subject: Understanding How To Run a Catering Business – Key Concepts [print this page] Understanding How To Run a Catering Business Key Concepts
When it comes to learning how to run a catering business, you will need a lot of expert information. There are many aspects that you will need to consider, so it is best to prepare for a lot of studying and a lot of time devoted to developing some dormant skills.
For instance you need to realize that running your own business is not going to be a just another standard job. You're in charge. So, make no mistake that you will find yourself putting in many hours and doing a lot more than just cooking when you strike out on your own. The first thing you may need to learn is how to stay awake!
When you are first starting out and learning how to run a catering business, you will want to consider who will help you in the beginning. As the culinary artist you are, you will probably want to do all of the cooking.
However, it will help to create a list of people that you can call on to help you with cooking, serving and other aspects events. After all, each event is different and bigger events are going to require more help.
As you can delve more into the industry, you will see that understanding how to run a catering business means more than perfect steaks and fine pasta dishes. Working with the right catering "team" is actually going to help make your business succeed more easily. If you choose your team carefully, the people in it may well be around for years after your initial association.
Of course there are many things that a caterer needs to think about, but knowing how to run a catering business properly means knowing your clients above all else. Before you even think of accepting a project, start off by interviewing the client.
The interview will help you to understand them, their needs and the event in question. Be sure to ask about the likes and dislikes of the guest of honor during your interview. Also, ask about the expected number of guests. And don't forget to ask whether or not the client wants a buffet or a sit down dinner at their event.
As you progress, you will naturally learn more and realize that providing a tasting session is another big part of running a catering business. Once you are hired for a job, suggest a menu. Be prepared to make samples of each menu item for the client. That way, they can test the menu items before their event ever takes place.
It's important to remember that even if you have the best intentions, your initial suggested menu may not be exactly what your client wants. But this should not be a problem for you. You can show initiative and make a good impression by also providing some alternative samples at the tasting session. Your clients will really appreciate you taking the extra time and being so thorough.
A final thing to remember is how much time and effort may be involved in catering each event. You need to manage your time well, and make sure there is enough of it to buy supplies, prepare food, and transport yourself and your food, supplies and more. Don't forget, you also have to clean up once the event ends. So bring plenty of helping hands to help you break down and clean up when the affair is over.
Understanding how to run a catering business, like most any other small business, will simply require your time, effort and dedication to learning everything you can about it.
In time, you will instinctively pick up on what additional aspects you'll need to study more closely.
