Staying competitive is extremely important in any kind of business and this is the main topic of this blog. The bartending world is one that has always been very competitive in all possible areas. This is the reason why it is essential to understand how to say relevant at all times.
The trends and statistics include competitions in flair and mixology, sustainability, personalized drinks and much more. Moreover, it is always important to think of the best ways to implement those trends into your services.
The bartending career is one that is worth pursuing, but there is much to consider. We are going over some of the most relevant aspects of this career. In addition, we will get into the reasons why many people quit this profession. This can help us understand what to avoid and what to do.
The customized drinks
Craft Cocktails are all the rage, with bartenders whipping up unique and very strange, while often delicious drinks. Also, this is going to be extremely important and it will be the most relevant and reliable way for any bartender to find success in the modern bartending landscape.
Competitions are very popular for a competitive bartender
Mixology competitions have taken the bartending industry by storm, as skilled bartenders flaunt their talents by concocting innovative and visually stunning cocktails. Moreover, the best thing is that these competitions can be a great way for any bartender to promote his or her services.
If you are good at mixology and you get a good spot in a competition, you will find it much easier to attract people to your services and this is always going to be useful and helpful. Learning to be competitive in a way that is healthy is always an amazing thing. Also, there is flair bartending and there are many people who become masters of the stunts related to bartending.
Quality freshness for wellness
Bartenders are looking into the process of ensuring the freshest and the healthiest ingredients for their mixes. Also, this is due to the current worldwide trend that is making people more aware of their health.
Bartenders are shifting their focus towards utilizing fresh, top-notch ingredients in their cocktails, highlighting local and seasonal produce, herbs, and botanicals. This is also creating new business partnerships between the bartenders and these establishments.
The rise of the mocktail
Yes, believe it or not, there are endless people out there who are choosing to get rid of alcohol. They are no longer interested in getting drunk and all the health issues that come from this activity. Mocktails have surged in popularity, appealing to health-conscious individuals and those seeking inclusive drinking experiences with low-alcohol or non-alcoholic options.
A sustainable approach
Sustainability is the name of the game as bartenders adopt eco-friendly practices, such as waste reduction, the use of biodegradable straws and utensils, and sourcing from environmentally conscious suppliers.
Flair bartending skills
The mesmerizing art of flair bartending, with its mesmerizing bottle flipping, juggling, and other impressive tricks, continues to captivate patrons at select establishments.
Educational content
The growing interest in mixology has led to a rising demand for cocktail education, prompting bartenders to host workshops, classes, and tastings to enlighten enthusiasts about the art of mixing drinks.
Online communities
Online bartending communities are thriving, connecting bartenders from all over, who share recipes, techniques, and industry insights. Moreover, virtual bartending classes and tutorials have skyrocketed in popularity, allowing aspiring mixologists to learn remotely from the best in the business.
Maintaining a competitive edge in the modern age as a competitive bartender
There are many ways to ensure that you can handle the modern world with the best approach. The main thing to remember is that bartending is a lot like other professions in many ways. One of them being that you need to be in a constant state of evolution.
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Keep learning
Stay updated on the latest trends, techniques, and ingredients in the bartending industry by hitting up workshops, seminars, and online courses. In addition, this is easier than ever as you can subscribe to sites and social media pages providing this information.
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Expand your drink game
Try out new cocktail recipes, flavors, and presentation styles to keep your menu fresh and totally appealing for people who like to try new things. This is very powerful as a technique to get the best results.
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Find your niche
Specialize in a specific area of bartending, like craft cocktails, molecular mixology, or rocking a particular spirit category. Stand out and cater to those unique crowds and you will have an upper hand and a competitive edge for sure.
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Master the classics to be a competitive bartender
Show some respect for the OGs. Perfect your skills in making those timeless cocktails. They’re always in demand and showcase your solid foundation. Remember the OG crow worked hard to get to their position so always respect that and learn what you can as you move forward.
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Build your brand
Get your online presence going. Rock the social media scene and set up a personal website to showcase your wicked style, expertise, and killer signature cocktails.
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Network and collaborate
Hit up the industry events, connect with other bartenders, and team up with pros in the field. Exchange ideas, get exposure, and create some epic opportunities. This is always going to be a powerful way to handle this kind of approach.
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Blow their minds with service
Give those customers the time of their lives! Engage with them, offer personalized recommendations, and provide some killer service that will make them come back for more.
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Embrace tech to be a competitive bartender
Get with the times. Use those technology tools like cocktail recipe apps, online ordering systems, and social media marketing to streamline your bar, attract customers, and stay connected with your crowd.
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Stay organized and efficient
Develop killer workflow systems, keep your bar station organized, and make cleanliness your top priority. That way, you’ll be fast, accurate, and totally pro.
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Keep getting better
Never stop improving. Evaluate your skills, get feedback from customers and peers, and work on yourself. Identify those areas where you can grow and give it your all.
Why do bartenders quit their jobs?
Before we even get to the reasons why it is important stay competitive, it is even more important to understand why some people quit their bartending jobs. This will help you avoid those pitfalls and achieve optimal results.
Reason 1 – Long and Unpredictable Hours
Bartenders are known to often work late nights, weekends, and holidays, which can be physically and mentally exhausting. The irregular schedules that are so common and a lack of work-life balance can lead to burnout and prompt bartenders to seek alternative career paths.
The good news is that this can be avoided once you become an established freelance bartender. This allows you to choose when and how you will work in order to achieve the freedom you want.
Reason 2 – Physical Demands for the competitive bartender
Bartending is quite a physically demanding job that involves standing for long periods, carrying heavy loads, and enduring high-stress environments. Over time, you will find that the toll on the body can become overwhelming, leading some bartenders to consider leaving the profession.
The way to learn to handle this is to always stay healthy and to exercise as often as you can. This is going to be a great way for you to be able to handle the demands of this industry. Keep your body fit and strong and you will find it much easier to succeed.
Reason 3 – Low Wages
Despite the endless potential for tips, bartenders’ base wages may be relatively low, especially in establishments that rely heavily on customer gratuity. The substantial financial strain can make it challenging for bartenders to sustain their livelihoods. In addition, this may drive them to explore opportunities for better jobs.
The good news is that you can always earn much more if you commit to the freelancing jobs. Things can be difficult in the beginning, but that is how it works in most professions. Also, consistency allows you to achieve the best results in a smaller window of time.
Reason 4 – Limited Career Growth
In some cases, bartenders may feel limited in terms of career growth and they feel they have little advancement opportunities. Without clear paths for promotion or development, some bartenders may seek new challenges and professional growth in other fields.
The career growth limits are usually set by each person due to a lack of commitment. Career growth requires that you step out of your comfort zone and start offering your services on your own.
Reason 5 – High-Stress Environment
Bartending can be super stressful especially during busy shifts, handling difficult customers, and managing multiple tasks simultaneously. The constant demand for speed and accuracy, coupled with occasional confrontations, can contribute to stress and job dissatisfaction.
The way to handle this is to become a Zen master and to learn to handle your emotions. This is not easy, but it can be done as long as you are able to learn how to handle your own emotional responses to things. Also, it is all about becoming a tougher and more balanced version of yourself.
Reason 6 – Alcohol-Related Issues
Working in an environment like bartending where alcohol is readily available can present challenges for individuals who struggle with substance abuse or are in recovery. The constant exposure to alcohol is very problematic. It may lead some bartenders to reevaluate their career choices to prioritize their personal well-being.
This is probably one of the problems that is easiest to avoid. All you need to do is to have a policy of no alcohol during work and this way you are safe. The main reason why bartenders often drink a work is because guests invite them to a drink. They accept as to not be rude, but if you let people know you can’t drink at work at all, you will have the perfect excuse to decline an offer to drink.
Reason 7 – Lack of Job Security
Bartenders may face uncertain employment prospects, particularly during any seasonal or fluctuating markets. The potential for layoffs or reduced hours during slower periods can create financial instability. This can prompt bartenders to seek more employment options that seem safer or seem to have more stability.
Also, the level of security you get from bartending depends on how hard you work to establish it. This is not an easy process, but once you make it to that level, you will find that the results can be truly outstanding.
Reason 8 – Workplace Culture and Relationships
Conflicts with colleagues and dealing with a toxic work environment, or strained relationships with management can contribute to job dissatisfaction. Also, negative workplace dynamics can erode job satisfaction and ultimately lead bartenders to quit.
The way to make sure that this does not happen is to establish proper work culture from day one. If you are working with a team of bartenders, you all need to maintain a good level of discipline in order to achieve results.
Reason 9 – Career Transitions for the competitive bartender
Some bartenders may choose to leave the bartending profession to pursue other passions, explore different industries, or embark on entrepreneurial ventures. They could view bartending as a stepping stone or temporary job rather than a long-term career.
The way to make sure that this does not happen takes us back to the level of commitment of each bartender. This is always going to prove to be the most relevant and important aspects of the job.
Reason 10 – Personal Circumstances
Personal circumstances can often be a problem that forces people out of a specific type of career. This could be something such as relocation, family obligations, or changes in priorities, can also influence a bartender’s decision to leave their job. Life changes outside of work may require a change in career focus or geographic location, leading to bartenders quitting their current positions.
Party Shakers offers the ultimate bartending services for the modern age
There is nothing more valuable and important in the world of bartending than professionalism. The entire team at party Shakers works based on that premise and this is the main reason why we are atop choice.
We have services that are ideal for any bartending event such as Music DJs, Photo Booths and the mobile bar for optimal convenience. In addiiton, all you need to do is reach out to us and let us know what you need.
There are many reasons why hiring Party Shakers is your best choice. We believe in letting our actions and our oustanding service do the talking. Moreover, we find customer service to be the most relevant aspect of what we do.
Questions and answers on being a competitive bartender
How can you stay competitive with too many competitors?
We are living in times when most professions are crowded, so this is not something to be concerned about. The way to handler this is to be excellent at what you do. Moreover, this is always going to help you achieve better results from your efforts.
Is it possible to become a successful freelance bartender?
Just like it happens with any kind of freelancing, it is very much possible, but it takes time and dedication. The reason why many people fail to succeed in any form of bartending is due to a lack of commitment and discipline.
What is the best way to stay competitive?
It is always a bout the quality of the customer service and that is rarely ever going to fail to help you stay ahead. The goal is to be the best at what you do in every possible way. Also, this starts with the best customer service you can provide.
Final thoughts on the competitive bartender
While there are many bartenders out there and the competition is fierce, it is also possible to become very successful in this profession. It is all a matter of being able to maintain a high level of discipline and to be truly committed to the job.
If you want to see how a finely tuned team works, you can hire Party Shakers for your next party, wedding, or event!
