Monday, April 12, 2010

What You Should Know About Becoming a Catering or Event Planning Entreprenuer

If you're an inexperienced or want-to-be caterer or event planner, try to line yourself up to work with the most awesome people in your local area of all time.

Cater-Hater Tip:
Unless they have the time to spend talking to you, don't risk annoying them by asking questions. When given the opportunity, soak up every ounce of their knowledge that you can.

Always remember: The glamour is in "the experience" most of the time, no matter what that experience is.

I spent my twenties and thirties building other people's brands; spending time at independently owned restaurants, a university, major catering and event planning companies in Los Angeles, and even at a well-known warehouse shopping club.

Then, in my forties, I set out to create my own catering and event planning business, Carlo At Your Service Productions. It seems that it's at this point in life that we have the kahuna's to create something for ourselves, to set out to do something great.

I hope to inspire you to become an entreprenuer.

When I got started, there was no recession. People had more time to give at their expense. It was at the beginning of the recession that I saw what some people were made of. And, let me tell you, sometimes it wasn't pretty.

I was building luxury services - from event planning to catering services. No matter when you institute "luxury", quality is what is most important. I figure everything is so expensive anyway, why not spend your money knowing that you're paying for luxury, which everyone knows is better than "average".

Who pulls out there wallet to spend their money on "average"?

No one wants to pay for "average". Although average is sometimes what you, unfortunately, end up getting.

Luxury event planning and catering service and services are what I felt were needed in the marketplace.

Luxury service and services allow me to be creative and give people what their money should pay for - great service and services. And more importantly, it affords the client the opportunity to have my company give them what they want.

Event planning Michigan events is a bit different from Los Angeles event planning. Almost every week in Los Angeles was like planning and catering the Super Bowl - producing huge parties and special events with guest lists numbering in the thousands.

If I can do it, you can do it.

I'm a just regular party planner and caterer who had extraordinary circumstances come my way. You have to be ready for anything and be ready to make opportunities and take opportunities when they come your way.

I'm a Scorpio, so I'm very driven and determined, and I give 150%. So, I'm demanding of myself and those that I work with.

When it comes to my inner circle of real friends and family who I trust, I speak my mind. Chances are, if you aren't open-minded and non-judgemental, we won't end up being very close. Therefore, my personal opinions about things are none of your business.

When it comes to the work you get, you have to be careful about the company that you keep.
So-called friends and well-doers who eventually reveal themselves to be liars and people with unscrupulous morals can get you into a world of trouble.

Sure, I know a lot of people, but I only surround myself with people who are willing to take personal responsibility for their actions. Think about it. There's a huge difference between friendly and friendship, right? It can sometimes take a while for people to understand that.

Nothing is more annoying than a "slacker" who tries to get away with getting paid without doing the work.

There's absolutely nothing luxurious about that. I'm not afraid of obstacles or challenges. In fact, I thrive on them. I love trying to prove to myself that I can do something that I've never done before.

I seek perfection from the beginning of an event right up til the end. You could add major additions to your party, at the last minute, and unless one of our vendors is in the weeds, you'll get it.

It's all about paying attention to the client; knowing what they want and bringing out the character that they are.

We're all characters. But really developing a client's character to come out (within the style of their party) is the most important part.

The main thing to remember is that there are no rules.

Every party or catered special event is different. Your clients will want a party that will be beautiful, that will make them and their guests feel good.

Don't get discouraged by thinking that caterers and party event planners are everywhere. There are definitely catering and event planner job openings that are available. For example, golf event planner jobs are on the upswing. So you could always become a golf event planner.

If your plan is to become a caterer or to take the steps to become an event planner (or a specialized corporate event planner or wedding event planner), know that the world won't often share your intelligence, so it may be better to act on your insight or instinctive knowledge and beliefs.


Whether your desire is to plan parties, or cater parties, or both, always remember that if you work tirelessly - with little or no expectations - you will always be able to achieve a personal level of success.

Go get 'em, Tiger!


Image source: Carlo At Your Service Productions
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I'm Carlo. And this is my party truth.

I'm an off-premise catering evangelist/outlaw. I'm a passionista. I'm a paradox. I love when a client hires me to oversee their entire event, from start to finish - because I'm an event planner too.

I'm proud to be mom to Petey Wheatstraw, "the devil's son-in-law" - the best damn Chihuahua North of Mexico. I grew up in Rochester, Michigan. I currently live deep in the heart of Texas. And boy, do I ever miss Xochimilco Super Nachos, the fragrance of Fall and fresh cider and donuts at Paint Creek Cider Mill, and eating a Detroit Lafayette Coney Island when the mood hits me.

It's cool of you to stop by. And you know what's even better? Finding out what you have to say! Hit me up with a comment. Hang with me on Twitter (three accounts, you choose; @TheCaterHater, @CarloAtYourServ, or @CarloAtYourSer2). Or, connect with me using the FB gadget or G+ button on the sidebar. For real, I'd be honored if you'd click on either one. If you want to ask me anything or want to leave a comment, you know the drill; "Contact".

I like people. Especially, people who want the party truth. Talk to me.

 
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