Are you a creative person who loves creating and designing enticing dishes that will get people excited? Then starting a catering business might just be up your alley. Why work for someone else making them rich when you could channel all your energy and ideas into something you really enjoy, and become rich yourself? Owning your own catering business will also give you the opportunity to come across different challenges and, of course, as an added benefit you could be your own boss. The only restrictions that will be placed on your catering business are those you place there yourself, because you are after all the owner.

How to start a catering business? The essence of a catering business is to provide food service for corporate events such as meetings, conferences, and grand openings. You may also provide catering services for small or large affairs, weddings, or even private dinner parties, and BBQ’s. Yet the most important part of running a catering or any other business is the art of getting clients. You need to be a salesperson with a magnetic personality to succeed in the catering business. You might be dealing with different types of clients including corporate & business executives, party planners, and nervous brides to be. In sales, the hardest part is closing the sale, and in order to close you will have to convince them that you will not only provide a memorable banquet, but you will be there on time, the party will be presented attractively, and served promptly and unobtrusively. Successful caterers may go out to develop a network of referrals in order to barrel up business. You should introduce yourself to other people and businesses that are involved in party and event planning every time the opportunity presents itself. Some of these prospective clients include wedding planners, party designers, bridal boutiques, cakes and pastry chefs, florists, candy and party supply shopkeepers. Make sure to always have brochures and business cards on hand to give out to whoever you come into contact. But you shouldn’t leave it at that, check in often with contacts to work up a mutual working relationship. Always be looking for ways you can help them, as in the business world if you provide service to others you will get back service. You can also gain clients by bringing a few snazzy samples or tasty desserts to offer, as everyone likes a good dessert. This is a great way to ensure that you are remembered warmheartedly; it leaves a good taste in people’s mouths, this may even result in vendors or shop keepers referring you to their clients. You can also send sales letters and brochure to corporate offices and other types of businesses to gain prospective clients. Next you should follow up with a phone call, ask for the person in charge for an appointment to discuss your services. You’ll be surprised at how many relationships get created just by sending cards and making phone calls at just the right time.

Like many other businesses, your success with catering will be indirectly related to the strength of your planning, and the implementation of your plans. You need to understand exactly what your client wants are and what their needs are, and deliver that in a way that reflects upon the client positively, and on your reputation. One secret very few in the business know about, only fifty percent of the catering business has anything to do with food, the rest has to do with service, and servicing the clients. This is where you have to use your organizational skills and make them really count. Which tasks to assign to others and delegating responsibilities, while devoting your best effort to completing each task effectively is what it takes to succeed in a catering business. Passion, discipline, and intelligent decisions are very important elements in making your business a success. Most important advice is to always keep the clients needs your highest priority. Treat them with respect and patience at all times. They need to feel that you have what it takes to make the best out of their affair. Are you ready? What are you waiting for?

Author Bio: Starting a new catering business can be very profitable. Doing it the right way will help you avoid simple mistakes many starters make. We will guide you how to start your catering-business the right way to avoid costly mistakes.

Category: Business
Keywords: start catering business, how to start catering, howto start a catering business