SECRETS OF GOOD BARTENDING
Class is in session.
1. Be positive at work. Nobody but nobody after a rough day likes hearing a grouchy bartender with negative comments. Stay away from any negative convo.
2. Smile. As cheesy, as it sounds a smile is contagious. Guaranteed to up the tip average as well.
3. Keep your work area clean. It is a direct reflection of who you are and your organization skills.
4. Treat everyone fairly. You can never tell who someone is by the way the person is dressed or what they do for that matter. No point in schmoozing with the suit when the guy wearing the sweater and the jeans is paying the bill. Be fair with the service.
5. Admit fault. If you messed up and you admit it. It will make you look like less of an ass when they discover your screw up.
6. Be part of the team. Help others when you are busy and it will reflect on you in a very positive light. (Better, shift schedule)
7. Be punctual. Once again reflects on you being a valuable member of the staff that can be counted on. (Better, shift schedule)
8. Brighten someone’s day. If you can make someone happy with a compliment, why not
9. Do not short pour. No point in short changing someone. An experienced or a regular at the bar know what the potency of his drink should be.
10. Do not just keep the change. Always bring the billfold back to the table. It will save you and the guest an embarrassing moment when they have to ask for their change back.
11. Be patient with the staff. What is the point in yelling at the new girl if she does not know the drink menu. You look like a jerk in front of everybody including management.
12. Foul language. Do not be the cool guy/girl by talking like a trucker. Even if they do not mention it. It will be noticed.
13. Use scoop for ice not a glass. Shards of glass will mix in the ice causing some poor individual to have a bleeding tongue and guess whose fault it is.
14. Upsell. Bar rail is just the starting point. Most folks do not mind paying the extra 50 cents for a premium brand drink.
15. Boozing on the job. Hard to know when is when. Dealing with money you have to stay focused.
16. Being overly flirtatious. Big difference in being friendly with some guys wife or husband to going and sitting in their lap looking for change.
17. Dating at work. What do you think is going to happen if there is a rift in the relationship. Now you have some psycho working with you trying to destroy you with every move you make.
18. Rumours. Stay out of the political spotlight. If it does not concern you then let the wind blow right over you.
Even though most of these are common sense, I am always amazed at how many people think it is a huge party. Want to be a better bartender then treat it like a serious job. The hours are great, you make just as much money as any working professional. You get to be in a situation most people just cannot comprehend. Just follow some of these common sense rules. It is funny how the saying goes about how common sense is not so common.