Anemic. Perhaps this is one of the best ways to describe the job market. Seriously, in my remembrance the job market has never beer worse. Here I sit, with a couple of prospects and a Master’s degree but still out of work for the period of about three months. Needless to say, many people are in desperate straits. Desperate times call for desperate measures, or so the platitude goes. I’m finally being forced into an idea I’ve had for a while but am wondering about the market viability. Even if it doesn’t work as a full-time gig, perhaps I can eventually find a way to use it as supplemental income.
Let me frame it this way. Do you know anybody that wants to learn to brew? Maybe you know someone who is having a beer party. Could there be bars who need advice about what beers to stock? Do they have employees who are underwhelming in their knowledge about beer in general? Is there a market for this sort of thing? These are the questions I’m struggling to answer.
So, here’s the deal. With little to no cost to me at all, I’m thinking about trying to looking into try to consult for all things beer. Of course, I’m reluctant to call myself an expert (I feel that term should be used very cautiously). However, I feel I’m knowledgeable to competently help with all the above aspects of beer.
I know that this could seem like a self-serving post and I’m not digging for affirmation. I am interested in opinions on this question. From your experience and knowledge, do you think there is a market for this sort of business? Keep in mind that it wouldn’t have to all be in person. What do you think? Is beer achieving enough status to start being treated like wine already is? I’d love some feedback. Maybe this is a unique opportunity to do some beer education.
I don’t see why not Mike. I mean they have Wine Stewards why not a Beer Concierge? There are so many different types of beer for food pairings etc, if a restaurant was going to take it seriously they should have someone who is in charge of it. I also think you might be helpful to breweries who are struggling and might be able to help them fix their brews that are marginal. Call yourself the Beer Doctor. you could “prescribe” different “antidotes” to fix marginal brews. I don’t see it as a reach at all. especially with all the small regional breweries out there. It might take some leg work and a little time, and some investment in travel, perhaps business cards, etc and you could have the beginnings of a business. Give it a shot. What do you have to loose at this point? The other up side is if you begin the business and show a loss that is a pretty substantial tax deduction to help you out in the interim. Good luck, and call if you want to chat. Email me and we can connect.
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Could you throw brewing parties? You could bring your rig (maybe with a bayou burner) and a bunch of home brew, and help folks to throw a “brewing party” where they make their own beer with your gear. Everyone gets to try some home brew (yours), play brewer, and then each gets a bomber of the brew that you bottle after it’s fermented.
Too complicated? I know there are wine places you can go and do something similar, but you could have a mobile lab of sorts.
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Three things.
1) At a glance, it looks like you are taking a dump in the picture.
2) You’re right, the job market is awful. I know a lot of good people not able to find jobs. I thought Obama was going to fix everything magically.
3) I’m with Don and Jim – DO IT! You have nothing to lose and your product is all in your head! Throw up a decent website, get some word-of-mouth going and see what happens!
Oddly, they both have a lot of good ideas there – but be careful to stay on the right side of the law out in CA. Perhaps you need licenses and such to do brewing events if the output is over a certain amount, etc. I don’t know the details, but I certainly think you have what it takes to give it a shot!
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I know there is a NEED for this type of thing. I’ve gone to many a “craft beer bar/restaurant” and had staff serving me whose lack of beer knowledge was amazing. I think one big opportunity would be to go in and teach waitstaff about the beers they serve. You could even start by asking how many have tried the beers on tap….I wouldn’t be surprised to see that most have not. Certainly most other bars could use some help in selecting beers as well. Good Luck.
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That is crazy because I was actually thinking of this as well. Even so far as brainstorming a business plan with a friend. You’ve pretty much hit every thought I basically had with it on the head. I guess great minds think alike.
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@All. Thanks guys. It’s encouraging to hear back from all of you on this topic. Scott, I will look into the laws but I think if any market is ripe, it would have to be Southern California. Mike, we do need this sort of thing around the country, so I hope you can get into the niche. Dan, I was thinking the exact same thing. Wait-staff, in my experience also, has a huge need for this type of help. Don, I think the brewery thing is a good idea as well. It’s really hard for some of these breweries to swallow their pride but I can think of a plethora of occasions that I could help. I may indeed take you up on the phone conversation. I will also definitely connect with you when I come to Idaho. Jim, I thought about using my equipment as well.
At the end of the day, I just want to keep promoting beer and doing something I love.
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There are a lot of avenues here I think where your knowledge could come in handy, and I think that you’re in a good place to start out in CA. Keep us all posted as you move along with this idea!
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I say go for it. Pick one thing that really excites and motivates yourself because prospective clients will feel your positive energy. I got great career advice to focus on what I really want to do instead of chasing a bunch of smaller ideas until all my time was wasted.
For example, if the home brewing really strikes a chord. How about brewing with or for people who are having a special events. Weddings would be perfect in my mind. Brew special Nupti-ale for reception parties. Alot of people want to personalize a wedding and that is one way to do it.
Or you can go to your favorite restaurants and propse beer and food pairing dinners. Restaurants are probably looking to fill seats. Maybe put together a special dinner for a slow night and go from there.
The world does need your beer knowledge out there.
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Thanks Scott.
I agree, Sean. I should primarily focus in on doing one thing and doing it very well. I may still try to work in other avenues a small amount but focus on a primary topic would be wise. Thanks! I hope to get my beer knowledge out there.
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Interesting. Another friend and myself have been having this same discussion here for about 4 months now. Somebody should get on this and franchise it! (or maybe not, but it was fun thought)
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It’s going to take a couple of months but I’m going to try to get something together. I figure if it’s a few jobs a month, then I’ll be happy. If it grows even more, great. If not, nothing lost.
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Great idea! Here in TEXAS the laws are tough and hard to understand. IM ALL IN GOOD LUCK.
As Scott posted find your passion and go for it!
We did in the Travel Business and ha e never looked back. Financialy free and TRAVELING THE WORLD AND GETTING PAID!
NEVER GIVE UP ON YOUR DREAM
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I am looking for a brewmaster for our upcoming microbrewery pub restaurant in INDIA. if anywone interested can send your resume at naveenbhr@gmail.com
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Just wondering if you ever pursued this and what came of it? Did it work out, were you successful? Just curious of the end result, as it’s something I’m looking into myself, as I am an accomplished homebrewer, BJCP judge and Certified Cicerone.
From reading further on your blog, it looks like you’re starting a brewery, which is awesome – congrats! But does that mean you dropped the consulting idea? If so, why?
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