| Starting a catering company can be physically and | | | | not just as a service, but an art as well. Many people |
| emotionally demanding . But if you are willing to put in | | | | these days are interested in the presentation and |
| the hard work, it can be very rewarding and | | | | eye appeal of their food almost as much as the |
| profitable as well. | | | | quality and taste of the food itself |
| Step 1: Take an inventory of your skills. Along with | | | | Step 4: Assess the demand for your catering service. |
| the more obvious culinary skills you will need to get | | | | What kind of events do you want to cater to? How |
| your business off the ground, it is essential that you | | | | many people can you serve? 10? 100? 1,000? What |
| possess other skill sets as well. If you have the | | | | do you have the time, staff, and resources to |
| motivation, are willing to put in long hours, are a | | | | handle? Is there a niche market you could specialize |
| meticulous planner and organizer, can communicate | | | | in? |
| well with a wide variety of people, and have an | | | | Step 5: Define your service. Who do you want to |
| artistic flair to boot, a catering business may be just | | | | cater to? Birthday parties, private parties, weddings, |
| the change that you are looking for. | | | | funerals, banquets, and retreats are some ideas to |
| Step 2. Become highly organized and start planning. | | | | get you started. If you live in a large city, the local |
| You will also need to be creative and come up with | | | | market may be large enough to support you without |
| ideas under pressure, because no matter how well | | | | the need for travel. If you live in a suburban or rural |
| you plan ahead, there will often be last-minute details | | | | area, you may need to travel a good distance. Do |
| that come up that you will have to deal with. | | | | some research and ask around in your local area |
| Step 3: Develop strong communication and | | | | Step 6: Create an interest in your catering service. |
| interpersonal skills. It will help you immensely in | | | | Advertising possibilities include your local and regional |
| growing your business if a client or potential client | | | | newspaper, as well as the internet. These days it is |
| likes you and can build trust with you immediately. | | | | easy to have your own website and blog that will |
| Being a good communicator is very important in | | | | get the word out there. Word of mouth is an |
| determining exactly what your client wants and | | | | invaluable way to spark interest in your business |
| suggesting ideas that your client may not have | | | | before you even start, and to spread a good |
| thought of. You will also need to communicate | | | | reputation among clients once your business gets off |
| effectively with your coworkers. In order to make | | | | the ground. |
| your business profitable, it is important to think of it | | | | |