When I was working my “real” bartending job, we were forced to wear nametags. Are you rolling your eyes at that? I WAS! …BUT, I decided to wear my nametag to my bartending event that Friday night and the results were astonishing!
When people saw my name…they called me by name! (Crazy concept right?!) But here is the important part: when people call you by name, you can establish trust and rapport quicker, and that results in BIGGER TIPS! Sooooo…get yourself a nametag!
Isn’t it great when you don’t have to do ANYTHING, and people call you and give you money?! Well, that is the point where I am at my business. I turn down leads that are too far away, not lucrative enough, etc because I get soo much business (even in this economy!) And one way I do that is through leveraging other vendors…
Very early on in my mobile bartending career, I knew it was very important to be contacting other established vendors and build synergistic relationships with them. That means DJ’s, caterers, wedding planners, etc are all your biggest allies.
Today I get calls based on referals from caterers or third-party venues, etc and I don’t have to do any work! They book me on the spot…EASY!!
You Must Give In Order to Recieve!
So here is how I was able to do this, even when I was BRAND NEW! Here is my step-by-step procedure:
1. I created a list of vendors in my area who looked LEGIT & established
2. I created a “Preferred Vendors” page on mh website and added them
3. I then called each of them up and showed them their link on my site. I told them I was looking for good “synergistic relationships.” And asked if they would make a good fit for MY customers. (They always say YES!)
4. The Law of Reciprocity immediatly sets in and they are more than willing to do the same.
5. I also email them an email with all of my business information.
6. I then MAIL them that same information along with a stack of my business cards!
Now…who is gonna say no to THAT!
Can’t you do the same thing?! It’s easy right!! NOW, you have a ton of caterers, DJ’s, etc and they all have customers who ask, “So, you know any good bartenders?” hmmm…..YES!
You also need to build up relationships with 3rd party venues! but that is another topic for another time…
I don’t know what it is, but when people put money in your tip jar, they WANT to know that they put money in! They NEED that recognition! It makes sense right?! Well…give it to them! I always give a big smile, thanks, wink, or other gratious gesture when money gets thrown into my jar, so you should too!
At the “right event,” you can do a little dance, make some noise, sing a song, ring a bell, or even moisten the money and slap it on your head! You want to encourage others to tip too! Make it fun!
I have always wanted to do this but had absolutely no idea of how to put it all together! James, your system is by far the greatest system for a complete business I have ever seen. I made $600 on my first gig and booked another one from it. Thank you James. You really have not only helped me, but also changed my life for the better!"
Thanks for everything. Your program is really amazing! I have been a bartender for 12 years, I love it. I have worked in some real cool bars in Atlantic City, now I live in FL and work in a cool bar. I am a bartender period. Anyhow enough about how awesome I am.
I am almost done building my own portable bar from barplan.com. Also Elance was great I had my logo design done by someone on elance. Thanks again James!!
"The Greatest Mentor" James and I have never met. I bought the
Bartend4Profit System and he has been here for me every step of the
way. His guidance really kept me motivated to keep my business going.
I started my mobile bartending business only 5 months ago and the
business just keeps rolling in. I have hired 5 of my friends to
bartend events for me because there have been to many to do myself.
The Barten4Profit system is really just plug and play and would be
easy for anyone to follow. Thanks again James.
I just wanted to thank you for your awesome program. I'm currently working for a local caterer as a their Bartender but looking to move forward and start my own company very soon. After reading your book (twice actually), I'm ready to make the move and start the company. You're program definitely arms you with everything you need to start the business and answers all of the questions that keep most people, myself included, from making that jump from employee to business owner. The support and forums on your webpage are incredible and I also went ahead and ordered plans to build my own portable bar as you suggested. Thank you for your help !!