Everything I learnt in Life, I learned while Bartending

Last Updated on August 10, 2007 by Jimson Lee

You’re probably reading the headline and asking yourself “What the heck does this have to do with running?”

“What does bartending have to do with being a good coach?”

Well, I have news for you. Whether you are a Doctor, Starbucks Barrista, Bartender, Technology Consultant, Personal Trainer, or Coach, these are all careers in the service industry. Lets face it, you have to be good with people to excel in these careers.

I reflected on my early years as a bartender, and came up with my top 25 list. Some may not apply to coaching:

1. smile & use eye contact

2. look people in the eye; greet them with their name

3. you will meet all walks of life

4. alcohol does strange things to people… CEO’s become regular people, and regular people act like CEOs

5. when your shift starts at 5pm, arrive at 5pm or earlier, not 5:01pm

6. no shoes, no shirt? easy, no service!

7. remember free samples in an ice-cream shop? Same goes for wine. Let them taste first.

8. if you must shake hands, please, don’t give them a dead fish! Be firm!

9. it’s okay to let them pay AFTER their drink

10. treat ALL people the SAME way

11. know your inventory. That includes knowlegde of ALL the wines you sell. No B.S.

12. watch a sunrise every year. It helps when your shift ends at 4 am

13. overtip sometimes

14. keep it simple

15. complement 3 people every shift… customers or employees

16. avoid negative people

17. remember people’s birthdays

18. learn 3 clean jokes

19. when serving a drink, remember the garnish & the coaster

20. be the first to say “hello”

21. life is not fair. Ask Bill Gates. Get over it. Move on with your life

22. don’t be afriad to say “I made a mistake” or “I don’t know” if you really don’t know

23. keep your promises

24. stop blaming others, especially when YOU break a glass

25. take responsibility on all aspects of your life. Including NOT giving the car keys to a drunk customer.