10 bucks

The money always comes.
It's the only advice I can give to the up-and-coming employees. It always comes.
I remember a conversation I had with an assistant who wanted to be salaried 10+ years ago. "Do you want the position for the money or because you want to make a difference?" His response was "both". I tried to explain my concept but he didn't want to hear it and he never got promoted. It wasn't my decision to hold him back but the decision was made and he moved on, selling cable subscriptions or cars shortly after.
Restaurant management is a passion you must have inside. No different than a solider, doctor, or mechanic. You have to love it and know that the money will come.
A cook who worked for me almost 30 years ago asked one day for a raise to $10 per hour and "I'll never ask for more money again." I told him the truth. Yes, I'll pay you that, no I won't ever give you another raise and until you learn to live within whatever budget you set for yourself, you will never be happy with what you earn.
One employee I had in the last few years trusted what I said and took a pay cut (on an hourly basis) to take a position i offered. I know he is struggling at times but he was able to take over a restaurant that I suggested and trained him to run.
20 years ago, I offered an employee a less than minimum wage to bartend at a bar that had no regular guests. She accepted the position and built an amazing clientele over the next 5 years. It was difficult to find an open seat on any given day of the week.
I believe that the parable of 10 talons from the bible would, if it was written today, include the first employee. So focused on himself that he couldn't invest what he was given and would undoubtedly waste it. The second would have it taken away and given to either of the other last 2. 
I don't quote the bible often but the basic principles that it teaches are sound, proven techniques. 
As a word of caution, not all employers are equal. Many don't recognize the talons that lie in front of them. The corporate world is, after all about building wealth. Choose one that focuses on the success of employees and believe that the money will come.

Bump in the Night

Got out a little early tonight. Dinner with the family and a little wine. Life is good?
Bump
The upside of social media is that you can reach a targeted audience, the bad thing is that audience can target you.
I promised to share my experiences as I grow in a new world that I have not been exposed to in the past. I have dipped my toe into the world of social media and tonight I found the water a little chilly.
Professionalism is difficult sometimes when an attack seems personal. My years of experience has taught me that it is never personal, only a matter of perception. And when a difference of opinion comes front and center,  leaving emotion out of it is almost impossible.
Tonight I had the chance to respond to a guest in a post that was directed towards the new management and changing of the guard. I didn't like what was said but understood how the guest felt. I also know some of the history and issues with the prior staff and management. Here's the rub. I did nothing wrong and the guest or group of guests only hate me because I am not the old regime. I can say nothing and ignore but ya'll know me better than that. I can attack the poster and start a mini online war. We know that no one wins this.
And oddly, page for the restaurant, is not run and monitored by me, the corporation responds as they see fit and may or may not like what I have to say. Jeez, the politics of social media. And those who really know me KNOW how much I love politics.
Choose your words carefully and don't lash out in anger. I did ask Sveta to give me a few minutes to concentrate on an appropriate response. (She is more emotionally driven, go figure).
So the set up is a guest was not happy that a former employee is a former employee.  Mind you, the store was closed for 8 months and now we suck because that person is not here.
I'm not happy someone posted publicly that they will never return because of something I had no control over.
Before I post my response, I again want you to remember, it's not personal but it is their perception and your job is to change their perception and make them loyal to you.

In the world of professional sports, even great players like Brett Favre or Peyton Manning move on by choice or force.
I turned the key on June 5th to reopen a great restaurant with no knowledge of the memories and talent of the past. I am building a championship team for the continuation of a brand that is to me, as operating manager, unequalled in the industry. Join us for the resurrection of name synonymous with quality.
My promise is to win you over with my team.

A New Frontier

In my career, it has always been taboo to associate with employees and as the dinosaur corporations emerge into our technologically advanced age, they do become extinct. I didn't understand why, mostly because I am of the reptilian breed as well. 

Recently I was exposed to a marketing idea that was cooked up by some city leaders that included my new boss. Money. The idea and execution of it was money. 

Now I've always built the business inside the 4 walls and that concept still works. Execution and quality of food and service. I also mentioned the big no no. With most companies that would extend to social media. Don't friend the staff. Big mistake, unless you suck as a boss. 

If you have the confidence in your product and staff, a click, like, share, etc. equals a half a cent of advertising money you didn't have to spend. If the staff believes in you and your product, viral is only a click away. 

I'm a quick study but I will admit, I was close to becoming a fossil.