Mobile Bartending Secrets-EXPOSED!

Learning from our Mistakes!

One of my subscribers, Kathy, sent me an e-mail detailing the events of her first bartending gig. I get these all the time from clients who are just so excited, and hooked on Mobile Bartending! Unfortunately, this e-mail was a bit different…ok a whole lot different. In my opinion, Kathy’s first event was a bit of a disaster.

I have attached her e-mail along with my response in this blog. Why? So we can learn from other’s Mobile Bartending Mistakes so we can all become better bartenders and make more money (yay!).

From Kathy:

Hey Kathy!!

What a nightmare! But I guess we can chalk it up to a great learning experience here!!

So, here is EVERYTHING you can do as a mobile bartender to make sure that NEVER happens again!

Get a Mobile Bar or Have an Alternative:

• If you don’t have YOUR own bar, you need to get one ASAP.
• Until then, try finding a suitable substitute. (A portable table, etc.)
• Or, Rent one and charge your clients (plus interest)Most Importantly: Have the bar arrangement settled BEFORE you arrive at the event. Don’t try and solve the problem when you arrive.

Know The Drink Menu:

• If the host is going to throw a “curve ball” at you, with unique recipes and a menu that no one has ever heard of, make sure you get the names and recipes BEFORE the event.
• While booking, ask “What types of drinks would you like me to serve?” This way, you can look everything over and get an idea for how to make the drinks
• If necessary, make a 1 page cheat sheet and keep behind the bar

Let There Be Light!

• ALWAYS check BEFORE the party starts and make sure you have enough light. My host always asks, “Do you have everything, James?” BEFORE the guests arrive, make sure you have an adequate light source. Don’t wait until it’s dark.
• At the worst case scenario, a BUNCH of candles at the bar will do.

Bring Your Own Back Bar:

• Take more control of your bar area, provide your own mobile back bar table.
• Bring a small portable table of your own for the back bar!
• And yes, bring a stool if you must.

Charge More $$$!

I know you are just starting out in Mobile Bartending, but I would be offended if that is all I made in an evening. Change your pricing strategy.

• Charge $147 as your BASE rate
• DONT CHARGE HOURLY
• If your host is tipping you, it should be a MINIMUM of $2 per guest. I think $250 sounds a lot better to you than $100, right?
• Wait until I show you how you can make $500-600 a night.

Kathy, I hope this info helps you on your path to Mobile Bartending Success. But let me tell you…you are making all of the mistakes I made when I first started, I am actually getting “angry” and “fired up” for YOU. I feel like the host totally screwed you big time, and your biggest problem is that you are not taking control and showing him the confidence and knowledge that you have. If you want to continue learning from every bad situation, it is going to be a long and painfully bumpy road.

***************

Well, I hope everyone else can learn something from this situation. I have dealt with problems like Kathy’s before, but not anymore! The Bartend-4-Profit System is your roadmap to success as a Mobile Bartender, check it out at www.Bartend4Profit.com.

Thanks Guys!

Cheers,

James Wedmore

Your Bartending Tools: Don’t leave home without ‘em!

Whether you re a mobile bartender or you work in a bar or restaurant (or both!) you need to learn this valuable lesson that my dad taught me as a small boy:

“Take care of your tools, and your tools will take care of you!”

Even though he was refering to his old woodworking tools, the principle still rings true to bartenders. To be fast, efficient, and effective, you MUST have the proper tools!!

Guest author Jeremy Shirk, author of Make Money Bartending, presents us with all of the tools us bartenders need This is a GREAT article, please read through it carefully…enjoy!!

13 Crucial Tools Every Successful Bartender Must Have

“A man is only as good as his tools�” is a phrase I’m sure you’ve heard before and it applies to bartending as much as anything else.

You’ll only ever be as good as your tools, so make sure you’re not without them. The quality of your tools can make or break your experience behind the bar so it’s important you take this lesson seriously.

There are countless bartending tools out there. Will you use them all? No. But there are certain tools that every bartender must have. In this first lesson, we’ll be taking a look at those “must-have” tools so pay close attention.

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Bottle Opener
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Now whether you’re working in a low or high volume bar, a bottle opener is not only crucial to your speed, but also your hands!

Imagine opening every bottle of beer ordered with your bare hands� you wouldn’t last the night without seriously doing damage to your palms.

There are many different types of bottle openers out there on the market� everything from a simple “key-chain opener” all the way to a “butterfly bottle opener”, you know, like a butterfly knife? Pretty cool.

Find out what works for you. I’ve used the same stainless steel “speed opener” for years now, it does the job (with style) everytime so I�ve had no reason to switch.

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Wine Opener/Corkscrew
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The best, most versatile wine opener is known as the waiter’s wine opener. It’ll always do the job, even on the most difficult and the most stubborn corks. Compare this to many others out there that often break the cork or have you struggling in front of the customer to get the damn thing open.

A waiter’s wine opener includes a corkscrew (worm), a sharp blade to cut the seal of the wine and also a bottle opener device if you’re desperate for one.

I recommend a “two-level” lever on your opener as well, that’s what I personally use. Mine has never failed me in opening a bottle of wine.

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Cocktail Shaker
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This is the stainless steel thingy you see bartenders pour ingredients into for a martini or shooter and shake vigorously. This is a must-have for all bartenders.

A good rule of thumb for cocktails is, the colder it is, the better it tastes. Why else would bartenders concoct a drink by pouring pre-chilled ingredients into a shaker with ice, shaking like crazy and then serving it in a chilled glass? Because you want every part of the process to be “chilling” to prevent any “warming” of the cocktail.

There are two types of shakers out there:

1) Standard Shaker

This is a three-piece stainless steel shaker that has the strainer built into it. I find the Standard Shaker is not as common among professional, working bartenders.

It consists of the shaker tin, lid with strainer and cap. Perhaps it’s more complicated design with smaller parts discourages working bartenders from using this more often. But it will do the job just as well as the�

2) Boston Shaker

From my experience, the Boston Shaker is actually more standard among professional bartenders. This one is simply a shaker tin with a separate mixing glass that’s slightly smaller in size. It�s a two-piece device that you simply seal together to shake the cocktail.

The tendency is seal it as tight as you can and proceed to shake, although this is not necessary as you can often seal it too tight, and then not be able to open it when you�re done shaking and ready to pour the concoction.

If you’re ever in this situation, use the edge of the bar and clip the overlapping metal lip (which will always be on the outside, as the glass is always smaller and fits inside) against the edge of the bar. You can also “twist” them apart, that will often break the seal too.

But avoid all that by fitting them together nice and snug instead of as tight as you can.

You can purchase shaker sets in all types of different sizes and styles, but they pretty much fall into one of the two types listed above.

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Strainer
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Again, you’ll find many different types of strainers on the market. But the only kind I’ve ever used and would want to use is the Hawthorn Strainer.

You know, it�s that real funny looking stainless steel thing with the handle and the spring coil. The purpose behind the spring coil on the strainer is so you can fit it into all types of different shaped glasses. So it�s a very versatile tool.

I should mention that when using a shaker I often do not use a strainer. I use the Boston Shaker and simply crack a tiny opening in the seal between the two and pour out the concoction “cracked egg” style.

If you’re more of a visual learner like me, Tom Cruise does this when pouring his “Turquoise Blue” Martini for Gina Gershon in the two floor NYC nightclub in the movie Cocktail.

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Coasters
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Not every bar uses coasters. But it�s a good thing to have. They�ll prevent a lot of unnecessary wet spots or rings on the bar from moisture off the side of the glass.

I’ve worked in slower, classier places where using them is mandatory. I’ve also worked in higher volume nightclubs where you don�t use coasters because you�re wiping the bar down every five minutes anyway, so why bother? Which leads me to�

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Bar Towel (Rag)
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A fresh, clean set of bar towels is something every bartender needs. In high volume places, the bar is constantly needing a wipe down from spilt drinks, drink rings, sticky shooter glasses, etc.

I like to have a minimum of four, strategically placed wet bar towels in my working area at all times.

One thing I teach you in Bartending Secrets Exposed is to have everything systemized. You want things as seemingly insignificant as location of your bar rag to be the same every night. You don�t want to think about where it is everytime you need it, you want it to be second nature, you want to be able to grab it without even looking!

The party can often get sloppy so you must have your bar rags close at hand.

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Ice Scoop
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Forcefully cutting through and scooping your ice with an actual glass is a very stupid thing to do. Yet I see bartenders do it all the time. I don’t even recommend you “gently and carefully” scoop the ice with the glass. There’s just too much margin for error.

If you chip the glass, and you know it, you’re spending the next ten minutes emptying and refilling your ice well. If you don’t know it, and you happen to serve a customer a drink garnished with glass shavings you could be in some serious trouble.

Using a metal ice scoop is mandatory as a bartender. It really doesn’t take more time to scoop ice with a separate scoop. You can also do some fancy tricks once you get good too.

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Jigger/Measuring Glass
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If you work in a bar that allows free pouring, you won’t be needing this handy tool. But in most regions of North America free pouring is illegal and you�re required to use some sort of measuring device, whether it’s an automatic or manual device all depends on where you work.

While I’m not a believer in the automatic devices you see nowadays, using a shot glass or jigger (manual device) to measure the amount of alcohol you pour into each drink is what I’ve always done as a bartender.

For those of you who work at places with extremely tight inventory control. I offer you an amazing “overpour fake” technique in Bartending Secrets Exposed to keep the “tip friendly” relationship with your customers while keeping your integrity with the boss. Click here to get it now!

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Garnish Picks
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Skewers, plastic swords picks, arrow picks or whatever you want to call them are for those exclusive garnishes like olives and cherries. They really add to the presentation of a drink and are a must-have for those customers you want to really impress.

Whether it’s giving the customer three olives with their martini or an orange slice and a cherry with one of my seductive martinis, I always have a supply of garnish picks close at hand.

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Pour Spouts
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Whether you free pour or not, a bar that deals with any type of volume and has any interest in inventory control should have these on all of the high moving liquor bottles. There are many different styles of pour spouts out there:

-plastic
-metal
-neon
-glow in the dark
-slow pour (3 seconds per ounce)
-fast pour
-screened
-flapped
-measured

All have some associated benefit or gimmick. But I like things simple so I use the metal slow pour spouts on all my liqueurs and the metal fast pour spouts on all my well liquor which I�m using a shot glass for anyway. Why wait three seconds when you�re measuring with a glass already?

Time truly is money in this industry.

Now at this point you might be thinking, “Jeremy, you’re talking about the kind of tools and supplies the bar should be supplying, you’re making it sound like I have a choice on what kind of pour spouts I use.”

Realize I don’t want you to go out and start buying pour spouts and garnish picks. Those expenses should be left to the bar you�re working for. But remember that YOU’RE the one working the bar, not the manager. If the bar where you work has crappy pour spouts and doesn�t even use garnish picks, it’s up to you to suggest it!

I believe it’s your choice. After all, you’re the one using it, right? Managers will always be open to suggestions if it will improve your speed and performance, thus, increase sales.

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Straws
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This is obvious, but you should always have straws close at hand. The bigger or more you give the customer, the better. You control the speed at which your customers drink by how many straws you give them. Make ‘em drink fast so you increase your sales (which equals more tips).

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Lighter/Matches & Pens
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Ask any bartender out there and they’ll agree that besides “a drink”, you’ll be asked for “a light” or a pen more than anything else.

So what’s the best thing you can do??? Have them close at hand!

Have a ton of pens to lend, because you may not always get them back and you always want to have enough. Also, always have a load of matchbooks to give to customers in need.

I also recommend you have a sleek butane lighter of your own for customers needing a light right at your bar and also when flaming drinks are necessary.

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Tip Jar
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Last, but certainly not least is to have your own tip jar.

While I go into extreme detail in Bartending Secrets Exposed on the true art and science of the tip jar, what I’ll tell you here is that having one is a must! You�re losing tips without one!

Have your own, preferably a wine carafe. The tapered neck of a wine carafe means once a tip is in the jar, it’s in. You won’t have any hands dipping in to swipe your hard earned tips, which can often happen in a busy nightclub.

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The author of this article, Jeremy Sherk, is an expert, world-class bartender who has helped
thousands of bartenders land their dream job and explode their level of cash tips. Rather than hitting your head against a brick wall trying to succeed on your own, let him take you by the hand and show you exactly how to land the bartending job of your dreams making hundreds in cash per night! 100% Guaranteed!
Click here now for all the details!!

If it don’t make dollas, then it don’t make sense!”

Mobile Bartenders: How Much to CHARGE?

An e-mail from Sherron…

I am currently beginning my own private party bartending because this is something I’ve always wanted to do. I’ve been researching your site for information, but I haven’t found any information on what should be charged as for parties or events. Can you give me some information on prices and what not as of charging for parties or events? I don’t know where to begin in that area of a price to charge or even what profit I could make.

I get this question all of the time! And it is a great one. In fact, I even devote an entire chapter (and quite a long one) to Mobile Bartending Rates and how you should find the rate that works best for you and your customers. I have soo much that I want to say on this topic that I felt that I had to turn Sherron’s email into a blog post. If there is ONE article that you should read on my blog…THIS IS IT! So, I hope you are ready to get your hands a little dirty, ready?

CHARGE WHAT YOU WANT:

As a business owner, you have the POWER to choose your rates! You do not have to have “competitive” prices, and you do not have to charge the same week after week! And frankly, you must ask yourself this question: “If I charge my client $XXX.xx, is that WORTH it to me?” If the answer is “no”…than you are NOT charging enough! I know that isn’t exactly the answer you wanted, but as long as you have the mindset that you can charge WHATEVER you want, you will be successful!

PREMIUM RATES=PREMIUM SERVICES

People really believe that they get what they pay for! You proudly show off those $200 jeans that are cost no more than the Target brand. Your clients will proudly flaunt their premium bartender that is always booked and in high demand, even if you charge WAY more than the competition.

YOUR RATES ARE NOT FIXED:

On my bartending website, I NEVER display my rates…why? Because they change depending on my mood! That’s right, when a client calls, I am actually interviewing them! If they live in a “bad neighborhood” or they sound cheap or rude, etc, I increase my rates! I am always booked every weekend, I do not care if I don’t book them! Someone else ALWAYS comes along!

WHEN DEMAND INCREASES, SO DOES YOUR RATE:

There are days, months, and seasons of the year where your services will be in higher demand than others. You can only be in one spot at a time, right? Well…increase your rates, when this happens. (BTW, for all you beginner mobile bartenders, we are turning the corner onto the BUSIEST time of year! The FALL is crazy and it ends with a bang with Christmas and New Year’s…so get ready! Oh and my product: Bartend-4-Profit identifies all fo the major holidays and seasons where you should be increasing your rates!)

DON’T CHARGE BY THE HOUR:

I hate this! (Actually I love it! When my competition does this it makes me look sooo much better) Listen up guys, this one is important! never charge based on the hour, because no one should ever hire you for just an hour! You are charging based on the “EXPERIENCE!” YES! Your bartending experience that you provide your clients, for an evening of your services! So, instead of “Our rates are just $25/hour” say: “An evening of our bartending services includes 5 hours of bartending complete with all professional bartending tools and equipment for just $155.” If you take away one thing it is this:

Increase your Perceived Value and you can charge what you want! When you sell your client on an “Experience,” your Perceived Value will skyrocket!

DON’T FORGET ABOUT GRATUITY

Remember folks, this is just to get in the door! I inform all of my clients of the required gratuity. Standard rate is anywhere from $1-3/per guest (if they do not let me put out a tip jar) This means your gratuity should match or exceed your initial rate!

THE UPSELL:

Now your client is ready to book you! Rent them a bar ($30-60.00), glassware (.$50/glass) and servers ($130) to make even MORE money! This is your upsell!

PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER:

Ok, so if you are new into mobile bartending, charge less so you can break into more events and get the experience and confidence you need. Depending on your area and demand for mobile bartenders, something like $100-150 is a great starting out rate.

Once you have a Reputation, Experience, and Confidence, why not increase your rates to $175-$225 for just 4 hours and then an additional $35 for each additional hour they decide to keep you. And remember, you always have gratuity!! The Bartend-4-Profit System & Tip Attraction shows you how you can EASILY increase your tips and become an entertainer for your guests.

Well…does that help? It works for me and my staff, and it is helping tons of bartenders that I have helped and coached all over the country (and Canada!) Please POST your comments below and any additional questions that you may have.

For now, focus on getting ready for this Fall Season, Halloween parties are HUGE! So get out there, market your services and make some money!

To your Bartending Success,

James Wedmore
Bartend4Profit.com

Liar Liar! Your Shot’s on FIRE!

At Bartender Confessions, my writers and I are big advocators of busting the myths behind bartending! I am all about working LESS and making MORE money! The problem is, most people are intimidated by a bartending job and feel that they could never become a bartender themselves. Thanks to guest-author Jeremy Shirk (author of Make Money Bartending) we can rest easy! He has provided us with a great article on some of the biggest bartending myths of all that keep most people from ever getting started! Take notes people!

The 3 Biggest Lies Of Bartending

In my time as a bartender, I’ve come across what I like to call the “3 Biggest Lies of Bartending”.

A long time ago before I set foot into this industry, I was convinced by others that the following were �requirements� in order to become a successful bartender.

Well, I’ve had great success in this industry as a bartender, and let me tell you, I got there without any of the so called �requirements�listed below, and you can too.

So here they are�

Bartending Lie #1 – You need to know hundreds of drink recipes to be a great bartender.

Nothing could be further from the truth! I make the same twenty drinks every night at the nightclub I currently work.

Sure, there are drinks other than those twenty that get requested once in awhile� but it�s nothing you can�t handle.

If I get “stumped”, I’ll ask the bartender I�m working with, look it up in the recipe guide, or ask the customer.

Yeah, that’s right, if all else fails, ASK THE CUSTOMER how to make it. There’s no need to have an ego around this. If the customer doesn�t know, I’ll try and narrow down a color/flavor and make them one of my specialties. (which they end up liking better anyway)

No matter what type of establishment you work or want to work at, they’ll have a base of twenty or so drinks that are asked for, not hundreds.

Sure, it’s nice to have a some killer drink recipes up your sleeve when someone asks “Make me something good.” But you don’t have to know hundreds of drinks before you step behind the wood. There’s no need to numb your brain studying recipe books in order to become a money-making bartender.

Bartending Lie #2 – You need a Bartending “Certificate” or “License” to bartend.

I’m not sure where this concept came into existence (although it sure benefits bartending schools). But there is absolutely, positively NO LAW that requires you to have a license or certificate to bartend.

Now, many states and provinces require an alcohol awareness certification to ensure responsible service. But this is required by all service staff in the industry and is issued by the government for a fraction of the cost of a bartending school tuition.

I�’e got nothing against bartending schools, they are a great way to get your foot in the door and get confident behind the bar, but their “certificates” aren’t mandatory in order to bartend.

Bartending Lie #3 – You need to “pay your dues” and work as a bar back for years in order to bartend at a hot spot raking in the big bucks.

This is absolute bull! I know so many bartenders that got behind the bar faster than you can imagine� including myself.

If you think it takes years, it will take you years. If you believe there’s a better and faster way, you’ll find one. Either way, you’ll prove yourself right.

If you’re looking for proven strategies for landing your dream job as fast and easy as possible, then check out my highly acclaimed Bartending Secrets Exposed program.

If you’ve been sitting on the fence, saying you’d like to become a bartender someday. Then I hope the truth revealed here will inspire you to get up and get going to make it happen.

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The author of this article, Jeremy Sherk, is an expert, world-class bartender who has helped thousands of bartenders land their dream job and explode their level of cash tips. Rather than hitting your head against a brick wall trying to succeed on your own, let him take you by the hand and show you exactly how to land the bartending job of your dreams making hundreds in cash per night! 100% Guaranteed! Click here now for all the details!

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