Mar
Thank you for allowing me this opportunity! I really appreciate it!
Let’s start off by telling us a little bit about your web properties. What is the purpose of each, and when & how the idea for each one came to you?
Well, let’s see. I started a blog called BartenderConfessions.com where I would document all of my stories and adventures as a Mobile Bartender.
Every weekend I get hired to work at weddings, corporate events, birthdays, etc to be the bartender. I make great money and have a total blast doing it! So basically, all of my “stories” on my blog turned into valuable tips and my readers kept asking for more. Before I knew it, I was writing my first book on how to make a living as a Mobile Bartender.
That book is about 80 pages and can be found at BartenderBlueprints.com from there, my customers kept asking for more, so I released another book Called Tip Attraction that shows you all of the best tips and tricks for increasing your cashflow behind the bar.
And then, I decided to create an At-Home Study Course complete with DVD and CD-ROM of swipe files on EVERYTHING a bartender needs to know to build a successful business as a Mobile Bartender.
How long were you a bartender before becoming an entrepreneur?
I would like to say I have always been an entrepreneur first. Starting with the Lemonade Stands as a kid, and graduating to bigger and better business ventures as I got older, I only bartended because I liked the quick cash and I enjoyed having the ability to increase my income relative to my performance level.
But I would have to say that I was working in the service industry for about 3 years before I decided to convert to a Business Owner.
How long were you ‘trying to be an entrepreneur’ till you got some traction and now the success that you are starting to have?
Well, it was just three very short months after that before I quick my old job and did mobile bartending full time. BUT, I was still having tons of problems and learning many lessons the hard way. For example, I was not charging enough; I didn’t know how to say no, I wasn’t taking deposits, etc. It took about another year to realize the errors of my ways and build up a system that allowed me to maximize my income and leaving me more time to do other things!
What makes you such a good business person in this industry is your passion and understanding of bartending? What do you love about this industry and what do you believe it can do for young people starting off in life?
Well, it is easy to say… the money! But in reality, it is actually the people! To be a successful bartender, it isn’t about mixing the best drinks, or being faster than everyone else, it’s about creating an experience for your guests. As a Mobile Bartender, it is impossible to become bored with your job because each event is a brand new experience with a whole new group of people that you get to meet and interact with.
Not everything is a nirvana. What are some of the pitfalls that you have seen from people who are not careful?
Well, there are many pitfalls in Mobile Bartending! For starters, you have to stop looking at yourself as a bartender, and realize that you are a business owner and a marketer. You have to worry about staying organized, having great communication and sales skills, and being able to market and promote your services. I have forgotten to show up at an event (only happened once!) I have not had enough staff for the week, and I have mis-charged my clients.
Do you think that aside from businesses that market online, that regular Joe or Sue can use the internet and social media to get exposure and land profitable jobs?
I have had countless customers come to me and say they did everything I told them to do and they still have zero clients. When I ask to see their website, they look at me like I’m crazy. So that is a big one: have a presence on the Internet! Everyone uses the Internet to search for their needs, so get on their and take advantage of it!
What would your suggestions be on how someone might do this?
Well, I have laid out all of the steps necessary to get started in Mobile Bartending. I want to give my readers as much as possible to help them on their way, so I created the Bartender Blueprints Free Online Course. You can check it out here: BartenderBlueprints.com