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A good bartender can be described in many ways. The definition of a bartender is one who mixes drinks or cocktails behind a bar. This is a very basic definition of what a bartender really is and does. To start, just because one makes drinks does not define them as a good bartender. Here are some characteistics and rules every bartender should follow.

#1 Enjoy what you do:

If you do not enjoy your job as a bartender you are not going to make in the
business. There are to many other people out that who really care about there job's. If you dislike bar-tending its not the Field for you. Your attitude project onto your clientele. Always be cheerful and leave your problems behind. Your customers want to feel comfortable and relaxed when they are in your bar. Chances are they are there to UN wind from their stressful day.

#2 Look presentable:

Always come to work clean and refreshed. Good hygiene is a must when you are working face to face with people. Hair, teeth, hands and clothing are the main points of interest to work on.

#3 be genuine with your customers:

Smile and have a good attitude. You want to ask general questions and show your customers you care. When they are talking to you try to use some eye contact if possible. IF your busy node and reply while you are paying attention to the other patrons. If you have to leave excuse your self from the conversation. Ask general questions to make the customer feel more comfortable with you, how was your day?, How was your weekend?, Did you do anything interesting?. If you have a lot of regular customers try to get to know them and there interest's. They will feel like they know you on a more personal level.

#4 pay attention to the customer:

If you have regular customers remember there names. A easy way of remembering is bye repeating there name once or twice after they tell you. You can also relate there name to something or someone else you know. When they leave say good bye and use there name. Example: have a good after noon john see you next time. If you have a good memory its always nice to remember what a customer drinks. When they walk into the bar you can say, "the usual" or have it ready for them if they always get the same drink every time.

#5 Pay attention to detail

When you are bar tending you should constantly be looking around the bar. There are usually things you may have missed that you can pick up. For example using a coaster or a napkin. If your are busy ringing a drink in or you are with another customer and someone behind you is calling you nod or tell them you will be right with them. Always acknowledge a customer that is standing at the bar waiting for a drink even if its just with simple eye contact.

#6 Keep your bar clean and stocked:

Wipe down the bar when someone gets up. Empty ash trays when someone is done using them. If you have down time keep your garnishes, straws and your glasses stocked. If you need to add beer into a cooler try to rotate them so the cold ones are on top.

#7 Add presence to a cocktail:

Use a lemon, lime, or orange to garnish a drink. Always put it on rim of the glass and not in the cocktail. Leave it up to the customer if they wish to use it or not. Rim the top of a glass with sugar or salt for specific drinks. Always use a mixer straw for mixed drinks.

#8 Treat the customer the way you would want to be treated:

Always treat the customer the way you would want to be treated if you were the customer. This is a very important detail that you should be constantly aware of.

Learn more about this author, Kristen Loveland.
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