Start a Catering Biz » starting a catering business http://startacatering.biz How to Start Your Own Home-Based Catering Business Thu, 29 Oct 2009 14:45:12 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.3 en hourly 1 Create a Business Plan http://startacatering.biz/create-a-business-plan/ http://startacatering.biz/create-a-business-plan/#comments Fri, 31 Oct 2008 03:33:10 +0000 admin http://startacatering.biz/?p=15 A business plan is a blueprint for a successful business start-up. It should be the result of careful study and hard work. Your business plan explains how your catering business will operate, how it will be structured and managed and how it will be financed. If you need money to get started, the business plan is what investors and lenders will look at to make their decision.

Even if you don’t need outside funding, you should put together a business plan. The process of writing one forces you to think through all the aspects of your catering business. Once you’ve finished your plan, you can use it as a guide to your day-to-day operations.

A completed business plan increases the chances that your catering business will succeed.

The SBA has a guide on the web for writing a business plan. Start with Business Plan Basics.

]]> http://startacatering.biz/create-a-business-plan/feed/ 0 Set Up An Office http://startacatering.biz/set-up-an-office/ http://startacatering.biz/set-up-an-office/#comments Fri, 31 Oct 2008 03:02:04 +0000 admin http://startacatering.biz/?p=11 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.

]]> http://startacatering.biz/set-up-an-office/feed/ 0 Decide on a Name and Create Your Identity http://startacatering.biz/decide-on-a-name-and-create-your-identity/ http://startacatering.biz/decide-on-a-name-and-create-your-identity/#comments Fri, 31 Oct 2008 02:56:49 +0000 admin http://startacatering.biz/?p=9 The entire process of naming your catering business and creating an identity is known as “branding.” Don’t rush through this important step. One of the core principles of branding is to create uniformity and flow in your logo use, color standards, business stationary and website presence.

Name your catering business

What do you want to call your new catering business? Will you make something up or use your own name? Deciding on a name and creating your identity can be a lot of fun, especially if you enjoy creative activities.

Get a matching domain name

Search for an internet domain name at the same time, so your domain name and website will match your chosen business name. Even if you’re not ready to build a website right away, you’re going to need one sooner or later. More and more people are turning to the web for information, even to find local providers.

Purchase a domain name that’s the same as your chosen business name or at least includes your business name. And don’t be tempted to get anything but a “.com” address. In everyone’s mind, “dotcom” means business and if your domain name ends in “.com”, they’ll know you mean business too.

Get a website for your catering business

If you’re ready to move quickly on setting up a website for your business, you might want to go ahead and find a “web hosting provider”. A web host is a company that provides space on their computers (called “servers”) so your website can be accessed on the Internet.

Many hosting plans offer a free domain name if you sign up for a year. Netfirms is currently offering this benefit. PowWeb is another hosting company that offers free domain names with a new hosting account. I have two of my websites hosted by PowWeb and have been very pleased with their service.

If you can pay a year’s worth of hosting in advance, you should be able to get a more-than-adequate hosting plan for as little as $5 a month. Be wary of anything cheaper, because you don’t want to give up reliability just to get a good price. You want your website to be available when potential clients go looking for it.

Build a successful website for your catering business

I don’t want to spend too much time getting into website building in this guide, but you might want to take a look at the services offered by SiteSell.

Get a logo for your catering business

As you brainstorm ideas for a name, you’ll also want to think of possible logo designs for business cards, letterhead, your website, etc. If you’re the creative type, you may be able to come up with your own ideas. Or you may have a friend who’s into graphics and design.

Branding is an essential part of starting your business

Don’t ever feel like you’re spending too much time on names, logos and branding. The name and design you choose up front will provide identity and continuity in everything you do and use-business stationary and cards, order forms, invoices, promotional brochures, menus and your website.

If your catering business really takes off, you may be branding things like spice mixes, sauces, baked goods and other food items. You could sell these from your website or even give them away as gifts to clients. The point is to keep your name in front of the consumer as much as possible.

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