If you run a business, then you likely know how important it is to keep your clients and your employees happy. As statistics from The New York Times show, unhappy workers are far less productive than their chipper counterparts. This lack of morale often leads to a so-called “disengagement crisis,” a status marked by nearly $300 billion in lost productivity for American businesses every year. Likewise, failing to keep your clients happy can sound the death knell for your business in a flash.
One of the best ways to make sure both your clients and your employees stay happy is by using corporate catering services. As The Huffington Post correctly points out, good food can lead directly to good moods, whether they’re your clients’ or your employees’. That’s one reason why the U.S. catering industry grew by 6.5% from 2011 to 2012 and is now worth more than $8 billion, according to IBIS World.
Of course, not every company that purports to specialize in catering events is created equal. Just like any other service, there are some things you should keep in mind when trying to impress your workers and consumers with catering events. Here are just three of the most important.
Taste is Key
Countless studies and human experience have shown that taste is the most important factor in choosing food. A recent study from Cambridge University shows that flavor plays a vital role in the enjoyment of food and the sensory experience of satisfaction following a meal. If you want to impress your business associates, then you need to first taste the food and make sure it’s amazing. About.com’s Event Planning further suggests you ask your catering company whether their dishes are made fresh or kept under a heating lamp to maintain their temperature. The answer can make a huge difference in flavor.
What Sort of Reputation Do They Have?
As eVenues, an event planning blog, discusses, when you’re selecting a service for your catering events, you need to look into their reputation and certifications. Do they possess all the necessary state and federal licenses they need to legally operate? Do they have any safety infractions or bad press? If the corporate catering solutions you’re going through are being a little shy when it comes to their qualifications, contact your local government office and have them pull permits, licenses, and any other pertinent information. Also, don’t be afraid to use Google.
Ask for a Budgeted Proposal
While you should certainly aim to impress the guests of your catering events, you should do so without financially harming your company in the process. That’s why The Nibble recommends everyone seeking catering services asks for a budgeted proposal before agreeing to anything. As Cost Helper points out, catering services can range anywhere from $20 to $350 a person, but that greatly depends on the type of food served, whether or not wait-staff are provided, and the venue.
Using professional catering agencies can be the key to improving your workplace morale and business relations with your consumers. However, hiring a catering service of ill repute will get you the exact opposite result. Use these three tips to find the best professionals for your catering events.