| So, you want to be like Tom Cruise in Cocktail? No, | | | | everyone's having a great time. But when they want |
| you don't have to join a cult. What you do need to do | | | | to hydrate, they're coming to you. To make sure you're |
| is learn how to get people to hand over tips when you | | | | the hot bartender in the middle of the action, you want |
| hand them their drinks -- after all, you're not living on | | | | to focus on noticing everyone who needs a drink. |
| your hourly wage. But what do people want from you, | | | | Make sure everyone gets what they want, but make |
| besides alcohol? That's the question. To make sure | | | | sure you take time to talk to the VIPs and the |
| you're the bartender that everyone knows by name, | | | | attractive guests. This is going to make you seem all |
| you need to learn the drinks and then learn how | | | | the more attractive yourself and it will encourage top |
| people think. | | | | notch patrons to frequent the bar. It sounds snobby, |
| Ask the Right Questions | | | | but ask any club owner if it works and they'll just smile. |
| Sure, it's a stereotype that all bartenders do is mix | | | | Freebies Make a Difference |
| drinks and listen to everyone's problems, but it's also | | | | If you can, and the boss isn't looking, make sure to |
| true to a certain extent. The more time you take to | | | | hand over some freebies whenever you get the |
| listen to someone's boo hooing, the more money you'll | | | | chance. This might be an extra shot or maybe just a |
| probably make as a tip. All you need to do is make | | | | heavier drink for a client or two. Not only are you going |
| sure you ask if someone's okay if they're drinking | | | | to pocket the tips, but this is a client who's going to |
| alone. That usually gets the person started talking or at | | | | keep coming back for more. Try giving out small things |
| least aware that you noticed they were looking down. | | | | like pretzels and chips too or maybe sodas to those |
| Don't get too personal when you talk to them, but just | | | | who aren't drinking. These are cheap little freebies, but |
| get them to keep talking. This tactic works best when | | | | they'll add up in tips you see in your jar. |
| you're in a smaller bar setting, rather than a loud club | | | | Being a bartender is about more than just the bar |
| because in that smaller joint, you can actually hear | | | | supplies. It's about being a person that people not only |
| what they say. | | | | wish they could be, but someone who -- from a |
| Notice Everyone, But Only Talk to Some | | | | distance -- makes their night something special. |
| When you're in a hopping club, the music is blaring and | | | | |