Food is Only One of the Many Responsibilities of a Caterer

ADDITIONAL SKILLS NECESSARY FOR AN EXCEPTIONAL CATERER
 
According to Webster's dictionary, to cater is to serve food or to supply whatever is required or desired. Catering to someone's needs can be many things. Finding your niche, what you're really good at, is key to being a good caterer. Food isn't always necessary to fill a need for someone's party. Sometimes, the caterer can function as more of an event organizer.
 
I've found that the more events you attend, the more ideas and networking you achieve. One birthday party for a 10 year old was just going to be cake and ice cream. I was not asked to make the cake, but to supply the paper products, music, presentation of food, cutting and serving and clean-up. Not a bad job, actually. This took minimal knowledge of where to find paper products and to organize a DJ.
 
When you speak to the client, verify all aspects of the event that may  be needed: tables/chairs, wastebaskets, drinks, bartending, posters, easels, games, etc. Sometimes, helping out from an organizational stand point brings more client satisfaction than the food. That's why wedding planners are in demand. This type of organizational assistance can apply to any type of gathering. A professional meeting may only be for 20 people, but, audiovisual equipment is needed along with note paper and pens. Any way that you can help out your client makes your service unique and valuable.
 
As variable as client requests can be, make sure to organize all your networking names and numbers for easy access. Several years may go by before a similar request comes again; give yourself more than one of every vendor type in case one is unavailable or goes out of business. Any time you experience a quality vendor, get their information. The worst thing is using some vendor you know nothing about and having upset clients.
 
Always think of different ways to serve your client because the best marketing is word of mouth. The more memorable you are, the more your name will be mentioned. Please visit my blog at www.homebasedcatering.blogspot.com