Posted by Robyn Erickson, By Invitation Only... Catering on March 18, 19100 at 16:39:08 :
In Reply to: Starting up new business and need HELP with Marketing!! posted by Suzanne on March 16, 19100 at 10:45:47 :
: I'm extremely interesting in starting up a catering business from my home and desperately need help setting up a Marketing Plan to present to the banks.
: I would appreciate any help that you could give me! I live in a small to mid sized east coast town and I have already defined my market and know who I want to target.
I somewhat disagree with Carl.
I have a legit "home based" catering company. This was important to me as I wanted to be acessible to my family and also have lower monthly overhead. In fact, 3 caterers in my town are "home based". One brought portable trailers onto his property...been in business more than 20 years. One converted her basement into a catering kitchen, just needed to make sure it had a seperate entrance from the home along with all the other state health codes. Mine is a converted garage. Investigate the requirements in your area.
As far as money invested... I determined to be a debt free company. I bought my start up equipment at auctions and watched when restaurants were going out of business etc. and bought good used equipment. I add as I grow. I have invested less than $5,000 dollars this way including the purchase of a used van. Of course, I don't have everything but I have the essentials. Let's face it...you're more than likely not going to have an event for 5,000 right off the bat.
As far as credibility as a "home based" caterer. It has not been a problem for me. I have our city hall, a hospital, mayor, major manufacturers, and a country music star on my client list.
The first marketing I did was to send out invitations to the presidents etc. of local community groups and invited them to a "tasting" where I displayed and served different foods from my menu. I also had a booth at our county fair in the commercial tent with other businesses and did a upscale table setting, had a punch fountain( this got a lot of attention ), had a display of photos and just showed off my creativity in display work. I won the "Most Attractive Commercial Exhibit" that year which also got a picture and mention in the local paper. I participate in local events such as an annual chili cookoff where I got attention for my Tequila Lime White Bean Chili and another picture and mention in the local paper. Take advantage of free publicity. Work it!
I found that my best marketing choice however, was joining our local Chamber of Commerce. You have many benefits usually including access to the membership list. Our local chamber will supply preprinted mailing labels of our membership (750+) for $10.00 to members. We also have business after hours and business before hours which are "meet and greet" events each month hosted by and at local businesses. This is a great way to meet representatives of various businesses. These are catered by local caterers so you can also try to link up with future hosts to cater for them and showcase your abilities to other chamber members.
Our local paper has a weekly wedding page where different wedding related businesses advertise.
Link up with wedding planners and party specialists in your area.
Basically, research your area to see what types of marketing options are available to you. Creativity is a must.
Good luck!
Robyn