The Newest New Guy

[LaneJaxon]

I'm new to this board, and I'd like to start by saying I'm very impressed with this community. I see alot of very good advice being exchanged here by some obviously knowledgable and experienced people. I'm glad I stumbled upon this site.

I'm sure you guys see this everyday, but here's another new person considering getting into this business. I'm a practicing attorney, and a former risk manager and financial analyst. I believe I have the mental tools to be successful, but I lack any bar/restaurant management experience.

I'm looking to start a business of my own. I want to dedicate my life to building my own business, rather than working for someone else for the rest of my life. I have three professional friends with the same goals, and we're in the process of digesting everything we can find to read about the bar business. I hope to develop a concept that might even be frachise worthy.

For those of you that are bar/club owners, I'd like to hear your motivations for pursuing the business and tips for how we can make this work. See if you can remember back to the point in which you started, and tell me what you know now that you wish you knew then.

I know this is informal and non-specific, but it's that way intentionally. Whatever you think is important would be very helpful to me. Thanks for your time.

[The Event Guy]

I think that's it's great that you are interested in owning your own business in this industry. It's even better that you are a lawyer...meaning that you have the mental tools to construct your plans and move them through the political process.

You absolutely, without a doubt, need to understand how this business works from every angle. In doing so, you will have the practical knowledge needed to design, construct, and grow this business. One of the best ways to go about this is to hire the correct people - it's crucial to you as an investor because you don't have that practical experience.

Motivations are simple: it's part of who I am. The hustle and bustle, the lights and sounds, the patrons and workers, the music and promotions...

Frustrations are simple: see above etc. etc.

Tips: know you business, competitiors business, what lacks, what is obsolete, and what is the NEXT trend 3-6 months down the line and be the first to have the balls to do it - with confidence.

Also - you work force is what will ultimately drive your business because aside from your marketing plan, word of mouth is the best advertising. When you have workers that are excited about working for a "new" or "revamped" concept, then they get their friends excited, and on and on the ball rolls...

Treat your workers AND your patrons how you expect to be treated. Be firm, but fair because you can't always make everyone happy so give people the opportunity to be heard (at your discretion).

LISTEN to what your employees tell you and what your patrons suggest. This doesn't mean that they are right, but some might be giving you KEY knowledge of the business through their professional and/or personal experiences.

In sum, if you plan to make this a unique experience for all involved, then don't be an absentee owner.

Be hands-on. Get that tub of ice for the bar when it's needed. Communicate with your security, bartenders, dish washers, and get them what they need to do the job(within reason).

They will respect you more.

Hope this helped - good luck!

[jld73]

Interesting background..... I would like to hear how you progress.

Did you get my Private message?

j