If you can bring yourselves to ignore the terrible pun in the title of this post, starting a career in catering is a fantastic way to earn a living from something you enjoy. There are hundreds of different niche jobs you could consider, and so you just have to conduct some research and create your strategy. For this article, the information will provide a step by step guide for anyone who wants to become a private chef or caterer during the next couple of years. However, if you’re going to enter any other area of the industry, you just need to tailor this advice accordingly.
Getting qualified
If you know the niche you wish to enter, it’s just a case of performing some online research. Take a look at articles that explain all the skills and qualifications people in that profession require. You can then use Google to find colleges and universities in your local area that offer the right courses. The best thing about cooking classes is that you can often take them during the evening time. That means you can continue with your existing employment solution until you’re ready to take a leap of faith. At most, it will take around two years to get all the certificates you need. However, it’s often possible to do it much faster than that. When choosing a college, just be sure to:
- Compare course prices
- Read online reviews from previous students
Finding work experience
Once you have the right qualifications, it makes sense to apply for jobs in businesses that exist within your chosen niche. So, if you’ve focused your efforts on becoming a private chef, you might want to contact companies that cater or business events and weddings or something like that. With a bit of luck, you will find an entrepreneur willing to provide some experience for your CV. In some instances, you might decide that working for that company makes you feel content, and so you could choose to stay there. However, those who want to earn the highest wages and engage in the most exciting activities will want to move to the next step.
Launching your company
Lots of stumbling blocks could stand in your way when it comes to launching a new business. However, it’s possible to overcome all of them if you read the right information and ensure you make all the necessary preparations. Before you can begin trading, you will have to purchase all the proper equipment. A kitchen essentials checklist for chefs will come in handy during that process. You will also have to undergo an inspection by the food standards authority to ensure your operations cuts the mustard (another terrible pun, sorry!) Those assessments will make sure your workspace is suitable for preparing food, and you aren’t going to make all your customers ill. In most instances, you’ll need to:
- Create a sterile environment
- Avoid any chances of cross-contamination
- Keep animals a long way from the kitchen
You might decide to hire a workplace or use the kitchen in your home. Still, you will encounter more issues if you select the latter option. For that reason, it might make sense to seek some startup investment from your bank.
Attracting clients
The hardest thing about making a living in the catering industries relates to attracting clients and marketing your services. There are so many companies out there at the moment providing the same services that you should try to offer something different. You can then make that variation the primary promotional point within your marketing materials. Use social media to build an audience, and ensure you ask customers to write positive reviews of your brand. You can also launch a website and promote it using PPC advertising tools like Google Adwords. When you do that, it’s easy to put your efforts in front of the people who are most likely to show interest in your services.
Just remember that, if you have enough money to spend, your new business will always benefit from the assistance of a reputable marketing agency.
Now you know how to approach a catering career, nothing should stand in your way. The only people who tend to encounter problems are the ones who try to cut corners. Like it or not, you have to take your responsibilities seriously and ensure you always work to the highest of standards. If you understand that fact, you should have no reason for any concerns. So, create your plan and set the wheels in motion today!
Are you a budding chef? What have you done to get your career started?
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