Ways to be an Effective Bartender
When you head to your local establishment, bartending can be a lot harder than it looks. Most patrons simply believe a bartender just stands behind the bar and serves drinks to whoever needs them. However, this is one of the most rewarding and entertaining jobs out there today. Just remember, a bartender has to know how to serve various drinks, be personable, attentive, and entertain everyone around them. These little traits are how the best bartenders make the most money. You can as well if you follow the tips we’re about to share with you.
Knowing Your Drinks
One of the worst moments for a bartender is when a guest walks up to the bar and asks for a drink that you don’t know how to make. Every bartender goes through this at least once in their career (which is okay), but you can minimize these moments by becoming more familiar with the various ingredients that go into each drink. It doesn’t matter if you’re making a Long Island Iced Tea, a Texas Tea, Margaritas, Martinis, Bahama-Mamas, Pina Coladas, Daiquiris, or anything else. The more you know the better, and this especially holds true for shots. If by chance you study, study, study and still don’t know, ask your new guest. They may give you a little flack, but it’s a great way to break the ice and make it exactly how you want it.
Be Personable
Adding a little personality to the mix can have a major impact on the amount of money you make. Keep in mind everyone is different, so you have to bring out variations all the time. One group might want a comedian behind the bar, but the next couple may want a more informative bartender with a professional appeal. Just think of it as if you’re putting on a show. Who knows, you may win an Oscar before your career is over. Oh, and if you want your guests to stay longer and purchase more you can manipulate the situation so all your customers interact with each other.
Learn How to be Attentive for Everyone
The third and final tip to becoming an effective bartender is to be attentive. This doesn’t just mean being personable and getting the drink orders right; it also means being there for anyone who needs you. Sometimes people go to the bar because they want to escape something. They may be getting laid off at work, their spouse may be cheating on them, or they may just be having a bad day. An effective bartender acts as a counselor to those customers that need counseling. You’d be surprised how you can help a person just by listening to them and giving them a little bit of advice. And it’s amazing how doing this can increase your tips exponentially.
These are just a few tips that will help you become the most effective bartender possible so that you can make the most money possible; which should be the goal of any person who chooses a career behind the bar.
Brian has over 15 years behind the bar and in bar management. If you want to learn the quickest ways how to become a bartender and get bartending jobs check out his free newsletter and Seven Secrets to Breaking into the Bartending Business.
