How to Succeed in Bartending

Many people have toyed around with the idea of becoming a bartender. As an outsider, bartending looks like a phenomenal job. You get to be around alcohol all day, you have attractive men and women talking to you all the time, and you get tips at considerable percentages compared to being a waiter at a restaurant.

But bartending is not the easiest task in the world. In fact, if you hope to succeed at bartending, you must possess these qualities:

• Attentiveness
• Bar Knowledge
• Social Skills
• Cleanliness
• Patience
• No Pandering

Attentiveness

Nothing is more difficult than an impatient customer, and so you want to be able to know when someone needs serving, possibly what they got before and whether or not they have a tab. If the bar is large and you are the only one manning it, you need to be able to tell who got there first even when they are on all sides of the room, and you need to be ready to help them immediately once they order, as they are in a hurry like you are.

Bar Knowledge

No one wants to have to explain what the drink they want is. There are hundreds of drinks if not thousands that can be made, and you should try to know as many as you can. The more someone has to explain the drink to you, the less likely they are to tip big. You also want to be able to give quick advice when someone needs it. This will allow you to be more appreciated by the customers.

Social Skills

Don’t be rude. Be able to talk when you have time and be friendly. A friendly bartender is more likely to be treated friendly by the guests.

Cleanliness

If you look dirty, your drink will taste worse in the eyes of those that drink it. Try to keep yourself clean and your hands clean and always look professional.

Patience

This can be difficult in the fast paced world of the bar, but not getting mad at people that take too long to order is vital to getting larger tips and being able to enjoy your job. It can be stressful behind a bar, but it is more stressful if you cause stress to others.

No Pandering

Do not try to get tips from people. Bartending itself will get you tips, as will being friendly. If someone doesn’t tip, do not be upset with them. Perhaps their drink total added up to 19.50 and they did not realize they had no change and can only tip .50 cents. It is not their fault, and the next time they are at the bar they will likely tip far higher. But if you are rude to them or try too hard to get tips from them, it will be obvious and they will be less inclined to tip you large next time.