Michael Fietsam has been offering business specific seminars to assist with all areas of the hospitality industry for the past 10 years.  The following is a partial list of seminars he offers.  Should you wish him to speak to a different topic, he will be happy to customize a seminar to your needs.

Creating the “WOW FACTOR” in your operation

Wow or Woe?  This seminar teaches innovative ideas to set your restaurant apart from the pack.  What creates the “WOW FACTOR” in your operation?  What makes your clientele return again and again.  What’s the buzz on the street?  This fun and interactive course includes a “Top Design” style presentation challenge that involves the entire class.  (1.5 hours)

Up-selling, a guideline to better profits and higher gratuity

Let’s face it, most employees don’t upsell?  Why?  Most often it is because managers and owners don’t know how to teach the basics and put a fire under the staff.  This “not-so-boring” seminar gives management the tools to increase sales and tricks to motivate the staff to sell.  (1 hour)

Demystifying wine

Let’s not frighten the poor team!  Does your staff sweat every time a guest asks them to suggest a wine?  Does their heart race if they have to open a bottle at the table?  Do they think decanting is a town in Michigan?  This seminar will give managers the tools to demystify wine and it’s presentation.  It may even include a bit of tasting.  (1 hour)

The counseling session ~ Pointing the finger or providing solutions

That’s Cold!!! Employee Warnings, The Point System, Demerits, The Final Written!!!  These are tools we use to belittle employees.  This seminar teaches supervisors and managers that each counseling session is not only an opportunity to teach, but an opportunity to invigorate, motivate and connect with employees.  (1 hour)

Put the “FUN” in the fundamentals

Filled with cracks or quite seamless?  Does your staff know the basic steps of service?  Do they serve from the left and pick up from the right? Do they detail the menu appropriately?  If not, it’s your fault.  Let’s explore some of the basic missteps of the service staff and ways to break them of their bad habits.  Prepare to role-play.   (1 hour)

Dazzle them with the details – Looking beyond the basics

Flawless or flawed?  It’s time to look at your operation with a fresh set of eyes.  Take off the blinders and experience your business as the guest does.  This seminar will provide some insight into what you may not be seeing as you turn the key and open the doors.  It’s time to enliven the senses with the sights, sounds, textures, flavors and fragrances of your business.  You’ll come out of this seminar with a clearer vision and sense of purpose (1 hour)