The most challenging decision that you will have to make in your life is the type of career and job you want to pursue. There so much you can do in any economy; hence, narrowing it down may seem impossible. Bartending is fun, but at the same time, it is a challenging career that you can pursue. After college, there are rules which you should learn if you want to be successful in your career. The following are rules to live by for a better career in bartending:
Keep it Professional
Bartending is a profession which highly depends on experience. While in college, you will learn proper mixology 101 and making specific cocktails, but you will likely won’t graduate with the ability to handle customers professionally. As a bartender, you should project a professional appearance and attitude. You will win the hearts of returning customers if they had a great experience. Keep friendly conversations, maintain a professional attitude, and wear appropriate clean cloths. This will create an environment that both the patrons and management will appreciate. Remember you there to enhance your career to the next level and not to party.
Work smart
Be smart and have a book with you at all times for keeping recipes for making certain drinks. It will help you remember the recipes betters. The book will save you from embarrassment when handling customers. Always smile as a way to cool down and help you pick up your moods. Have garnishes, dishes, and ice ready before your customers walk in. Take a course which usually lasts a couple of weeks. Never rush, always keep your services calm and steady. Rushing leads to mistakes that may cost you time, money, and sometimes your job. You can also attend workshops which range for a few hours to a few days to boost your skills. Be friendly to the customer, and they will open to you, making your bartending night simpler. Keep your clients at ease by letting them see all you are doing. A happy customer gives you a happy pocket.
Prepare some stories or joke
Storytelling is powerful toll to keep your customers busy. Start entertaining your customers with some funny stories and jokes. Make jokes and stories which are both exciting and politically correct. Your bartending job will be more interesting if you create and share some jokes with your customers. Have jokes which are applicable to anyone. Some jokes which talk about politics, religion, and other related terms may ignite some people. Always remember rule number 1 one of being a bartender; the customer is always right.
Learn the Art of De-escalation
This means learning to think quickly and out of the box. Learn to take some occasional insults from your customers. Dealing with drunkards isn’t the simplest job; hence, you should expect some chirps. Learn how not to react. Being a people person will take time, but at the end of it, you will see that it’s worth it. Never forget to be polite; customers will love you for it.
[widget id=”text-3″]
Practice, Practice, Practice!
Learning bartending skills requires a lot of confidence, which you get through practice. You can learn more from your colleagues. Have the patience to develop your skills. Have a list of recipes of mixed alcoholic drinks and some primary bartender utilities like cork opener and knife. YouTube tutorials from professionals will also help you nurture your career. Learn about what a bartender does. Find a role model to observe what makes a great bartender.
Remember, a bartending career takes time to excel and takes energy, patience, and a commitment of time, and (sometimes) money. However, no matter the type of career path you choose, you will likely need to know how to deal with demanding customers. Follow the above best tips offer to achieve your career. Make quick money while having fun and meeting people.