Seven Ways to Be an Effective Barista
There are many ways to be an effective barista. First and foremost is getting the proper barista training and just going out and “doing it”! We've interviewed many coffee shop owners and collected some great advice on being the best barista you can be. Read our barista training checklist, which will allow you to become a great barista.
Below are several important points to maximize your effectiveness as a barista:
#1 Leave Your Troubles at Home
Being an influential barista means leaving your home life – at home. Customers really, really – really – don't want to hear about your ex-boyfriend texting you or your drama with your roommate. Instead, they are coming in and paying for coffee that approximately costs 300% more than what they would have to pay if they brewed it at home. They are coming for an authentic coffee experience that they can't get at home. And yes, a barista's job requires always to be welcoming and accommodating to your patrons.
#2 Experiment with Coffee But Always Remember the Coffee Bean
A good barista appreciates coffee. An excellent barista respects the love and effort that the farmer and the coffee roaster put into their craft of delivering you, the barista, the bean. While customers will ask for many off-the-wall drinks – many of which serve to hide the coffee, deep down, an excellent barista appreciates the beauty of that coffee bean that our customers drown out.
If your customer asks for a recommendation, consider going back to the basics – but don't hesitate to experiment. Coffee is meant to be enjoyed in a variety of ways. So you may need to nudge your customers to find the essence of good coffee again.
#3 Put Your Customers First
Your customers are the reason you get paid every week – and why you walk out with a pocket full of tips after each shift (depending on where you work). Doing your job doesn't mean you've earned your tip. Your customers are there to connect with other coffee lovers – including you – and may also be interested in trying something new.
Exceed their expectation and provide them with a coffee experience. It doesn't matter if you work at a “hole in the wall” coffee place. If you got the passion, your customers would know it… they'll remember it… they'll reward you for it… and they will come back.
#4 Participate in Coffee Cuppings as a Part of Your Barista Training
Coffee cuppings can be an incredible way to develop your palate. Tasting coffee with your friends or strangers can also help you describe what the coffee tastes like to you. Understanding the flavor of the coffee will allow you to enhance your coffee “palate.”
But what is a coffee palate? It usually means your ability to differentiate coffees by their roast, origins, flavor, aroma, and acidity. The more you train to taste coffees, the more flavors you can discover in them. This enriches your sensory experience and the pleasure you derive from your favorite drink.
In turn, it may also help you to better articulate or describe the variety of coffees you may be serving to your customer.
#5: Figure Out Ways to Save Your Boss Money
Do you see wasteful spending? Are you noticing something that is being continuously thrown out and wasting money?
Look for ways to save money, and you will be indispensable. If you see a money drain problem for your coffee shop, figure it out and bring it to your boss's attention.
By helping your boss and organization save money, you become a more effective employee. It may help you gain financial rewards and indeed help you sustain the coffee business you are working for. The more money you save for your coffee shop, the potentially more money you will make as a barista. (Of course, you might have to renegotiate your salary and hours!)
#6: Get Clarification About Comp Drinks (Free drinks)
Typically, baristas allowed comp drinks per shift. Sometimes an owner will allow one or two drinks per shift. Get clarification in the very beginning. Most importantly, don't abuse the privilege. This gets us back to the previous point – you don't want to become a money drain for your coffee shop. Be reasonable and remember that every drink costs.
#7: Continue Your Barista Training
You can never get enough barista training. Refresh your barista skills and update your knowledge – there's something new happening in the world of coffee every day! Consider our affordable online barista training course (see below).
But even if you don't go with our barista training program, find a way to get your barista training and refresher course. Today, there's no need to leave home and pay for expensive in-house barista training. Instead, all the barista information you need is right here at your fingertips. Online barista training videos and books are easily accessible and cost much less than any barista school.
Brought to you by Barista Training Academy, “The Beginning Barista,” Your Ultimate Prep Guide to Getting Your First Job as a Barista” is an ultimate resource available online and affordable for anybody looking to start a career in the coffee industry. For more information, visit our blog.
