quick tip: know your bar staff

Last night I found myself hitting up the town with one of my best friends and long time UM ally Zach.  In addition to being one of the most charismatic guys I know, (a true ‘natural’ in every sense of the word) he also has the distinct advantage of being a bartender. This grants him access to the vast social network that comes with that position.

Going out with him then tends to be a VIP experience in every sense of the word.

First; we never wait in line at a bar / club, no matter how packed it is.  Zach always marches his party right up to door man and with an enthusiastic “Patrick.. my man!” (or whatever) and a quick handshake we’re let right in.

Secondly;  once inside, as he proceeds down the length of any given bar, his constant stream of high fives with bartenders, and warm hugs with the gorgeous cocktail staff (not to mention saying hello to scores of people who are simply his regulars at the bar) generates and instant ‘buzz’ of attention directed at us that becomes ’social proof’ at its finest.  Trying to talk to girls at this point is almost an after thought, since in most cases they’re coming up and talking to us.

Finally; we’re getting strong drinks almost always at a huge discount, and getting them before people who’ve been standing in line before us.

Even without the massive perk package that is being a downtown bartender, simply being friendly (and insuring you’re on a first name basis with) as much of the staff (doorman, cocktail waitresses, regulars and bartenders) as possible can yield you similar benefits.

Pick one club/bar and make it your mission to know every person on the payroll.

The rewards will speak for themselves.