From Soup to Nuts
I often write about "the process" of inspiration that helps me to conceptualize party design. I also often write and share design ideas, tips and tricks. I happen to think it’s one of the secrets to success in the event planning business.
But just like the weather, everything here is subject to change, and change from day-to-day.
Which means... Cater-Hater article posts won't always necessarily be "how to guides" or "tutorials", per se.
Obviously, I'm not Martha (Stewart). Nor, am I Rachael (Ray, obviously). And because I'm not, I won't make an attempt at emulating them and how they post their information.
Just like I'm a proponent of you "doing you", so you'll the best version of your authentic self... I'm "doing me"; not making a pathetic stab at copying someone else. That would be futile.
That being said...
The thing is, it’s not really that hard to impress clients, because people have grown to expect so little. Just caring a lot and giving a little something extra, after the deal has been agreed to, can go a long way towards creating good will and positive word of mouth compliments.
Now here's some "soup" for ya...
One time an old my friend, Diane, hired me to cater her son's graduation party. I have some great pics floating around somewhere in my storage facility. When I come across them, I'll be sure to come back and add them. You can feel free to remind me if I forget. Okay, let me get back to the story.
I got everything set up ahead of time, had great servers with great attitudes, the price point was extremely low and better than fair. All of these things added up to a nice experience that has been Diane "bragging us up" about ever since then. And, when she first saw her dining room table transformed into a beautiful feast, it sparked her to speak about her wedding reception with a strange kind of "regret".
"I wish you had been here when we got married", she said. I was in L.A. at the time, catering primarily with the "Caterer to the Stars". Diane said that shortly after she and her new husband hugged and kissed the last guests in their wedding reception receiving line, the caterer had run out of food. When she was telling me this -- you should have seen the look on my face!
And get this... the thing is, they weren't the only ones that hadn't eaten. Unimaginable! Not to fail to mention what the empty buffet tables looked like. I mean like, what tha? You mean to tell me on their wedding day, all they ate was cake? She promises she'll never call that person again.
I'm grateful that she likes how I do things. Or I should say, how I kind of overdo things. Friendship falls to the wayside when I'm working for a friend or a "friendly acquaintance"; I'm all about taking care of business.
So after the graduation celebration, food went home with her aunt, her mom, and her mother-in-law, and her refrigerator was full. And she's told lots of people. As I said, that "soup" didn’t set them back very much, and I have fond memories of my visit at Diane's the next day, rehashing what happened at the party, over a real bowl of warmed up soup.
So, what's your "soup" strategy? Can you think of something to add something incredibly special to your party buffet table, if you're a party professional did you give your client something for no charge, provide a free consultation in another area of the party world, or give free away stuff from your strategic partner -- your favorite rental company?
I would love to hear your stories and "soupy" examples of this concept!
*****
Hey, thanks for stopping by!
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 take your money and deliver a poor quality product into treating you right.
Opportunities to be inspired about parties are everywhere. Yet, people looking out for your wallet are few and far between, so that's much of what I write about. My goal is to inspire you, causing you to question the way things are; things 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... and 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.
Thanks again! 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: Wikipedia