All I Really Need to Know I Learned Working $1 Beer and Dog Night at Van Andel

So, tonight was my first experience working at Van Andel (yeah, yeah…I know, it’s long overdue). I selected an infamous $1 beer/dog night as my inaugural gig. I heard plenty of warnings prior to tonight, and must say, it was pretty intense at times. But, I worked with a rockin’ group of riders from our ever-so-awesome team, and really did have a great time. Now, as I relax after a hellacious white-knuckled icy and foggy drive home, I realize that one can actually take away several life lessons from this cool set up at VA…

Be diplomatic. Explain nicely that beer and hot dog limits are in place so that we DON’T run out before 8:00 p.m. Plus, we don’t have a tray to give you anyway, so just take what you can carry and go watch the game, man.

Be assertive. It’s ok to card a 60+ year old man on $1 beer night. There’s even a little sign on the counter that says so.

Be an example in patience. When faced with 75+ Griffins fans waiting for the beer taps (yes, ALL of them stopped working at the same time) to be fixed…keep your cool.

Shrug your shoulders, smile, and try to look cute when faced with an angry mob. See previous comment regarding extended lack of beer.

Flattery will get you everywhere. Just ask Chris Radford who kept carding all of those “21 year olds.”

Be appreciative. Giving a big ol’ “thank you!” and quick plug for the awesome cause for which we’re working after each tip (also, just loud enough so the next guy in line can hear it too!) makes everyone feel good.

Be frugal. Apparently, those little cheese cups are counted. Don’t give them away.

Wash your hands. Please.

Trust people. When the “Queen of the Cash” comes by and takes a wad of money out of your drawer, it’s cool. She knows what she’s doing. And dang…she is GOOD at this stuff.

Respect authority. When you don’t really know what the heck you’re doing (you know, like on your first night working at VA), just keep asking what you can do, and then do it. e.g. “Count these cups…No, Nicole…those stacks should only have 40 in them….”

Smile. Everyone has more fun when you do.

Healthy competition is a good thing. I’m pretty sure “Tip for the girls!” FAR outnumbered “Tip for the guys!” tonight. And even if it didn't, we still pulled in a ton of tips by fostering a little bit of competition.

Pass blame whenever possible. It’s not my fault beer sales cease at the end of the 2nd period. “Sorry, sir. It’s arena policy to end beer sales at this time.”

Reward yourself after working hard. Usually you won’t have to twist Cindy’s arm to visit her favorite coney/bar across the street from VA after working.

Call home. Especially when you have to go 60+ miles in fog that most closely resembles potato soup.

Team: What other lessons have been learned during Van Andel events? :)