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What is the main topic of discussion at every event that serves foods and beverages?
The answer is simple: the food (taste, variety, originality, presentation) and the staff (how capable they were at delivering a stellar experience. Therefore, it’s safe to say that catering plays a crucial role in the success of the event.
Furthermore, according to a HuffPost survey, 86% of consumers are willing to pay more for an upgraded experience. This means that catering businesses have room to grow and develop without losing prospects because of a price increase (which is normal to happen when striving for excellence).
Still, when you’re just starting and your customer base is small, it can be unnerving to shoot for the stars. But, if you follow your dream and work on the five steps mentioned below, it should only be a matter of time.
#1: Build a Reputation
When it comes to catering, recommendations from previous customers can help skyrocket your sales. Therefore, focus on delivering quality on two fronts:
- The customer experience
- Food preparation and serving at the event
For the first one, focus on friendly communication with people who don’t know your business yet (prospects) while also maintaining an open connection with existing customers. For the second aspect, focus on delivering the highest standards for all the jobs you get (regardless of size and importance). Additionally, make sure the staff is trained in both cooking and serving, in order to become one of the best caterers in the area.
#2: Use The Right Tools
And no, we are not talking about kitchenware or appliances. We are talking about the tools that will help you run a business without overlooking any important steps. For instance, as a business catering for various events, you can benefit from using software for hotel event planning to keep track of all the activities and assign tasks to the staff.
Additionally, you will need similar tools for paperwork and keeping track of expenses and income. All these tools are designed to help entrepreneurs control their business without having to employ additional staff (like administrators or accountants).
#3: Find Your Speciality
Competition is fierce in the catering industry, but you can make more space for your business by selecting a niche. For instance, maybe you only cater for events that serve vegan foods or gluten-free cuisine. These niches are a bit extreme, but the competition is also low, which allows you room for growth.
Additionally, you can focus on specific types of functions such as cocktail parties, weddings, family events, and so on.
#4: Research the Market
Most catering businesses focus on the local market for their initial customer base. Therefore, before deciding on the specific of your business and niche, it’s important to research the local competition. For instance, if you want to focus on catering for small family events but there are already five other local businesses that do the same, you’ll have a tough time building traction.
But, when you research the market, you can also get ideas on how to make your business unique in order to attract customers your way.
#5: Build a Reliable Team
In order to have a smooth-running business, you need reliable employees who understand your vision and want to help you make it true. While it takes time to build a solid team, you also need to work on your skills as an employer and leader.
In Summary
Catering is not just about making food and serving it. This is a full-on business with a strong focus on the overall customer experience. Therefore, if you aim at reaching the top, make sure your staff is well-trained and that you are the leader they deserve.
About Carson Derrow
