10 reasons why being a restaurant server benefitted my role today as an entrepreneur

As a former restaurant server for many great companies from Red Lobster to The Piedmont Club, I can attest that the skills and experiences gained in this role can be a significant advantage for entrepreneurs. The job of a server is not just about taking orders and delivering food. It is about building relationships, creating a memorable experience, and ultimately, maximizing profits. As a professional speaker and solopreneur I’m amazed how a server job I “fell into” trained me perfectly for today’s journey.?

Here are 10 reasons why being a restaurant server benefitted my role today as an entrepreneur (in no particular order):

1. Relationships are key: As a server, your income depends on how well you treat your customers. You learn quickly that building relationships is essential to your success. This is huge! The same is true for entrepreneurs. Success is often about cultivating strong relationships with customers, employees, and partners. It's about making connections and building trust.
2. Listening is critical: I was the guy who didn’t write anything down - I’d max out at parties of 10 people. I don’t say it to brag but I noticed how it made me listen better, improved eye contact while the guest spoke, and I was able to move faster through the restaurant. As a server, it is your job to listen to your customers and understand their needs. This skill is invaluable as an entrepreneur, where the ability to listen to feedback and understand customer needs is crucial. Successful entrepreneurs listen to their customers, employees(if you’re fortunate to be here yet), and stakeholders to understand what they want and how they can improve.
3. Authenticity is everything: As a server, you must be authentic to build trust with your customers. This means being honest, genuine, and transparent. The same is true for entrepreneurs. Authenticity is critical to building a strong brand and creating loyal customers. When you are honest and transparent, people are more likely to trust you and support your business. Specifically as a speaker, if you’re not living it then you shouldn’t be teaching it.?
4. Passion is contagious: As a server, you must be passionate about the food you serve and the experience you provide. Now there are levels to passion - it should be authentic (read #3 again) and not be like Brian the server in Office Space with all the flair. Let it be a passion that not only satisfies the customer but delights them as well. This passion is infectious and can create a memorable experience for customers. The same is true for entrepreneurs. When you are passionate about your business, it can inspire others and create a sense of excitement and enthusiasm. People pay for passion because the marketplace lacks it. I’ve had many say, “Joe, your passion is obvious and your delivery matches. It’s obvious you love what you do.” In my early years as a speaker, I’d dare say my passion initially got me on more stages than my content.
5. Going the extra mile pays off: As a server, going the extra mile for your customers can result in bigger tips and repeat business. The same is true for entrepreneurs. Going above and beyond for customers can create loyal fans who will rave about your business and refer others. Always go the “second mile”.
6. Treat everyone the same: Treating every race, nationality, and age group the same is a crucial aspect of being a restaurant server and an entrepreneur. In the restaurant industry, you encounter people from all walks of life, and it's essential to treat everyone with respect and kindness. As an entrepreneur, building a diverse customer base can be a significant advantage for your business, and treating everyone equally can help you achieve this. As a server, you can uplift people's moods with your friendly demeanor, and as an entrepreneur, you can create a positive brand image by being kind and respectful to all your customers. Your attitude can make all the difference in the customer's experience, and it can set you apart from your competitors.
7. Presentation matters: As a server, how you present yourself can impact the customer's experience. The same is true for entrepreneurs. First impressions matter, and how you present your business can impact how people perceive your brand.
8. Upselling is part of the experience: As a server, upselling is not about being pushy or slimy - it's about providing customers with the best experience possible. The same is true for entrepreneurs. Upselling can be part of the customer experience, as long as it is done in a way that adds value to the customer. Customers may ask for one thing but it’s our role as an entrepreneur to make them aware of other services we offer but only if it adds value to their organization.?
9. Know your customers: As a server, knowing your customers' likes, dislikes, and preferences can create a personalized experience that exceeds their expectations. The same is true for entrepreneurs. Understanding your customers' needs and preferences can help you tailor your products or services to meet their expectations. We hear it all the time, “what’s your customer avatar?” Know them, their interests, backgrounds, goals, and so on.?
10. Repeat business is everything: As a server, returning guests and call parties are the lifeblood of your income. It can be the difference between an “okay” day and a “great” day of income. The same is true for entrepreneurs. Repeat business is crucial to building a sustainable business. The greatest compliment you can receive is having a repeat customer.?

Being a restaurant server can provide valuable skills and experiences that can benefit entrepreneurs. The ability to build relationships, listen to customers, be authentic and passionate, go the extra mile, present yourself well, upsell in a non-slimy way, treat all people the same, know your customers, and focus on repeat business can help entrepreneurs build successful businesses.

Have you ever served tables before? If so, where?

What would you add to this list?

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