Rewriting the Rules of Workplace Communication: Bartender Sign Language

In an office environment communication is done through e-mails, phone calls, and face to face interaction. In a bar the noise level makes that type of interaction impossible, so most communication is through body language, yelling short commands or requests out, and a general understanding of everyones needs.
As a bartender in a club environment it becomes increasingly frustrating trying to understand customers who speak in low voices. Most communication with customers consists of them pointing to the bottle of beer they are drinking, and basic manners are thrown out the window because its a pain to yell PLEASE at the top of your lungs when there is only a 50% chance of being heard in the first place. Customers not drinking beer will generally say things like VODKA CRANBERRY and i acknowledge them with a head nod or by picking up my shaker tin rather than trying to say something in response. The thank you i get is in tip form instead of verbal, at least when i'm lucky.
It is futile to try to carry on conversations with customers after happy hour when the music is turned up, and when customers attempt this it does nothing more than annoy the bartender who wants to get you your drink and move on. So save the small talk, yell your drink order at me and be done with it!

Bespoke Wheels in Action

Photo of Customer Casey Baker competing in a downhill competition, with his custom Bespoke Wheels.

Cell Phone Courtesy

The invention and widespread use of cell phones has been both a blessing and a curse. While it is wonderful to be able to contact someone at any time, anywhere, these calls need to be limited while actually in the workplace.
My cell phone is a part of me in a way, i am never without it, but i like to believe that i am courteous with my cell phone use. I was happy to see that signs were put up in the VCU commons that prohibit you from being on your cell phone while ordering or paying for food or other items. This rude cell phone behavior is everywhere, but i have noticed that more and more i have been dealing with Employees on their cell phones while i was ordering drinks, or checking out, or more recently exiting the VCU parking decks.
I realize that during the summer time the parking attendants probably get bored with the slow volume of cars exiting the deck, but some of them have used this as an excuse to ignore those who are. I had one experience where the attendant was outside the booth chatting away on his phone when i pulled up, not only did he not stop his conversation, he continued it for several minutes while i sat patiently waiting. When he did return to the booth to take my money, he was still carrying on his conversation, i might as well have been invisible. All he had to do was call the person back or even put them on hold for the minute it took to take my money.
Its common cell phone courtesy to put the phone down when you are talking with someone else, and yet no one seems to care.

Interviews Made Easy

I recently began reading a book called 100+ Answers to the Toughest Interview Questions by Casey Fitts Hawley. I thought it might be a good way to prepare for my internship interviews in the coming Fall. So far, I have found the information helpful. The book goes through the most common interview questions in detail, offer more then one possible way to answer. Some of the questions included are, " What would your coworkers say is your worst quality?", or "Decsribe a conflict you have encountered at work." The book also offers insight on what interviewers really want to knowso you can impress them with your answers.

What's really great about this book is it's user friendly. It's easy to read and understand, and it contained some of the questions that have stumped me in previous interviews. Also, it's small and paperback, so I can put it in my purse and read it whenever I get a chance. Overall, I have found it extremely helpful and I would recommend it to anyone looking to improve their interview skills.

The Joys of riding

I just started riding again after a very long time. I am still very shaky but I am getting the feel of it. There is nothing like the feel of having the wind blow through my hair, or in my face. I can see what all the fuss is about. The people at Bespoke were so helpful in helping me design my bike to my specifications. They treated me like I was their very first customer. Very patient and extremely well versed in everything bikes. And my bike was on the lower end of cost. But they did not care about that. My comfort and satisfaction was their only concern.

I have recommended them to my friends and family members who are interested in biking again. We cannot wait to get out riding together and recapturing a bit of our youth. We're getting racks for our SUV and taking the bikes on our next vacation.

Thank you Bespoke.

Cycling across the Ocean

Cycling is far from being a local, or even simply a national trend. Amsterdam, Netherlands seems to share the love for bicycles that we have in the states. Locals are often seen biking to work (suit and tie included), shopping (bags in arms), or just out for a stroll; they often turn their bike into a high occupancy vehicle. Also, shorts and tees are not required; bicyclists aren't sacrificing their style for aerobic activity, as women can be seen riding comfortably with dresses and skirts. Pets too are welcome on the ride. Amsterdam's growing bike fetish is sure to expand to a desire for customization. BeSpoke's online store makes style on wheels accessible to everyone, even our frineds overseas.

Customer Review

Customer Review by Casey Baker, a sponsored downhill mountain biker:

"I purchased a set of Bespoke wheels with custom tubeless anodized blue rims and gold anodized spokes laced up to their top of the line sealed bearing hubs last season and am totally stoked with my buy.
First of all, I must say that the wheels turned out looking even more badass(If you need to censor perhaps "sick") than I anticipated. It was hard for me to put them on my downhill steed for fear of putting a scratch in the wicked paintjob. I also had doubts about the durability of the rims because honestly when was the last time you saw anything that looked and performed amazing.
However, when Istopped being a pansy and finally took them for a spin, I couldn't have been more pleased with my new wheels. The four cross spoke pattern make the wheels ridiculously stiff and extremely responsive in the turns. Which is fantastic because the rims shaved a full pound off my ride. On top of that the rear hub purrs like a Chris king. After an entire year of shredding, my Bespoke rims remain flatspot free and the hubs still roll like they were brand new"

Great Customer Service at City Hall

I recently received a parking ticket for exceeding the parking limit while parked on Harrison Street recently. The problem was I had not exceeded the limit for that parking place. Where I parked, the parking restrictions were lifted at 6:00. I parked at 5:30, my tire was marked at 5:45 and I was ticketed at 6:46. I was legally parked and decided to fight the ticket. I called the number on the back of the ticket and after several attempts, I was connected to a very nice young woman, with the initials S.A. Ms. S.A. told me what I needed to do if I wanted to appeal the ticket. Because I live outside the Richmond city limits, she was able to mail me the necessary forms. Any time I had a question, I would email Ms. S.A. and she would promptly respond. She was always very courteous and took great lengths to make sure the process was as painless as possible.

I wrote a letter to the Judge, explaining my position and why I believed I was ticketed in error. Within a couple weeks I received a letter telling me that the ticket had been dismissed!

Ms. S. A. was like a breath of fresh air throughout this entire process and proved that customer service is alive and well.

Vintage hub pictures

Maxi-Car hubs: best ever made

BeSpoke
Custom Wheels
“Putting something exciting between your legs”

Technical Director- Ethan
Customer service- Andrea
Creative Director- Erin
Advertising/Promotions- Katie

Service area- Richmond/ D.C. Also available online

We offer high-end customization of bicycles, motorcycles and just about anything on wheels. We offer a vast array of options for custom designs or logos as well as stock designs. Or you can bring your own personal design for the ultimate one of a kind design.

Our designs are aesthetically appealing without compromising durability. We emphasize the highest standards of workmanship. Our manufacturing facility is ISO 9001 certified.

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In today’s environment, it’s more important than ever to consider our transportation options. Why not choose our products

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