How you look, talk, write, act and work or perform determines whether you are a professional or an amateur. Society does not emphasize the importance of professionalism, so people tend to believe that amateur work is normal. Many people accept less-than-good results, or believe it is status quo. Average or below average is something that is accepted in the mobile DJ industry, and Disc Jockeys are praised simply because they play a favorite or requested song. The word professional is defined as someone whose occupation requires extensive education or specialized training. It is also defined as a person who shows a high degree of skill or competence. A professional can make his or her job look easy, and I believe one reason people get into the DJ business because it looks like easy money. It is easy to get gigs as a mobile DJ. Many muti system operators will sub-contract Disc Jockeys simply based on equipment, music, & transportation.
Entertainment is a talent based business, yet many people believe they have talent to perform as one. Even if you had the talent, you still need the education to be considered a professional. Just watch American Idol, many people truly believe they can sing. Very few have that raw talent to sing, however that does not mean they’re a professional singer. Ever heard of a voice coach? Many Disc Jockeys use the word “professional” loosely, whether it is on their websites,business cards or in conversation. Recently I came across a particular DJ posting instructional videos on the internet. I watched as a mass of other naive Disc Jockeys follow his lead by posting their own instructional videos, and even going as far as using the same tag line after every video post as if they had become instant qualified professionals themselves. Good education comes with a price, and if you are giving it away free, that only tells me you did not spend any time, effort, or money to get the proper education yourself. You can not become a doctor or a lawyer just by watching shows on TV. You do not see MIT professors teaching engineering classes on You Tube.
The difference between a professional & an amateur.
A professional continuously studies and learns every aspect of his/her job.
An amateur skips the learning process whenever possible.
A professional carefully seeks what their clients needs & wants are.
An amateur assumes what their needs are.
A professional looks, speaks and dresses like a professional.
An amateur is sloppy in appearance and speech.
A professional keeps his or her work area clean and orderly.
An amateur has a messy, or cluttered work area.
A professional is focused and clear-headed.
An amateur is easily confused and distracted.
A professional will take the time to get it done right.
An Amateur will use as little time possible, and hopes it turns out ok.
A professional does not let mistakes slide by, and will learn from those mistakes.
An amateur ignores or hides mistakes, and may blame others.
A professional jumps into difficult assignments.
An amateur tries to get out of difficult work.
A professional believes you can never stop learning.
An Amateur believes they know everything.
A professional completes projects as soon as possible.
An amateur is surrounded by unfinished work piled on top of unfinished work.
A professional remains level-headed and optimistic.
An amateur gets upset and assumes the worst.
A professional is willing to help with other peoples problems.
An amateur avoids others’ problems.
A professional uses higher emotional tones: Enthusiasm, cheerfulness, interest, contentment.
An amateur uses lower emotional tones: anger, hostility, resentment, fear, victim.
A professional persists until the objective is achieved.
An amateur gives up at the first opportunity.
A professional produces more than expected.
An amateur produces just enough to get by.
A professional produces a high-quality product or service or tools.
An amateur produces a medium-to-low quality product or service or tools.
A professional earns high pay.
An amateur earns low pay and feels it is unfair.
A professional has a promising future.
An amateur has an uncertain future.
Are you professional?
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