The Basics

  If you are here I am assuming you bartend in a local restaurant, pub or club. If not, you probably want to learn. I am starting this section with some grassroots essentials to becoming a good bartender. If you are bartending now, it is always good to review and keep these fundamentals fresh. Bartenders have the tenancy to get burnt out or develop ABS (arrogant bartenders syndrome), so refreshing on these rules can help put the train back on the tracks.

“ When a man with money meets a man with experience, the man with experience ends up with the money and the man with the money ends up with the experience.”

There is an all around view with it comes to bartending. There isn’t a better way to gain experience in the food and beverage business than working behind the bar. You see and hear just about everything that can be seen or heard. With this said this is a set of guidelines for success behind the bar.

1. DON”T LET YOUR STRESS TRANSFER – We know it’s busy and you’re three deep in the weeds, but don't let your stress build to the point that you take it out on your clientele. Rushes pass... 
2. ECONOMICS OF FUN – as a bartender you can impact the customers experience and set the tone of the atmosphere of the establishment. Part of your job is to serve but another is to ensure the guest has a great experience that they will tell their friends about, and will make them return.
3. THE HOUSE COMES FIRST – never forget who you work for. Don't operate behind the wood with a hidden agenda.Do Not Steal. It is illegal and will end your career as a bartender. 
4. SPEED IN ERGONOMICS – Efficiency of motion at all times. Make every movement count so you can complete tasks in the fewest number of steps.
5. EVERY NIGHT IS NOT SATURDAY NIGHT – every night is not a party. Stay home and save some money. You will not last long as a bartender if you party every night...
6. MIXOLOGY IS AN ART – Take pride in the fact that you are a skilled mixologist and in control of a drug. Take pride in each cocktail you make.
7. REMEBER THAT YOU ARE THE HOST – Wal-Mart has customers, but you a host serving guests. Make sure your attitidue is friendly, gracioius and accomondating at all times. Treat people like you would want to be treated.
8. A CLEAN BAR IS AN EASY BAR – I know firsthand that keeping a busy bar clean is a challenge but you have no choice. A dirty bar sends a message to guests that you either can't handle the business or don't care about sanitation and cleanliness. It is possible, so don't give up and start throwing things on the floor...
9. DON'T THINK ABOUT THE TIPS – good service = good tips, so don't be pre-occupied with this through out the night. Of course you will get a bad tip from time to time but you have to isolate and move on. 
10. SMILE –There are not many situations that a smile is not appropriate. So smile often. 

PRIDE

Service in America is a lucrative profession. It has become the fastest growing segment of the economy and only 2nd in size to that of the government. People come to bartenders to be entertained as well as cocktailed and fed. Mastering the knowledge and skills that you are provided with in this website will increase your income, but remember it isn’t easy to bartend, so pat yourself on the back. Having fun and understanding that what you do is important to a lot of people, even is you’re sometimes not told, is important too!

SALESMANSHIP

Salesmanship is one of the most important abilities bartenders must demonstrate in the performance of their job. Your suggestions, enthusiasm and assistance encouraging guest to try something different, new or temping can make a big difference in how much you sell. And how much you sell makes a big difference in how much you make. Know your products and service techniques. A guest likes to be told what the best or most unusual items are. And it is virtually impossible to talk about something about which you know very little. Up selling and suggestive sales techniques are not innate attributes. They are learned skills. Be positive, accommodating, friendly and honest. Lay off the Bull and lay on the knowledge of the product you are selling.