Tim Ridley’s Post

Café Surprises 22-Year-Old Me with 🆔 Request Before Having Drinks!🥃 In a bustling town, there's this café cum lounge. So, I stroll in, all excited for a drink. But wait, they ask for my ID! Shocking, right? But actually, kinda responsible. As most cafes and Bars don't bother with ID checks. However, it showed a sense of responsibility in ensuring legal drinking age compliance. 🍹💳 I step inside, and whoa, the vibe's amazing! But hey, I noticed an unusual pattern. All the bartenders and staff? They're all guys and, uh, all kinda similar-looking. Weird, right? Like, are they auditioning for a movie or what? All the male workers were fair-skinned. It felt like they prioritized appearance over competence, possibly as a business strategy. Now, here's the thing: Is this some sort of genius business plan? Maybe. But fair? Nope! It's all about the service, the warmth, the vibes. Not just the pretty faces! 👨🍳 While looks may attract customers initially, true hospitality and service matter more in the long run. And then, I remember hearing about casinos in Vegas. Apparently, they hire models to serve drinks. Models! Like, for real? Emphasizing appearance over traditional hospitality skills. This trend raises questions about fairness and values in the service industry. So, what's my take? Well, looks matter, sure. But not more than how they treat you, right? It's all about the experience! 🌟 #hospitalityindustry #beer #contentcreation #storytelling

What Makes a Good Bar Tender? What Makes a Good Bar Tender? Meet New People: Why Bar Tending? How Much Can You Earn as a Bar Tender? Discover How Bartending Can Teach You New Skills! How Can Bartending Help You Make Connections? Are you considering making a career change, looking to supplement your income or looking to make more money in this difficult economy? Bartending could be the perfect solution! You will meet new people and form relationships with your patrons, while learning the value of loyalty and trust. To read the rest of this article, please click on the link below: https://lnkd.in/eiwbEk6G

Recently, I've seen several people write "accept" when they mean "except." The two words can sound almost the same, but they have very different meanings. Except is a preposition that means something is being left out or excluded. "The restaurant is open every day except Monday." Accept is a verb with several meanings, but generally it means to approve of something: "I accept your job offer." or to receive something: "I will accept an award at the banquet." Want an easy trick to remember when to use "except"? Think of the "x" in the word meaning that the item after it is crossed out (excluded)! #ClearCommunication #SpellCheckMissesIt #WordsMatter #PlainLanguage

Title: Elevating the Barista Community: Embrace the Power of Networking Attention fellow baristas! As we navigate the dynamic landscape of the coffee industry, let's not overlook the immense value of networking. Beyond perfecting our craft, connecting others to job opportunities can be a game-changer for both individuals and the community at large. Here's why it matters: 1. **Fostering Community Growth:** By actively sharing job openings and opportunities, we contribute to the growth and vibrancy of our barista community. Whether it's a new café opening or a position at an established roastery, every opportunity shared enhances the network and creates more avenues for professional development. 2. **Empowering Others:** As baristas, we understand the challenges of breaking into the industry or advancing within it. By connecting fellow baristas to job opportunities, we empower them to pursue their career goals and aspirations. A simple introduction or recommendation can make a significant difference in someone's professional journey. 3. **Building Stronger Connections:** Networking isn't just about exchanging business cards or LinkedIn connections; it's about building genuine relationships and fostering a culture of support. When we connect others to job opportunities, we strengthen the bonds within our community and create a collaborative environment where everyone can thrive. 4. **Pay It Forward:** Remember when someone helped you land your first barista job or recommended you for a promotion? Now's the time to pay it forward. By sharing opportunities and extending a helping hand to others, we perpetuate a cycle of generosity and goodwill that enriches the entire community. So, fellow baristas, let's make a commitment to always keep our eyes and ears open for job opportunities and to actively connect others whenever possible. Together, we can elevate not only our individual careers but also the barista community as a whole. Let's brew success, one connection at a time! #BaristaNetworking #CoffeeCommunity #CareerOpportunities

Being a barista is often perceived as simply making good coffee. While this may hold true for some companies, it's certainly not the case at Lupi. Being a good barista encompasses much more. At Lupi, we are committed to ensuring our staff members reach their full potential. Admittedly, this approach may not be suitable for everyone, but it is a fundamental part of our company culture. Lupi is a concept founded by what we affectionately call “people people.” We care for the individuals we serve with the same attention and respect we give ourselves. Where some companies may expect baristas to perform tasks mechanically, we encourage our team members to be the best versions of themselves. This is why we make it a point to understand our staff: their passions, strengths, and weaknesses, as well as the skills they wish to develop. This level of care is only possible when you genuinely invest in people on a personal level. We refer to ourselves as the Lupi family for this very reason. For us, a good barista possesses empathy, an eye for detail, and strong sales skills. We recognize that finding individuals with all these qualities can be challenging. That's where our responsibility as a company comes in. We offer specialized training tailored to the skill sets our team members wish to develop, skills crucial for thriving in our ever-changing society. However, the drive for change must originate from the individual. As a company, we are here to assist and provide guidance.

"How a Pair of Chopsticks Helped Me Bond with a High Net-Worth Client and Secure a Deal" It was a chilly Saturday afternoon. I had a lunch appointment with a key client at the Indian restaurant, Red Ginger. The restaurant was located just next to my client's office. I felt both excited and nervous. This meeting could result in a significant transaction. The restaurant smelled incredible, full of unusual spices. The decor was stunning, with deep reds and elaborate patterns. It felt like the ideal location for our meeting. We sat at a cozy corner table. My client, an Indian gentleman with a pleasant smile, greeted me politely. We began speaking, and the waiter delivered us the menu. That's when events took an unexpected turn. My client promptly ordered a tray of dumplings. I was startled. I had never used chopsticks before. I experienced a surge of panic. How was I going to deal with this without looking foolish? I took a deep breath when we were served. I had to be honest. With a nervous smile, I told my client, "I have to admit, I have never used chopsticks before. Could you show me how?" To my pleasure, my client's eyes twinkled with amusement. He laughed quietly and replied, "Of course! It's easier than it appears." He showed me how to grip and use chopsticks. His kindness and eagerness to assist put me at ease. After a few poor trials, I was able to pick up a dumpling. We both chuckled at my attempts. This moment became a fantastic bonding experience. My client shared details about his travels in Asia, including how he struggled with chopsticks at first. Our chat transitioned seamlessly from personal stories to business matters. By the end of the meeting, I had not only learned how to use chopsticks but also formed a close bond with my client. We concluded the discussion on a high note, and I walked out of Red Ginger with a signed agreement and renewed confidence. This experience taught me that being honest and open can create genuine connections. As an insurance agent, I've realized that these moments of learning and growth make my career fulfilling. Each new experience helps me connect better with clients and grow as a professional. #Buildingrapport #highticketclient #CulturalLearning #insurance

Remembering someone’s name has become a lost art. Not taking the time to remember someone’s name has become acceptable - almost the norm.  Making the extra effort to remember and address someone by their name makes people feel like they matter.  It adds a layer of deserved respect. You may be thinking I am referring to networking, but this realization came from dining at a Thai restaurant during a recent sales awards trip to Mexico. My husband always makes a habit of learning the server’s name and addressing them by their name throughout our service. The server’s confidence and pride in their work became quickly evident. The service became more like a conversation.  Wine, meals, and local area excursions were freely recommended throughout the meal.  The pride in their job and country shone through. Remembering someone’s name leads to a more fruitful conversation.  This has become a lost art especially when it applies to commonly used services such as dining out. I find it helps to greet the person back using their name. Such as, it’s nice to meet you, Alice. Share your tactics to remember people’s names. Let’s make it more of a conscious effort in 2024. 

The Power of Personalization in Service 🎨 Description: Ever had a guest light up because you remembered their favorite drink or dessert? That's the magic of personalization in service. As a waitress, getting to know your regulars and tailoring their experience can turn first-time guests into loyal customers. How do you personalize your service to make guests feel special? Share your stories below!

Salesperson walks into a bar... Me: "Hey bartender, what's your strongest drink?" Bartender: "That would be the 'Everest', but nobody's ever finished it." Me: "Challenge accepted! (Slides in business card) Can I put you on my quarterly report?" Bartender: (Scoffs) "You think you can sell me your product after one drink?" Me: "Watch me!" (Slams fist on the counter) "This is a metaphor for the market, see? You're the skeptical customer, the drink is my product, and finishing it is closing the deal!" Bartender: "Fine. You got 10 minutes." (Several chugs and incoherent rambling later) Me: "And there you have it! The perfect solution for all your bar-tending needs!" Bartender: (Slurring) "You... you actually did it. But there's one problem..." Me: "What's that?" Bartender: "I... 𝐈'𝐦 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐨𝐰𝐧𝐞𝐫..." Me: (Face palms) (Salesperson exits the bar, defeated, but at least with a good story for next week's sales meeting) #FunFriday #SalesHumor #AlwaysBeClosing (Just maybe not after the Everest)

"Just pick up a bottle of red," the hostess requested. I was in my early 20s and didn't have a lot of experience attending dinner parties. One might also say my palate was really "refined." Moscato d'asti was my favorite wine at the time, and I was known for adding a splash of Sprite to my whites. I found myself in the wine section of Publix, studying the options. I was torn between a 90-point Malbec for 10.99 and a Cab with a pretty bottle for $11.99. Next to me on the aisle was a nicely dressed man—probably around 60—who appeared to know about wine, knowledge I desperately wanted at the time. I watched as he grabbed two bottles from the second row from the top and placed them in his cart. "Is that any good?" "Oh yeah, it's great. It's a real smooth pour" I picked up the same bottle that he had and put it in my cart. He chuckled. "I watched you examine the 10.99 and 11.99 bottles of wine. And because of my opinion--someone you don't know-- you selected a $19.99 bottle of wine. Almost doubled your spend." He proceeded to tell me he studied human behavior and was fascinated by how influential outside opinions were on decision-making-- even the opinions of strangers. This served as a good lesson to me and I hope it will be for you too. ❓❓❓ Are the people giving you advice qualified to give you advice? How much weight are you putting on the opinions of others? As you examine companies for your job search-- how are you evaluating these opportunities?