| In a bar, you will find an interesting and diverse | | | | regular). And what can I do especially for your |
| community of people who will seek out fine | | | | guest?" Be sure to use the finest glass for their |
| bartending, not only for the relaxation and | | | | friend. If you treat them with that sort of |
| camaraderie, but also for a familiar and | | | | respect, you cannot only expect a nice tip, but |
| comfortable environment where they are | | | | you can bet that they will be back over and over, |
| recognized and accepted. For many people, in this | | | | and looking for you. |
| competitive and aggressive world, a bar may be | | | | 4. Yes, do remember jokes. Remember them |
| a sole source of sustenance for those basic things | | | | when you hear them and study them on the |
| that are so essential to us all as humans. We are, | | | | Internet. Internet jokes are so boring that most |
| after all, social beings. | | | | of us just delete them, but ahhh... the telling of a |
| Who doesn't recall an episode of the television | | | | joke is just that, it is the delivery and the story |
| series "Cheers" when every time one of the | | | | telling that makes it both interesting and amusing. |
| leading characters would walk in, the entire bar | | | | Be prepared to have at least two new ones on |
| would erupt in the chorus of "Hey Norm?" | | | | every shift. |
| Few of us are entitled to such a universal form of | | | | 5. Your smile and your obvious enjoyment of |
| recognition and instant acceptance from bar | | | | both your job and your customers are worth a |
| patrons, but an excellent bartender can provide | | | | lot more than tossing bottles about or doing circus |
| almost the same sort of experience for | | | | tricks. If you can do it, well it doesn't hurt, but |
| customers. | | | | most folks are there for a drink, company and |
| I bartended to work my way through both | | | | the respect and recognition that they don't |
| undergraduate and graduate school, and have | | | | receive in day-to-day life. |
| gone back to it several times when I grew weary | | | | 6. Depending on the policy of your employer, |
| of corporate life. The money (if you do it right) is | | | | when customers come in for the first time, and |
| about the same anyway, and, admittedly, it is | | | | have just one beer while reading the newspaper |
| tiring and demanding, like any job, but it is a heck | | | | or looking around, and then start to leave, slide |
| of a lot more fun! | | | | them a free beer/drink and say "I am glad that |
| Every bar is different in its nature and appeal | | | | you came in and I have enjoyed your company," |
| (strip bar vs. a restaurant's cocktail lounge), so | | | | (calling them by name, of course). "My name is so |
| this is not a "one size fits all" but, for the most | | | | and so, and please do come back." Pay for that |
| part, if you follow these few words of advice, | | | | beer/drink out of your tips if you must; you will |
| you can make it both enjoyable and very | | | | get it back, ten-fold. |
| profitable! | | | | 7. Remember that these are customers. They |
| 1. Welcome all of your customers as though you | | | | are not really your buddies, so stay professional. |
| know them and introduce yourself. Remember | | | | 8. Though you will have many opportunities for |
| their names and welcome them, using their | | | | intimate encounters, stay focused on your career |
| names, the next time they visit. (Keep a legal pad | | | | and that you are there to make a living. Don't |
| if you need too, "gray beard, thick glasses, name | | | | ever forget that "one night stands" are never just |
| George, drinks Bud"... and any quirks you can note | | | | that in the bartending world; the customer you |
| that will help you recall. Failing that just say "Hey | | | | became close with will likely be sitting on the other |
| good to see you again!" Just think of it like if you | | | | side of the bar, within a few days, regardless of |
| were having a party in your own home.. It's easy! | | | | how much you regret that moment. |
| 2. Always keep in mind what their drink of choice | | | | Tips 9-13 are not listed due to article length |
| is and be prepared to offer them their | | | | constraints. Please visit our website listed in the |
| preference. You should already know the names | | | | resource/bio box for part two of these |
| and preferences of your regulars. | | | | bartending income generating tips or look for Part |
| 3. If a customer comes accompanied by a date | | | | 2 of this series on this website titled: Bartending |
| or companion, treat them both as if they are | | | | Pro Tips Part 2: How to Make Money and Have |
| royalty, address the customer as in "Wonderful to | | | | Fun With a Career In Bartending! |
| see you again, Mr. or Ms so and so (if they are a | | | | |