Experience. I have been a DJ for 29 years averaging 140 weddings and other events per year. I have been through and seen more impossible situations than you can imagine. Some were fun, most were headaches, ALL were learning experiences. There is ABSOLUTELY no replacement for experience, it will win every time.
Uniqueness. I bring in a lot of things that other DJ’s don’t. I make my own remixes. Not a lot of other DJ’s do this… Software tools like Audacity, Audition, Pro Tools, etc. allow DJs to mix, remix and produce their own music. My goal should be to prove you are different from others in the business. Otherwise, any amateur DJ can play a song straight without getting any rigorous training!
Last is, be professional, look professional and have a natural gift of reading the crowd for the type of music they want and getting involved to set the mood. There is way too much music competition and choices out there, so staying a step ahead is a top priority for me.