I have a quick story and a GREAT business lesson to share with you…

Earlier this week I injured my neck pretty badly at the gym.  It is safe to say I was in the the worst pain EVER in my life. No joke!  Anyway, I called up a local Chiropractor and scheduled an appointment.  As I was been driven up to his office I got started thinking about this doctor’s business model…

Over the phone his secretary told me that I am welcome to a F.R.E.E. consultation and each session is just $65.00.

What??  Just $65/hour??  That’s like how much I make bartending!  How is this doctor only making that much!  I mean, really, he’s a doctor!!

Well, it wasn’t until AFTER my “f.r.eee” consultation” did I realize what was going on…

Already I had a bill for $295 AND I was scheduled to come back the next day.  OH, and I was only in his office for 20 minutes! (And trust me, there was another patient waiting as soon as I got out of there!)

So what the HECK happened?!

Well, let’s break down this chiropractor’s business model and see why he is so successful at getting my money (AND how you can learn from his genius techniques)

1.  He “lures” you in with a “f.re.e. consultation” and a small price of JUST $65.00

2.  Upon arrival, he immediately UPSELLS (magic word of the day!) you on supplements, x-rays, and other medication!

3.  He gets you in and out of there as quick as possible. A session is NOT the assumed 60 minutes.  It’s just 15.

4.  He Gets you coming back!  Once he’s got you agreeing to give him money, it is soooo much easier for him to get
you to come back time and time (and time) again.

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Let’s translate the four steps into Bartending Business-related Tips:
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1.  Offer Something for FREE! (Consultation, an hour of service, ice, etc)

2.  UPSELL on additional products and services (concierge services, servers, bar rentals, glass rental, etc) Make people feel they NEED what you’ve got!

3.  Value Your Time! If you are staying late, you better charge more for it!

4.  Keep marketing your “past-clients” get them to become customers for life!!

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In Conlusion:
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Am I angry with my chiropractor?  NO!  He took me out of a lot of pain!  He was worth every penny!  DON’T think for one
second that what HE did was “sneaky” or unethical.  It all comes down to business and marketing, and if he wants to
stay in business, he is going to have to do things like upsell me on additional supplements and ask me to come back for
additional consultations.  If you are NOT following those four tips listed above, perhaps it’s time you incorporate them into
your business.

You can always learn great marketing and business practices from others like I did in the example today.  Let’s just hope it
doesn’t have to be out of the circumstances I experienced where I was in EXCRUCIATING pain!

Cheers,

James Wedmore
http://www.Bartend4Profit.com

Do you have a Mobile Bartending Business Plan?  I love getting emails from my subscribers with great questions.  I also feel that if I am going to answer the question, I should address it to everyone else as well (just in case you had that same question)

This question comes from Dave W. and it’s in regards to Business Plans:

Do we need to create a business plan and what needs to be included in the plan if we do?

Thanks for the question Dave, it’s a great one!  To answer it bluntly, you do not need a business plan!  In fact, I’ve seen many entrepreneurs and small business owners spend months and months crafting the perfect business plan and never get started!  My theory is that if they preoccupy their time with a business plan, they never have to worry about launching (and potentially failing) their business.  They are filled with fear-a fear of failure!  Do NOT let this become you!

You ONLY need a business plan if you plan on having investors and we already know that Mobile Bartending requires virtually ZERO start-up costs!

So what SHOULD we do before we get started?

Goals are always important, so here is what I recommend doing in place of a business plan.  Whether you are still in the “baby stages” of your business or you are a 10 yr veteran, I think this exercise is necessary.

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GOAL SETTING ASSIGNMENT
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At the top of a piece of paper, write your business name and slogan down and answer the following questions:

1.  What is your Mission Statement?
What is it you do and what makes you unique in doing it?  This can be written however you wish, it just needs to inspire YOU!

2. WHY Do you do what you do?
What makes you LOVE Bartending?  What makes you LOVE working for yourself? Get Specific!!

3.  How much do you want to make PER event?
How much do you want to get paid on a given night?

4.   How much do you want to make by the end of 2010?
By the end of 2011?

5.  What are your Personal Rules?
You’ve set goals, now set some rules for yourself.
ex: I will only work 5 hrs a day.  I will not drive more than 2 hours away. etc.

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NOTE: When you answer these questions, write in complete sentences and use present tense

ex: “I make over $400 each and every event I bartend at”

You don’t need a formal business plan, but you do need a clear vision of what you are doing and what you plan on doing with your business.  If you don’t have goals, how are you supposed to know if you’re successful?

Keep sending me your questions, thanks!

Cheers,

James Wedmore
Bartend4Profit.com

P.S.  If you haven’t checked out the COMPLETE Bartend-4-Profit System,
now is your chance to start building your business and attracting high-paying
clients like crazy!  Visit: http://www.BartenderforProfit.com

In this video, James talks about GROWING and expanding your mobile bartending business and increasing your streams of income!

In this video, James talks about WHY you started your mobile bartending business-WHY you became a business owner and how to enjoy the lifestyle you have created for yourself