Posts
The hard part about being a bartender is figuring out who is drunk and who is just stupid, Richard Braunstein. A quick smile, a quicker wit and the quickest drink are some of the qualities you'll need to be a great bartender. Though this career isn't for everyone, those who choose to make this career choice will benefit from reading the following tips and tricks.
The first and most important characteristic in being a successful bartender, male or female, is personality. I don't care how fast you are, how cute you are, or how well you can mix a drink. If you have no personality or worse, you're a jerk, having a career as a barkeep will be short lived. This does not mean you need to be overly nice or overly proper. The formality will depend on the culture of the bar. Beyond that, you'll need to be personable and able to communicate with all walks of life.
The second most important quality is hygiene and grooming. You need to be clean and look it. Even if you work in the proverbial "dive" bar, you are still handling a consumable and need to be clean. Your grooming will also be dictated by the formality of the bar. Maybe you can wear a low-cut blouse and tight pants at your particular watering hole or you are required to wear a buttoned up uniform. Either way, your hair should be well managed and out of the drinks and your fingernails should be clean especially if you have long nails.
Most people get into bartending for the money. It can be fast cash and if you find the right fit, it can be a lot of cash. One of the most dangerous pitfalls a new bartender can run into is mismanagement of money. Since you'll deal in cash and cards, be sure you know the bar policy on opening tabs. In addition, take the time to count. It can be very tempting to "trust" the customer when you are busy. Do not do this! You will regret it in the endalways count cash during your transactions. If someone offers you a bill that is more than the amount being charged (i.e. giving you a $20 and the bill is $12), announce the size of the bill ("outta $20"). This will avoid confusion and being ripped off. Money management should extend to your tips as well. Be gracious and thankful for all gratuities and be mindful of where you keep your tips. All eyes are on you and consequently, eyes are on your tip jar as well. Don't flash, flaunt or even discuss your take for the evening. You don't want to leave your bar with a sign on your back.
Knowledge is power. I hate going into a retail store, asking an employee about a product and getting that gaping stare as though you had asked a question in a foreign language. Don't be that employee to one of your patrons. Know your product. Even if you are not an expert, have a working knowledge about what you're pouring. If you work in a Mexican place that offers multiple types of tequila, know the differences and not just in price. Learn the qualities and characteristics. This will help you upsell and you will make more tips.
One of the most uniform human characteristics is the need to be acknowledged. The gender, age, race, culture does not matter. People like to be acknowledged. The simple act of telling a patron that you are coming, either verbally or non-verbally, will affirm to him that you are on your way. Being efficient, even if you are not yet available, will be one of the best skills you can bring to the job. Be courteous and quick and patrons will truly appreciate you. Ultimately you will increase the number of your gratuities as well. More drinks, more tips. As they say in sales, it is a numbers game.
Do unto others as you'd have done to you. That principal works in all areas of life and the same goes for the world of bartending. Respect and be respected. If you follow the advice I've offered and maintain a healthy amount of respect for yourself and those around you, the bartending world will be a lucrative and entertaining field for you.
The first and most important characteristic in being a successful bartender, male or female, is personality. I don't care how fast you are, how cute you are, or how well you can mix a drink. If you have no personality or worse, you're a jerk, having a career as a barkeep will be short lived. This does not mean you need to be overly nice or overly proper. The formality will depend on the culture of the bar. Beyond that, you'll need to be personable and able to communicate with all walks of life.
The second most important quality is hygiene and grooming. You need to be clean and look it. Even if you work in the proverbial "dive" bar, you are still handling a consumable and need to be clean. Your grooming will also be dictated by the formality of the bar. Maybe you can wear a low-cut blouse and tight pants at your particular watering hole or you are required to wear a buttoned up uniform. Either way, your hair should be well managed and out of the drinks and your fingernails should be clean especially if you have long nails.
Most people get into bartending for the money. It can be fast cash and if you find the right fit, it can be a lot of cash. One of the most dangerous pitfalls a new bartender can run into is mismanagement of money. Since you'll deal in cash and cards, be sure you know the bar policy on opening tabs. In addition, take the time to count. It can be very tempting to "trust" the customer when you are busy. Do not do this! You will regret it in the endalways count cash during your transactions. If someone offers you a bill that is more than the amount being charged (i.e. giving you a $20 and the bill is $12), announce the size of the bill ("outta $20"). This will avoid confusion and being ripped off. Money management should extend to your tips as well. Be gracious and thankful for all gratuities and be mindful of where you keep your tips. All eyes are on you and consequently, eyes are on your tip jar as well. Don't flash, flaunt or even discuss your take for the evening. You don't want to leave your bar with a sign on your back.
Knowledge is power. I hate going into a retail store, asking an employee about a product and getting that gaping stare as though you had asked a question in a foreign language. Don't be that employee to one of your patrons. Know your product. Even if you are not an expert, have a working knowledge about what you're pouring. If you work in a Mexican place that offers multiple types of tequila, know the differences and not just in price. Learn the qualities and characteristics. This will help you upsell and you will make more tips.
One of the most uniform human characteristics is the need to be acknowledged. The gender, age, race, culture does not matter. People like to be acknowledged. The simple act of telling a patron that you are coming, either verbally or non-verbally, will affirm to him that you are on your way. Being efficient, even if you are not yet available, will be one of the best skills you can bring to the job. Be courteous and quick and patrons will truly appreciate you. Ultimately you will increase the number of your gratuities as well. More drinks, more tips. As they say in sales, it is a numbers game.
Do unto others as you'd have done to you. That principal works in all areas of life and the same goes for the world of bartending. Respect and be respected. If you follow the advice I've offered and maintain a healthy amount of respect for yourself and those around you, the bartending world will be a lucrative and entertaining field for you.
About the Author:
To learn the quickest way to get bartender jobs Check out Brian's Seven Secrets Program. He has helped dozens of people find thier first bartending job and will help you too.
No comments:
Post a Comment