Posted by Kiki on January 15, 19100 at 19:11:55 :
In Reply to: I am what I am! posted by Carl Jones on January 13, 19100 at 23:18:09 :
: : Sounds like you really know your stuff. Where do you live and how long have you been catering? I could really use a mentor. Would love to start a catering business but have no clue where to begin.
: Hi,
: I appreciate the kudos. I am happy to help you. You must understand that catering to restaurant business is like comparing a violinist to a banjo player. Not that one is better than the other, they are just different.
: Mainly what must be considered is a banjo player could learn the violin better than a non musician, there still is a great deal to learn. Just like a restaurateur can learn the catering business faster than a non-professional.
: Do you have the background and skills to do open a catering business? Have you owned a business? If not, that can be a problem. But it is still very much do-able.
: Like you have all heard me say before, the best way to learn the catering business is to do it.... But you can run out of money before you get established and it will take a long time too. So, I recommend that a non professional, go to work for the best catering company in the area and spend at least two years working. If you still want to do it, then you have the skills to do it, assuming that you have the business knowledge and management skills to run a business.
: I think the catering professionals here would agree that you would not go to a medical forum and ask a professional heart surgeon to teach you how to do a bypass and hope to be able to do it.
: Although, that metaphor is a big stretch and no one will die from you catering without solid training (even though that IS possible), my point is the catering business is very complicated and one hellava tough business ESPECIALLY for the novices who lose their savings fast!
: There are other small ways you can get started if you do have foodservice experience. Please ask me some specific question so I will know how to help you further. I just got in from Vegas at a catering conference and have a lot to catch up on, so I can't give you the whole rundown right now, but will answer any and all questions you ask. As I get caught up, I will fill in the gaps for you.
: Many blessings to you,
: Carl Jones
: Premier Catering, Jackson, TN
: Restaurateur for 19 years,
: Caterer for 11 years,
: Still learning and growing!
: :)
I met Carl this week In Vegas at the Catersource Convention. I was very impressed with everything about him. His pictures and buffet setups are wonderful. He is truly a man who is having fun at what he does. I am so glad he visited the AOL Catering Forum Chat and introduced himself to us. I am very happy to have carl as my new friend.
Kiki to his Elton