve built a relationship with YOU! Every month I get contacted after someone reads this Midweek Money article and they want to tell me how it has helped them. That is what it is all about. Just like booking events, I know I can’t please everyone. If I can please the right ones I will be successful.
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