Get Traveling Bartender Gigs
Traveling bartending can be a lucrative endeavor, and many business-minded bartenders take their expertise and incomes to the next level by venturing into a mobile bartending entrepreneurship. Just as securing a bartending job at an establishment can be an exhaustive venture, finding traveling bartender jobs comes with its own set of hurdles. Here are some tips for how to get traveling bartending gigs.
Steps
- Learn as much as you can about bartending and general business practices. Being a traveling bartender oftentimes means being the star of the show, especially if you plan to work at private parties. Be sure to have a thorough knowledge of beers, wines and cocktails, as well as an understanding of the basics of running a small business.
- Prepare marketing materials. Invest in some high-quality mobile bartending business cards with your picture on them. Take some time creating flyers that highlight you and your services in a way that will make you accessible to the population segment you most want to work with.
- Advertise. Do not expect business to come to you via word of mouth-at least not in the beginning. If you're short on funds, remember that online classifieds and social networking sites are free ways to advertise your traveling bartending business.
- Work the local party hot-spots. Pay a visit to every locale that hosts private parties and ask to speak with the person in charge of booking. Explain the nature of your business and leave business cards and/or flyers. Clubhouses, banquet halls and country clubs are good places to start.
- Network. Keep a running list of party planners, photographers and disc jockeys on hand. They are the party people and often refer their clients to other party professionals such as traveling bartenders.
- Register with a traveling bartending business that is already established. Working for a mobile bartending business is a great way to gain experience and make money in your field while you work on getting your own business off the ground.
- Search classifieds for private parties and events seeking bartenders. In these cases, you need to reply with a resume and a compelling letter explaining why you'd be perfect for the job. Be prepared to back your claims with references.
- Ask to guest bartend at local establishments. Offer a percentage of your tips in exchange for a night as a headliner bartender at a busy bar or club. This is a great way to make a name for yourself, and to pass out business cards and advertise your services.
Tips
- Choose a niche. If you're most interested in working for weddings, then you can focus on approaching wedding planners and other wedding reception professionals, and on tailoring your marketing materials to the wedding crowd.
- Anything that distinguishes you from the competition will help you make a name for yourself in bartending. Brush up on current events for good conversation. Learn some bar tricks. Be creative.
- Looks are important in bartending. Pay close attention to how you present yourself, from grooming to clothing. Put your best face forward.
- Word of mouth will be your best friend in the world of traveling bartending. Be nothing less than professional at your gigs and you will see the referrals come in.
