Set Up An Office
You probably don’t need to set up a separate office when you first start out (unless you want to). But you will need to make sure you have some basic office supplies around so that you can look professional.
Stay organized
Get one of those portable file totes to keep client files, permits, copies of regulations, and other essentials that you might need with you. Find a specific location at home to store tax records, warranties for any products you buy, and other things like that.
Planning and keeping track of appointments and dates is central to your catering business. Discover what works best for you. You could keep everything on your computer, use a PDA (personal digital assistant like Palm, Pocket PC, etc), or even a planner/organizer that you actually write in.
A good digital camera will come in handy so you can take pictures of your own work to sell to future clients, and also to help you remember things you like about events you attend.
Stay in touch
Don’t forget to track your business related phone calls. As your business expands, you may consider getting an additional phone line or cell phone account just for your catering business.
The explosion of email, Internet chatting and cell phone usage has not yet displaced the “old-fashioned” fax. The ability to fax documents like proposals, menus, and invoices may be important depending on your particular mix of clients.
Instead of investing in a dedicated fax machine, take a look at eFax. I’ve been using eFax for at least six years and it’s a perfect (and cost effective) way to send and receive faxed documents.
