I have worked in the restaurant business for at least six years now. First as a server, then as a manager. I have come to realize that restaurants truly are the best place for college students to network. So, how do you do it? How do you put yourself out there to meet many individuals ranging from corporate types to small-business owners, and more?
First and foremost, do not be afraid to put yourself out there. Try to connect with people on a personal level. Tell them you are in school. Talk to them about your pets. You will be surprised to learn how interested your customers or guests really are.
Second, keep a smile on. Smiling invites people in and lets them know you are open to communication. Walking around without a smile makes people doubt that they will be able to connect with you in any way.
If they have kids, show them that you are good with them. It might sound silly, but people who know their kids will connect with someone are much more likely to be open to conversation.
Third, if they talk to you about school or anything else, tell them how many hours you work at the restaurant! If anyone knows you have a good work ethic, they will not only connect with you, but depending on their position, may think highly of you in the future for a job, or something else!
Finally, make sure you reiterate your name to them. Find out their name to make the conversation more personal. When they are leaving, say something like "Bye Bob, hope to see you in here soon..and if you ever want to talk again, I'd be glad to serve you..my name is Mallory." Your name will be the last thing in their mind and you will be shocked to learn how many people will come back and request to see you.
Building relationships and friendships is not always easy, but the restaurant business is the best place for networking.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
I find this blog especially interesting because I myself have been working in the restaurant business for a long time and I agree with everything that you're saying, there is only part that I would change because it seems to come out of no where... the part where you go "Talk to them about your pets" I think you can find a way to fit that in better, it seems to be sort of random. Other than that sounds good!
ReplyDeleteMallory
ReplyDeleteI like how you wrote this as a how to article. However, it is not always easy to network yourself if the customer is unfriendly or there just to eat. Sometimes people don't want to be bothered. This could be an idea for your next blog. Maybe find some people that could account to this
Good - brand yourself as an expert. Now follow that throughout the posts.
ReplyDeleteHey Mallory!
ReplyDeleteI never worked in a restaurant until I started college but it is a totally different experience working at a restaurant instead of just looking in from the outside. It's pretty crazy they types of people you meet and talk to in just one day, but I do agree it is definately a place you can network if you bump into the right people.