Well there are several ways to attract customers. Some cost a little money and some just take your time in networking and P/R. First you want to create a brand and market yourself as that brand. Most brands in the catering/hospitality business are driven by the customer service philosophy and a few specialty items or services. Participate in community/charity events, galas and chamber type functions. Take samples of your signature dishes to the different offices in your area. Call some of the bigger plants and offer to bring them a sample luncheon to the people that order the lunches for different meetings they have. Network with some of the tourist attractions and museums that offer venues for parties and receptions. Network with the managers of the different venues that specialize in renting their facilities for hospitality events. Network with the florist, bakeries, photographers, and anyone else in the hospitality industries. Build yourself a network and the customers will follow.
Make sure every event you cater is spectacular in food quality, originality and service. Then make sure you have plenty of business cards and catering brochures available for every guest to take with them when they leave. An easel with your business name on an elegant sign wouldn't hurt either. Every event is the best opportunity you'll have to market your business to potential, future customers.
There are three reliable methods that work for me. First to start I had a professionally designed website. Second, I had booths at wedding shows where I distributed samples and business cards, third I solicited referrals from new clients and offered incentive discounts. I have also done some emailing packages to corporate clients. These have worked well for the last ten years. Dorothe Riley-Green, Orlando Caribbean Catering.
We build relationships with folks in our community! It's all about the networking and relationship building. Our local Chamber of Commerce's are a great benefit to small businesses, and we just get to know as many folks as we can.
Word of mouth! And a good web presence.......you must have a good website too that has your contact info, location and a clear picture of your services.
After 15 years it’s mainly word of mouth and referrals. I am on social media that helps a lot. The more people see your name out there the more you are familiar to them
Answers (1-10)
Well there are several ways to attract customers. Some cost a little money and some just take your time in networking and P/R. First you want to create a brand and market yourself as that brand. Most brands in the catering/hospitality business are driven by the customer service philosophy and a few specialty items or services. Participate in community/charity events, galas and chamber type functions. Take samples of your signature dishes to the different offices in your area. Call some of the bigger plants and offer to bring them a sample luncheon to the people that order the lunches for different meetings they have. Network with some of the tourist attractions and museums that offer venues for parties and receptions. Network with the managers of the different venues that specialize in renting their facilities for hospitality events. Network with the florist, bakeries, photographers, and anyone else in the hospitality industries. Build yourself a network and the customers will follow.
Make sure every event you cater is spectacular in food quality, originality and service. Then make sure you have plenty of business cards and catering brochures available for every guest to take with them when they leave. An easel with your business name on an elegant sign wouldn't hurt either. Every event is the best opportunity you'll have to market your business to potential, future customers.
There are three reliable methods that work for me. First to start I had a professionally designed website. Second, I had booths at wedding shows where I distributed samples and business cards, third I solicited referrals from new clients and offered incentive discounts. I have also done some emailing packages to corporate clients. These have worked well for the last ten years. Dorothe Riley-Green, Orlando Caribbean Catering.
good quality food and word from former clients
We build relationships with folks in our community! It's all about the networking and relationship building. Our local Chamber of Commerce's are a great benefit to small businesses, and we just get to know as many folks as we can.
Have a strong presence in key event in your area, such fundraiser events, venue openings, and corporate celebrations.
Offer your services to your local industry associations fundraising events
Word of mouth! And a good web presence.......you must have a good website too that has your contact info, location and a clear picture of your services.
After 15 years it’s mainly word of mouth and referrals. I am on social media that helps a lot. The more people see your name out there the more you are familiar to them
We found pictures and frequently on social media of all kinds.