TIP

13Communicate Your Brand

“Jack’s going to be late,” Kelly called down the bar.

It was Friday of week number three, and Brian was starting to get familiar with the routines of Crossroads. He nodded to Kelly as he continued to cut the lemons and limes for the drink garnish trays.

He had never worked with Kelly alone. She was usually out on an audition or a rehearsal or shooting an episode of something and was always the last one in to work. This Friday she didn’t have anything going, and Jack needed to come in late.

He only broke one glass the previous Saturday and in only four shifts was beginning to pick up his pace enough to increase his tip contribution to “average.” Definitely a step up from being labeled “the monkey.”

“You’re doing better,” Kelly approached him.

“Well, it is just cutting lemons and limes. I think I should be able to handle fruit without an issue,” Brian responded.

She smiled.

“No. I mean the work. Taking care of the customers. You care about getting better. And, it’s showing. So, just wanted to say that.”

Brian felt a sense of pride. He couldn’t remember the last time anyone said something like that to him. Never underestimate the power of recognition.

“Thanks,” he said. “I’ll never be as fast as you, but you and Jack are good teachers.”

“No. No you won’t, and hopefully you’ll be out of here before you get really good at it. I’ve been bartending for a while now, as a means to an end, because it gives me the freedom to be the actress I want to be, and audition ...