"Anyone can pour a drink....not everyone can be a bartender!"

No statement has ever been more true. In this chapter, you will learn about the many skills and qualities neccessary to be a professional bartender. Anyone can learn the basics, either from a school or on your own, get a job and start pouring drinks. However, successful bartenders possess particular attributes and inner traits that set them apart from the amateurs. In turn, they are offered the best jobs and make the best money.

Knowledgeable - Guests expect you to be an expert on liquor, wine, beer, menu items, drink recipes, and sometimes life itself. They will think of you as a counselor, mediator, companion, and a source of inside information. You will need to know information about current events, sports, and local news.

Ability to Entertain - In this job you not only need to prepare drinks, but you need to be comfortable and self- confident in front of people.

Personal Appearance - You don't need to be a model to work in this field, but you do need to present a professional and sharp appearance.

Physical Condition - Bartending can be an extremely physically demanding job that requires you to be on your feet for long periods of time, and at times the ability to lift heavy objects such as kegs or cases of beer.

Hospitable Disposition - This is a people oriented business. You will have constant contact with other individuals and will need to be in a good mood, even if you are not. You must also be able to leave your problems and personal life at home.

Multi-task Organization - You will need to do a number of tasks at the same time, both mental and physical. When a server is calling drinks as you are making change, and another guest gives you an order to put on a tab (one of five you have open), you must learn to prioritize and complete each of these actions mechanically.

Quick Study/Flexibility - Register systems, prices, policies, and recipes are constantly changing so it is a great benefit if you are flexible and can pick-up new information rather fast.

Plus much, more...!