You go, my brother! How to help?

December 16, 2007 3:53 PM

My brother is about to achieve his dream and open a musicvenue/ restaurant / nightclub . I'm so very happy for him and want to offer encouragement. What would be a really good christmas gift in this vein?

He has some books - is there a good trade magazine I could subscribe him to? I just am at a loss as to what I can do to show my encouragement. I have already offered my personal help in whatever way.

posted by mkim to Shopping (10 answers total)

Get him a subscription to PollstarPro.
posted by nitsuj at 4:21 PM on December 16, 2007

I don't know how internetty either one of you are, but make sure his new place has a website, a myspace page and a facebook account that people can friend so they can find out about upcoming events and maybe even propose new ones. A subscription email list is good too.
posted by lia at 4:34 PM on December 16, 2007

Response by poster: internetty is my job,so I've been expecting to be tapped to do a website, but you point out some good points re the social networking stuff, which fortunately my brother is more good at. email list - good point, yes, too. thank you! good stuff.

and nitsuj Thank you! - had not heard of that one.
posted by mkim at 5:26 PM on December 16, 2007

Does he have a name and logo already? If so, maybe have some stickers or t-shirts printed up. Even if it's only a small token run, I think he would get a big kick out of it.
posted by boomchicka at 5:52 PM on December 16, 2007

Don't - or maybe do - get him a copy of Kitchen Confidential. Read it yourself first and then decide if your brother would be better off knowing.
posted by plinth at 5:52 PM on December 16, 2007

Take out an ad in the local newspaper offering best wishes and congratulations. Naturally, this also serves as advertising that he didn't have to pay for.
posted by SuperSquirrel at 6:04 PM on December 16, 2007

Best answer: There are lots of great ideas here. This is a more generic suggestion, but a maybe a really nice day planner? I know DayTimer makes them in 24hour formats so it would be useful to someone whose work takes place primarily at night. I imagine other planner companies do as well. The binders/cases tend to get pricey, and some come with nameplates for engraving.
posted by melissa at 6:07 PM on December 16, 2007

Are there any areas of his joint where he will stand for long periods of time? I know it's a terribly dull and practical suggestion, but how about some anti-fatigue floor mats? He may already have some non-slip or comfort mats behind the bar, around the kitchen, and in any other staff-heavy area; yet, he may not have put any in the spots he uses.
posted by bonobo at 7:20 PM on December 16, 2007

When will it be open? Organise a massive party of friends/workmates at his restaurant; I imagine that publicity and traffic is what he needs most. Missing December is not very good because it's prime works-christmas-party time with plenty of big bookings.
posted by polyglot at 10:12 PM on December 16, 2007

Response by poster: Thanks everyone! Lots of good suggestions. He's just starting construction, so some good ideas for later when he's closer to opening, too.
posted by mkim at 5:43 AM on December 17, 2007