What we do as consultants is getting caterers out of their comfort zones, and into their challenge zones.

We all like to think that we’re very good at what we do. I know that I think so and I’ve been catering now for over 50 years in various capacities. In my own business, as well as for others, I work as a consultant helping my catering colleagues improve their top and bottom lines.  One thing is for sure, we can all do what we do better.  I like to think that my starting point for today is at the highest point I achieved yesterday.  If you don’t agree with that, then consulting is not for you.  Stay in your comfort zone and be happy.

But if you know you can better at what you do, and you’re willing to be challenged on why you do what you do, then I can absolutely guarantee you that a consultant who knows catering can bring you a huge return on investment. This assumes you are willing to change for the better. Consulting is not inexpensive, but if you look at it as an investment and if you’re willing to make reasonable changes in your operation, then it can be the best money you ever invested.

There are numerous reasons that catering firms hire consultants.  Here are a few that might be of interest.

1. Objectivity versus subjectivity. An outsider can identify problems without all the emotions and even drama that occur when we work with the same team members for months, years or even decades.
2. Consultants can fill temporary staffing needs. Both my COO and CFO started with me as consultants, and then segued into to full-time positions.
3. A consultant can be a catalyst for change. No one necessarily likes change, but a consultant can implement changes without a negative impact on corporate culture, morale, or other issues.  They can be hired gunslingers who come into town, fix things that need to be fixed and then ride off on their white horses.
4. Consultants can be hired to teach new ways of doing things. On my team I pay a consultant to help us with our CRM system, Salesforce.  It’s complicated, but worth every nickel.
5. Sometimes a firm needs to trim staff – the consultant can make this case and take on some of the “heat” in tough times when business lags.
6. Does your organization need new life? Bring in an outside consultant to help.  What is it that needs doing, that you’ve not been able to do yet?
7. Consultants can help you develop new business units within your firm. Perhaps you want to form a floral division, an event or wedding planning division, or even a production arm for your firm.  Bring in a consultant.

 

The bottom line here is that if you are not afraid of change, and if you know you can do better, and if you can admit to yourself, that you don’t know it all, then it may be time to reach out to our consulting team.