Ever since the social media scene hit many years ago, numerous individuals are now sounding like they are either out of a futuristic vocal world or a member of a slang democracy. When people speak to each other, to many short forms are being used and it is becoming an epidemic. What ever happened to an intelligent conversation without all the necessary jargon. Now I am not saying that people should sound like a pompous individual, but take the time to at least be precise on words spoken.
A proper vocabulary is essential in business today and the restaurant business is no different. I have been served by employees that have used profanity, slang, and a minimal sentence structure. I did not major in language but if you want to make money, then sound like a professional. Below, are words and sentences used and suggestions on how to rephrase them.
Hey, hows it goin? Good day. How is everyone today?
Follow me! This way please
Are you ready to order? Have you made any decisions?
Do you want help? How may I assist you?
Do you want an appetizer? Would you care for an appetizer ?
Have a good one (my worst comment) Have a nice (or pleasant) day
Hey folks Hello everyone
Is that it? Will that be everything today?
UUHH let me see. Well, I'm not certain but allow me to inquire
What? Pardon me?
No Problem You are most welcome
Guys ladies, gentlemen, or everyone.
As you can see, there are numerous ways to begin or end any conversation. The proper choice of words really does have an impact on your sales because people do want to listen to an intelligent individual who takes the time talk business. I sometimes use a Thesaurus if I find that I'm using certain words to often . You will notice that your gratuities will increase. Mine did.
Wednesday, July 17, 2013
Sunday, July 14, 2013
Look Professional, Feel Professional, Act Professional.
This is who I am; "A professional". To many servers nowadays treat their serving job merely as a way to socialize with their peers and make income on the side. If this were the case then why not join a social network and be part of conversation group. What I love to see is when servers look and act like a professional and treat their place of employment with the utmost respect. This is a serious job that requires serious attention.
Some may argue that working in a less than formal atmosphere doesn't require serious professionalism but I beg to differ. The customer is paying hard earn money to be served and treated as a guest in your establishment. If you want to "earn" a gratuity, then you had better well take your job seriously. I see so many servers nowadays in the back or on the floor gossiping and talking about instances that have nothing to do with work. You are hired to serve guests and "sell" You can socialize after work.
Looking professional does not mean that you have to spend extensive amounts of money on attire and cosmetics, but at least make sure that your shirts and pants are clean, pressed and that your shoes are polished. Shower before you arrive at work and make sure that you look presentable. There are things that can be offending towards guests. They are body odor, extensive amounts of perfume or cologne and bad breath. Personal hygiene is a must. If you have long hair then tie it appropriately . Nobody wants to be served by someone who looks like they spent the entire evening the night before at an all night rave club. We all have had late nights . Get a good sleep the night before and you will look and feel like a million bucks.
This is for the female servers and bartenders. Do not wear a lot of makeup as this may look like you are covering something. You are beautiful inside and out so show it naturally. Keep expensive jewelry at home. Believe it or not but some guests may notice and will assume that your income is to high to leave a proper value of a gratuity.
Have you ever heard of the saying " I feel like a million bucks"? Well, believe it or not guests and customers notice. If you have no enthusiasm about what you do and where you work, clients will certainly feel that they are not welcome. How can one sell the dining experience if he/she doesn't show that they want to help out the guest. I'm not saying that a server should put on that fake smile but be courteous and stick to that other famous saying; "Do and treat unto others as you would have done to you"
To be a professional one must act as a professional. I truly believe this. How many times have you phoned a restaurant and the person answered by only saying the name of the establishment itself? Not to enticing is it? Individuals should answer the phone in a professional manner that will show the customer that you appreciate their call and you are their to help them.Other methods of answering the phone may be " Thank you for calling ABC restaurant how may I assist you? Or one could answer the phone by also mentioning their own name. For example; "Thank you for calling ABC Restaurant this is (your name) speaking, how may I assist you? As you can see by answering the phone with graciousness, the customer feels relaxed and is not afraid to inquire about anything. Remember, this is the first interaction with a future client.
Some may argue that working in a less than formal atmosphere doesn't require serious professionalism but I beg to differ. The customer is paying hard earn money to be served and treated as a guest in your establishment. If you want to "earn" a gratuity, then you had better well take your job seriously. I see so many servers nowadays in the back or on the floor gossiping and talking about instances that have nothing to do with work. You are hired to serve guests and "sell" You can socialize after work.
Looking professional does not mean that you have to spend extensive amounts of money on attire and cosmetics, but at least make sure that your shirts and pants are clean, pressed and that your shoes are polished. Shower before you arrive at work and make sure that you look presentable. There are things that can be offending towards guests. They are body odor, extensive amounts of perfume or cologne and bad breath. Personal hygiene is a must. If you have long hair then tie it appropriately . Nobody wants to be served by someone who looks like they spent the entire evening the night before at an all night rave club. We all have had late nights . Get a good sleep the night before and you will look and feel like a million bucks.
This is for the female servers and bartenders. Do not wear a lot of makeup as this may look like you are covering something. You are beautiful inside and out so show it naturally. Keep expensive jewelry at home. Believe it or not but some guests may notice and will assume that your income is to high to leave a proper value of a gratuity.
Have you ever heard of the saying " I feel like a million bucks"? Well, believe it or not guests and customers notice. If you have no enthusiasm about what you do and where you work, clients will certainly feel that they are not welcome. How can one sell the dining experience if he/she doesn't show that they want to help out the guest. I'm not saying that a server should put on that fake smile but be courteous and stick to that other famous saying; "Do and treat unto others as you would have done to you"
To be a professional one must act as a professional. I truly believe this. How many times have you phoned a restaurant and the person answered by only saying the name of the establishment itself? Not to enticing is it? Individuals should answer the phone in a professional manner that will show the customer that you appreciate their call and you are their to help them.Other methods of answering the phone may be " Thank you for calling ABC restaurant how may I assist you? Or one could answer the phone by also mentioning their own name. For example; "Thank you for calling ABC Restaurant this is (your name) speaking, how may I assist you? As you can see by answering the phone with graciousness, the customer feels relaxed and is not afraid to inquire about anything. Remember, this is the first interaction with a future client.
Friday, July 12, 2013
PRS Day 2 "Let's Get Started With Attitude!
Have you ever gotten up in the morning and said "This is going to be a great day." Well, I do this every day whether it's my day off or if I'm scheduled to work. By having a positive attitude towards the entire day, people notice you by your overall body language. If you feel sluggish, angry, frustrated or even lazy, I feel people will notice this karma just by feeling it through the air. Now I'm not saying that negative feelings are never apparent, but one must control their emotions once they enter the workplace. Work to the best of your professional ability. We have all had bad days and that's the key; "HAD". It's in the past and we can't change it but we can certainly can correct circumstances and provide a better future. You have to move on.
If others around you notice that you feel like you are on top of the world, then people may be interested on what you may have to offer. So remember, having a positive attitude before work leads to a better working atmosphere.
GOAL SETTING
Set positive goals for yourself each day before you leave for work and do what it takes to accomplish these goals. Some examples may be to increase your guest check by as little as 10%, helping your fellow employees set goals, or finding new strategies to increase the company's profits. Remember, more profits = more gratuities for you as a server. One of my favorite goals is to make sure that each and every one of my guests leave happy and satisfied and to return (with possibly new guests) with an expectation of a better than before dining experience.
If others around you notice that you feel like you are on top of the world, then people may be interested on what you may have to offer. So remember, having a positive attitude before work leads to a better working atmosphere.
GOAL SETTING
Set positive goals for yourself each day before you leave for work and do what it takes to accomplish these goals. Some examples may be to increase your guest check by as little as 10%, helping your fellow employees set goals, or finding new strategies to increase the company's profits. Remember, more profits = more gratuities for you as a server. One of my favorite goals is to make sure that each and every one of my guests leave happy and satisfied and to return (with possibly new guests) with an expectation of a better than before dining experience.
Thursday, June 20, 2013
Day 1 "Overview"
Each day is a different day in the restaurant industry, but one thing remains common; profits, productivity and overall customer satisfaction. One must realize that for some, being a server is a temporary job; but for others ( including myself ) this a a full time profession and we must treat it like a profession. Others may contradict what I am saying, but these are the people who just merely want to "take their money and run".
Welcome to the restaurant business; where the turnover rate amongst servers is ever increasing. This may be due to a change in career paths, a change in the company itself, a pandemic like Covid 19 or even the most dreadful reason; termination. Some servers take this for granted and treat there employment as if they are untouchable. I'm sorry people but everyone is replaceable. This is my livelihood that puts a roof over my family's head, food on the table and clothes on my children's back. This is what I do and I am damn good at it. Over the next few chapters I will discuss how servers can make a comfortable living using my expertise.
Each day is a different day in the restaurant industry, but one thing remains common; profits, productivity and overall customer satisfaction. One must realize that for some, being a server is a temporary job; but for others ( including myself ) this a a full time profession and we must treat it like a profession. Others may contradict what I am saying, but these are the people who just merely want to "take their money and run".
Welcome to the restaurant business; where the turnover rate amongst servers is ever increasing. This may be due to a change in career paths, a change in the company itself, a pandemic like Covid 19 or even the most dreadful reason; termination. Some servers take this for granted and treat there employment as if they are untouchable. I'm sorry people but everyone is replaceable. This is my livelihood that puts a roof over my family's head, food on the table and clothes on my children's back. This is what I do and I am damn good at it. Over the next few chapters I will discuss how servers can make a comfortable living using my expertise.
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