We were lucky to catch up with Rory Douthard recently and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Rory thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Alright, so we’d love to hear about how you got your first client or customer. What’s the story?
My first client was someone who found me on a well-known wedding website. I was surprised because at the time, I hadn’t created a website or done any social media marketing or advertising.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
As a young person, I was the one in charge of making drinks for any family and friends that would gather for holidays or other occasions. of course, my palate wasn’t sophisticated enough to know what mixers went with which alcohol, but over time and with more experience, I learned and wanted to continue learning. In 2012, I decided to work with other bartenders in their small businesses here in Atlanta, then when I felt confident enough, I branched out and started my own mobile bartending business. I have made so many friends and cultivated several networking opportunities and my word of mouth marketing that has introduced me to new clients and repeat clients as well.
I am proud of how my personal clients and guests at events where I have bartended always comment on how they enjoyed my level of service and my personality, which is a direct result of my customer service skills that I cultivated from my very first job working retail at Macy’s Herald Square. Also, it doesn’t cost anything to be kind to people. I am also proud of the fact that when my clients hire me to bartend their event, they will get someone who shows up on time, ready to assist wherever I can before the events begin, flavorful drinks made with love and a smile, and an engaging person who has the gift of gab to make all of my guests feel special and have a memorable experience.
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
After my divorce in 2022, I had to rely solely on myself for support and the first year was very difficult financially, mentally, and emotionally do achieve this. What made me continue to push forward was the words of my late mother. She would always say, ‘No matter what is going on in your life, KEEP IT MOVING! The world won’t stop for you because what you may be going through, good or bad.’
I am very proud of myself for succeeding and reaching new heights because I followed her advice. I am no longer depressed and sad about how I was going to move forward as a single person, but I did ti and continue to do it.
What’s been the best source of new clients for you?
I have always relied on word of mouth marketing and apparel advertising, meaning I wear my company shirt when I am heading out and will be around other people. It tends to be a conversation starter, and I have actually gained a new client who saw me grabbing multiple bags of ice at my local supermarket and playfully inquired about what I was doing. I have bartended for numerous clients in the same residential subdivisions and that is a testament to what word of mouth marketing can do for a business.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebarladyy