Just like with any other career, cafes and hospitality businesses will suit certain types of people and not everyone. Money aside, you need to have the right personality to enjoy running a cafe. Here are 4 traits that cafe owners should have.
1. Early Birds
This is especially true with cafes, more than other types of businesses like restaurants and pubs. The average time that cafe owners need to be awake is 5am! Waking up this early means that you would usually have to go to bed by 9pm. Say goodbye to late nights!
2. A People Person
Good interpersonal skills is a must! You will be dealing with customers, staff, suppliers, reps, delivery drivers and landlords just to name a few!
Yes, you may be able to learn these skills by reading great books. (I personally recommend “How to talk to Anyone” by Leil Lowndes and ‘”How to Win Friends and Influence People” by Dale Carnegie). However, you will have a greater head start if you were naturally born with this skill.
Picture this: A fish is born to swim in the ocean. Humans can learn to swim too but won’t be in their natural environment. Those who are naturally talkative, understand how to please people and don’t have too much of an ego will enjoy this profession. It is a very service-based industry so you will have to bow down to people all the time – like it or not!
3. Good with their Hands
Let’s admit it – cafe work is physically-intensive and hands-on! Expect to get oil, water, dirt and coffee stains on your clothes by the end of the day.
On the bright side, if your hands are faster than your brain, you’ll love this industry! 99% of tasks (inc. making coffee, juices, smoothies & sandwiches) will require mainly your hands.
Just a heads-up… cafes are a water business (coffee is made from 90% water) so get ready to be surrounded by water all day – everyday!
4. Great Sleepers
As with all businesses, you need to be someone that can handle stress effectively by getting enough sleep at night (ideally at least 8 hours). A lot of ups and down can go into running a business and if you let it affect you so much that you can’t relax and simply “switch off” then it can affect you and your family’s quality of life.
You should be someone that can go to bed and sleep without worrying all the time. Sleep is important because enough of it can boost your mood and support a healthy workplace culture. You will be able to focus better, problem solve and make more of the right decisions!