Read the room.

Something that I will never understand are people who support the industry that don’t comprehend how the industry works.

For example.

The time to make a sales call is not at 4:50 on Friday evening when I’m trying to get the doors open.

Tonight at 4:50 a man is banging on the front door.

I tried to ignore him because we are still scurrying around trying to cross our t’s and dot our i’s.

He’s persistent.

I go to the door.

He holds up a bottle and a business card and says he’s there to discuss his companies cleaning supplies.

I said not at 4:50 on Friday night. I take his sample and card and close the door and lock it.

About 5 or six weeks ago a winecrep showed up at 5:15 on a Friday night. He stands in line with all the other people wanting to get seated.

I ask him if he has a reservation.

He says no. That he’s actually here to speak to someone about his wine portfolio. He asks if the owner or the manager is available to taste some things.

I laugh.

Out loud.

And I say not at 5:15 on Friday night.

The owner is cooking. I’m the manager and I’ll be on the door till 10:00.

He asks if he can wait.

I say perhaps you could leave your card. He doesn’t have a card.

I’m handed a catalog.

And they leave.

And I’m still amazed they are in the business without understanding you don’t sell your wares on the 2nd busiest day of the week.