Whether you currently tend bar or work in a bar/restaurant or even if you've only dreamed about becoming a bartender, starting your own business tending bar at weddings and private parties and numerous other events is much easier than you can imagine.
With minimal start-up capital, lucrative results, and a fun and exciting atmosphere, it's no wonder bartending for yourself is such a great option. Whether you're looking for a supplemental income on the side or a full-time career change, the exciting world of Freelance, or Mobile Bartending offers you endless possibilities and opportunties.
Before you can even consider bartending as a business, you need to learn how to tend bar.
Though some would argue with me, getting official training through the numerous bartending schools that can cost anywhere from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars isn't necessary. There is no licensing or regularoy agency for ensuring bartenders are accredited. Nor do you need to purchase a tomb of drink recipes and memorize them. For the most part, you won't be required to know more than about 50 drinks. Your clientelle, the guests at special events, aren't the adventurous partiers you might find in high-end, or trendy nightclubs.
It is much easier than you think to learn how to bartend but it must be the first step you take before building your business.
Once you've got a handle on the technical aspects of bartending, it's time to deal with the business side of it. Writing your bartending business plan will always help you generate ideas for marketing and for the structure of your services. You need to ask yourself what your services include and how much you're going to charge. Outline the procedures and policies for dealing with clients. When you have first contact with a client or prospective client, how do you answer the phone, email, or personal query. What kind of questions might they ask you, can you answer those questions? Do you provide a portable bar or bartending tools, or do you require the client to provide them? Do you have other requests or requirements you expect the client to provide? What are your policies and guarantees?
With the administrative and operational tasks dealt with, it's time to deal with the physical requirements of your bartending business. Before you show up to your first event, your client will expect some of the following: Martini Shaker, Bottle Opener/Wine Key, Ice Scoop, Coolers, Bar Towels and more. You will want to consider purchasing a portable bar as well as other optional equipment: garnish tray, salt rimmer, bar mat & speed pourers.
So now that you've got your business ready to go, you'll need to find a gig or two. You must get your name out there and let your friends and family know what services you offer. Start by getting business cards made and then pass them out to everyone you know, and even to people you don't know. Drop a few off at banquest or reception halls, and anywhere else in your area that are known for hosting events.
Once you get your first event, you are bound to find other guests who are in need of a bartender so promote your services at your bar!
Don't forget to promote elecronically. Having your own online presence, a storefront or website, with pictures and compelling copy is an extremely valuable asset to any business owner. You can have a simple 5 page website created for you through Elance.com for less than $200.00. Make sure to include your contact information, details on your services, and pictures.
Additional Resources:
Bartending 4 Profit - Make $500 a night with a mobile bartending business
Bartending For Beginners
Make Money Bartending
The Bar Master - Software and Bartender's Handbook
I hope you found this article informative and helpful. Cheers and good luck with your new business
Until Tomorrow,
Terry
