Years ago bartending was just a trade where liquor was bought and sold, how things have changed.
Bartending nowadays is more than just serving drinks, it involves psychology too.
Let me share some of the psychology with you.
Learn to be both a listener and an entertainer.
•People love nothing more than to have someone listen, often the customer is out to share his/her problems.
As we all know, "a problem shared is a problem halved".
They don't necessarily need answers, they just need an ear.
•Some people like to be entertained, enjoy being the listener and who better than the bartender to provide the entertainment either through a few good stories and jokes or tricks.
Show that you are enjoying your job and the customers who share your time.
•First and foremost the most important psychological tip is to welcome the customer and introduce yourself and find out your customers names.
Remember their names and use them.
Everyone loves to be remembered, it makes them feel good.
•Smile, everyone likes to feel welcome, most people go to bars for the company as well as a few drinks, there are lots of lonely people out there, it's amazing what a smile can do for some people.
•Build a relationship with the customer, learn their likes/dislikes, remember their drinks preferences and make them feel special.
Not only will you make them feel good about themselves, but they will be more likely to leave you a good tip.
•Remember that it is your life too, so the better you make the experience for the customer; the better it will make you feel too.
Self satisfaction as well as job satisfaction.
•Even when you are on a break, don't be the loner in the corner, have a chat, both you and the customer will benefit from the extra relationship building.
•When the customer is leaving always say "Thank you" and if possible shake their hand, this will ensure that the customer leaves with a feeling of having been "Welcome".