I'm not "Martha Stewart rich" or anything like that, but I do alright doing one simple thing...
I teach people what I know and have made money from; producing various types of catering and event planning gigs. I've been at this for a while now; a little over 20 years.
The concept is simple
Some of you know about "Caterer's Top Secrets", the eBook you receive when you sign up to get the Cater-Hater newsletter. But as you continue reading you'll find out about a few things I haven't shared with readers before, which spells out why I wrote it.
Earlier this year, I tried something -- just for the heck of it; I tried my hand at teaching and thought I'd tackle trying it on a very popular website where people sell all kinds of things. It worked. But it left me little-to-no- time for anything else. And I feel like you do. I cannot have one thing consume all of my time, all of the time.
I was shocked beyond belief that things went so well. Because what I found out (what was unbeknownst to me at first) was that people loved my teaching style. That freaked me out (in a good way!), no doubt. But the truth is, I've aspired to teach people classic, DIY catering and event planning "fundamentals" about parties. I just didn't know that from a true "teacher's perspective", I've gotten pretty good at it. But after tearing myself away (completely) from my little teaching expedition, while in the midst of writing CH the other day, I thought about the kinds of questions people asked me and thought I would share some of their questions, adding my answers to them.
Before I go into the Q&A, let me say this... one of the biggest misconceptions that exist regarding parties is that you have to have a lot of money or hire a professional to create something amazing.
That couldn't be further from the truth.
Even though producing a well executed party can be hard work, the concept is super simple...
Find something you like a lot - preferably something that you're quite passionate about that pertains to a hobby, skill, or information that interests you -- that you can connect to a party theme, and project all of it that you can into your party. Start early to get good deals and use what you've already got on hand that will compliment or expand what you envision.
This has been my party execution foundation for years and as long as you can save yourself some money DIY (doing it yourself), why not? And if you love doing it... that's all the better. You never know, one day you might start to produce parties for friends and family (if you aren't doing it already), and get paid for it.
Q&A's
Q: How did all of this blogging, eBook writing (and whatever other writing that you're doing) come about?
A: Wanting people to be empowered to not have to pay for professional party services (unless you want to), as an "expert" in that area, I love the idea of it and decided to tell readers what I know. I haven't even tipped the surface of sharing what I know about a lot of it, but "Rome wasn't built in a day", as they say.
Q: How is what you have to say "different" from a lot of what's already been said on the Net?
A: General party information that I've come across online is geared toward a more general outlook that doesn't purposely look out for consumers. My way, it's based on the consumer, not the concept or technique. It's about whatever it takes to help you out; shortcuts, methods from the standpoint of "really... don't bother to hire a caterer or party planner." It's about enabling you to excel at creating parties.
Q: You mentioned "general" information. Don't you give it?
A: No, not so much. Because there's already so much of it out there (published on the Internet). I mean, I am the original person to create the term "cater hater", which was never meant to be mean-spirited or anything like that. So, I'm thrilled to help party consumers produce parties and save money.
Q: Do you have a specific message for all of the people who read Cater-Hater?
A: Yes, all this... all that I strive for is about "party love", or my love for parties. You come to Cater-Hater, you're automatically in my head -- whether you realize it or not. You find out how I view things, how my mind works. It's no "hard sell" or anything. If you don't like it, you're not bound to anything so you can go. So, people seem to like being let in that way.
I write this blog myself, so I'm inviting you into my party-crazed head so you can to "see" how and what I see, and maybe come to understand how I process or how I think... how I create. This stuff doesn't require NASA level thinking of course. And there's no way I'd ever try to intellectualize it as such. So, it's great! Anyone can pick up what I'm talking about. Which means anyone can create their own awesome party. So, anyone can be a "cater hater".
How can I help you?
The first thing you want to do is subscribe to this blog. You can do so by email, RSS feed, or by bookmarking it.
I send out updates every Tuesday and Thursday so that's the best way know the latest free tips related to catering and event planning parties, weddings, and corporate special events. If you're new to what I call the "World of Parties" and want to learn how to create the kind of parties that suit your needs, you've arrived at the right place.
Are you interested in creating parties for yourself or others?
If you want to create parties and make money doing it as I have over the years, consider subscribing to Cater-Hater via the grey form on the sidebar or at the bottom of this blog post. "Caterer's Top Secrets" (that you'll receive for free when you subscribe via the grey sign-up forms) is a practical guide to help you understand how most caterer's minds work, which can help you avoid making costly mistakes -- should you decide to hire one. And should help you to know where not to go, if you plan to get into this line of work as a business.
As a caterer/party planner, I see things to share with you differently than other business owners; more from the perspective that actually benefits you. It was like it was "just yesterday" that I was strictly a party customer too. I'm still a customer, just not of party related things. Being sensitive to that fact, I "get" it. You're like me. You don't want to be preached to. You don't want to or need to be "sold". Just line up the facts, shoot 'em to me, and allow me to decide. My #1 concern is that you get what I want to get too; the most out of using the information that's been made available... pure and simple. I can only write what I know about, first-hand. It's all pretty straight forward.
This is not some hate a caterer, do-it-quick guide. It's a sensible "fast read" guide with an additional BONUS eBooklet that will help you with how-to meet with party planners and ensure that you are focusing on the most important steps along with way.
There's a lot of "smack" being talked out there and it's easy to be mislead, get off-track and lose focus. "Caterer's Top Secrets" will keep you "on your game" and from feeling overwhelmed with how to connect with a caterer or a catering company, and provide you the encouragement and advice that you need to help you choose the best catering professional wisely. And like I said, if you're not in the market to hire a caterer, it will help you be a better caterer yourself. It's a real glimpse into part of a caterer's subconscious.
What's new here?
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I do this... I write to help to create to opportunities for all of you to pursue your passion to have parties without regard to economic constraints.
I think if we keep talking about the cost of parties (I blog, you write comments), together, maybe we can break down some of the party industry price barriers and shame some of the people who've taken your money and delivered a poor quality product right into growing a conscious and treating you right (nice thought, isn't it?).
Opportunities to be inspired about parties are everywhere. Yet, people looking out for your wallet are few and far between. My goal is to inspire you, causing you to question the way things are that have been the status quo for too long. When we stand together and speak up, we can be a powerful force.
Let's keep the conversation of change going. Because in the sea of everyone talking, one voice is a whisper... several voices are a scream.
Leave a comment and share your thoughts, ideas and suggestions below. Remember to be as specific as possible because what you have to say helps us all.
I really love you guys. There, I said it.
Always... be encouraged and be encouraging to others too,
“Skepticism doesn't help you hear.” - Seth Godin
Image source: CAYSP