If you love to cook and are looking to become a work at home mom, a catering business may be just the thing for you!  It is a service-oriented business and involves you providing food, perhaps even services and supplies for events such as weddings, reunions, and parties.

The number one skill you should possess is a love of cooking.  You will also need to be a people person and be able to deal with pressure.  If something goes wrong, you will need to be able to react and quickly – all while staying calm.  You need to be reliable.  If your client’s party starts at 3 pm, you should have everything ready to go slightly before that.  If not, its doubtful the client will use you again or recommend your services to others.

As with all businesses, you will also need a phone number so clients can contact you.  Even a web page can be helpful in a catering business.  Business cards, brochures, and flyers are also excellent marketing tools.  When you distribute business cards with the web page on them, it gives people a place to see all you can do and all you have to offer.

If you don’t have all the cooking equipment and supplies you need initially, you may be able to rent them.  If it is something you will use a lot though, it will save you in the long run to purchase those materials.  But until you build a little capital, renting is practical.

The best way to prepare for cooking for a large number of people is to have “pretend” catering events for your friends and family.  They will be honest with you about what works and what doesn’t work.  Plus, it’s doubtful any of them will turn down a free meal!  You will get great experience doing this.

See if any of your friends or family need a small event catered.  If you can cater small events and then build up to larger events, you will be more prepared and experienced.

You will also need to choose a name for your catering business.  Remember, first impressions are often lasting, so choose something up beat that conveys exactly what your business is.  Also, check with local agencies to see if you need things such as a business permit to run a catering business in your area.

If things go well and you are still ready to move forward with your decision and start this catering service you need to choose a name. Even before choosing a name it might be a good idea to check into the legalities of beginning your own business. Check to see if you need a permit, find out what your local and state laws are in regards to starting your own business.

Starting a catering business can be very rewarding if you love cooking and people.  Be sure to research other caterers in the area so you know what prices are reasonable.  With the right dedication to the job, you can make the business a success!