any advice for a stay at home mom trying to start a catering business? advertising?

Answer 1

Well, first let me tell you good luck and good for you starting up a catering business! It's gonna be a lot of hard work, but even more fun :)

I'm in Advertising and have a strong love for food, so I think I can help you with this situation.

First, I would recommend establishing the name of the catering business. It should match your food style - is it classy, hometown comforting, a certain ethnic flair? Choose a name that represents the style of food, and add something in the name that means something to you. I would stay away from putting your name in there because that's a little cheesy.

Next, with the name have a talented Graphic Designer create a logo for you. A logo carries the brand and it will become your identity - it's extremely important. A great Graphic Designer should pay around $300-500 for a logo, depending on where you live. It's really a great investment that will catapult your brand.

Then I would have the Graphic Designer create beautiful brochures or flyers for your company. I would suggest a direct mailer postcard because they are cheap to make and very effective. Have the menu and your services on the post card. Also put an ad in those coupon magazines that are mailed to people, they actually work and people will go to places just b/c there's a coupon.

Good luck hun!!!

Answer 2

The best routes to take are to research the process of starting a business as well as the industry you're interested in.

I recommend checking out the SBA, Entrepreneur, The Start Up Journal & Nolo. All 4 are great informational resources for the new/small business owner. I posted links for you in the source box.

Associations may be a good avenue to explore. These organizations will address many of the thoughts, questions and concerns you'll inevitably have as well as many you haven't anticipated yet. See the source box for some relevant links.

Research, research, research – this cannot be stressed enough. Read as much as you can about the industry. Here are some book titles that are relevant:

* How to Start a Home-Based Catering Business, 5th by Denise Vivaldo
* How to Run a Catering Business from Home by Christopher Egerton-Thomas
* Start and Run a Catering Business by George Erdosh

There are plenty of free informational resources out there. Check the source box for links to articles.

Hope that helps! I wish you much success & happiness in all your ventures!

Answer 3

Working in the medical field now & previously worked for a catering company, one good suggestion is do to cocktail parties, receptions & other business get-togethers. With doctors having such a busy schedule, they are always looking for ways to entertain with minimal fuss. Try starting out with hot/cold appetizers, shower type foods and pre-event snacks such as pre-symphony get togethers, etc. One of the first places to advertise is the local hospital community boards, pass out flyers to offices & thru the local medical society. Believe it or not, there is a fortune to be made in this.....And not a lot of capital is needed to get started. You can start out with finger sandwiches, buffalo wings, cheese balls, bacon wrapped scallops, etc.......Good Luck & get ready to be busy!!

Answer 4

How "open-minded" are you? If you can bake, you can almost certainly make a mint baking "rude" cakes, unless someone is already doing that where you live. Put an ad in the local paper and you'll be astonished at the response you'll get! With a little planning & imagination you can make a loy of money! (Just keep the kids & the vicar out of the kitchen!)

Good luck.

Answer 5

well, you need to get your name out there.
Even if it's taking small luncheons for little profit.
Make the business office a priority: there's always meetings, office parties, brida/babyl showers given.
Also, try schools in the area that throw sports banquets at the end of their season.
take samples along of you get an appt @ an office.
bridal showers @ someone's home can be a good $$ maker.
do some really colorful flyers to leave @ area businesses.
pay attention to detail as many really like that.
good luck !!

Answer 6

start small like baby showers bridal showers and such
get the news papper every day and look for things like wedding anouncements or engagements and such it is a good way to start
GOOD LUCK

Answer 7

If your kids are old enough, put them to work helping you with your recipes.

They will enjoy the intereaction with Mommy!