In this episode of the Cocktail Academy Podcast, Damian Cole interviews Chris Leavitt, the man behind the successful Not Just a Bartender social media brand. Chris shares his journey from being a bartender in Pennsylvania to becoming a full-time content creator known for his cocktail videos on platforms like TikTok and Instagram. Chris opens up about his early struggles in pharmaceutical sales, his transition back into bartending, and how he leveraged his passion for cocktails to create a massive online following. This episode provides an insider's view into the life of a cocktail content creator and offers practical tips for those looking to break into the world of social media marketing for cocktails.

Key Topics Discussed:

1. Chris’s Journey into Bartending and Content Creation:

• How Chris transitioned from pharmaceutical sales back to his passion for bartending.
• His early bartending days in Pennsylvania and how he found success through networking and competitions.

1. The Rise of Not Just a Bartender:

• How Chris created the Not Just a Bartender brand and built a loyal online following by making authentic cocktail content.
• His viral success on TikTok through reviewing cocktail videos and how that platform helped him grow.

1. Content Creation as a Full-Time Career:

• Chris shares the challenges of moving from bartending to full-time content creation, including balancing creativity and brand partnerships.
• Insight into the opportunities, from brand deals to international travel, that come with being a successful cocktail influencer.

1. The Impact of Social Media on Bartending:

• How the rise of TikTok and Instagram has transformed the way people learn about cocktails.
• The importance of authenticity and storytelling in building a personal brand in the cocktail industry.

1. Advice for Aspiring Content Creators:

• Chris offers practical advice on how to break into cocktail content creation, from equipment essentials to navigating brand partnerships.
• The importance of consistency, creativity, and community in building an engaged audience.

Quotable Moments:

• "Being a bartender is more than just serving drinks. It’s about creating moments that stick with people—and that’s what I try to do online too." – Chris Leavitt
• "You can be more than just a bartender. You can leverage your skills, your knowledge, and your passion into something bigger, especially with today’s social media opportunities." – Chris Leavitt

Guest Contact Information:

• Instagram: @NotJustaBartender
• TikTok: @NotJustaBartender
• YouTube: Not Just a Bartender

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to the Cocktail Academy Podcast for more insights into the world of cocktails and bartending.

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