Catering is a highly competitive field in most areas of the country. However, if you understand your market and provide clients with the types of food and service they desire, you can develop a loyal customer base.

A catering business start-up requires both money and time. The first thing you’ll want to check into is determining what types of credentials are required by your state, city, and county. At minimum you will need to obtain certification in food handling and safety. This is typically provided through the Board of Health. You’ll also need to obtain state and local licenses in order to sell food to the public.

Another aspect of catering business start-up is to develop a business and marketing plan. You’ll want to locate the demographics in the area to determine if there is a need for your catering services. As you develop your plan, make a list of what type of catering services you will offer. Depending on the area, you may have many options.

For instance, if you live in states where auto racing is popular, you might want to consider breaking into a catering business that caters to racing sponsors. Typically you cannot perform catering for large corporations such as Nascar, Formula One or Indy car racing due to their internal rules and regulations. However, there are all types of racing events that do allow vendors. If you offer a unique service and a fair price, chances are good you could make an excellent catering career in this field.

If there are no motorsports groups in your area, make a list of all the businesses that could use your catering services. Many organizations host company parties and picnics throughout the year. Think about all of the reasons large groups of people gather and find a way to cater to their needs.

Unless you are funding the business yourself or with the help of friends and family, you will want a professionally prepared business plan to provide to banks and potential investors. Catering business start-up costs can range between $2500 to $100,000 or more.

Perhaps the most important aspect of a catering business start-up is the location where you will be preparing the food. Regardless of whether you cook in your home or lease commercial space, you will need a professional kitchen and appliances, as well as serving equipment, dinnerware, flatware, glassware, napkins, tablecloths, folding tables and chairs.

You will also need a vehicle large enough to transport food and serving equipment. This might be accomplished by using your own personal automobile, or may require a full-size catering truck.

In order to keep your catering business start-up costs to a minimum, consider renting catering supplies and equipment from a party supply warehouse. Oftentimes, you can obtain wholesale pricing and will not be charged sales tax when you have a tax exemption certificate. Additionally, these companies oftentimes will deliver and set-up equipment at the location of your choice.

In order to keep your employee wages to a minimum when starting a catering business, consider using a temporary employment agency. Most catering businesses only employ 1 to 6 full-time employees and the rest are hired through agencies on an as-needed basis.

Last, but not least, you will need to purchase business liability insurance. The food industry is a risky business and lawsuits occur on a daily basis. Make certain you and your business is properly covered and includes protection against food poisoning claims.

Ask yourself what you could lose by pushing yourself that little bit harder and going for something. The worst that could happen is that you wouldn’t at first succeed. But if you don’t succeed at first and there are many who don’t, then simply cast this aside and worry not about it and try again, only this time go about it a completely different way. There is no failure in trying something and having to go about it a different way, change course, there can only be failure if you give in and stop trying. This is the only time when you can fail and this you should always remember and tell yourself in moments of doubt.

When trying to bring out determination you should of course start off with an easy task. Maybe something you have been putting off for a while, it could be something in your personal life, at work, or something you wish to better about yourself such as learn a new hobby or skill. Whatever it is pick a time when you will start or attempt whatever it is you want and mark it off on the calendar with a big bold circle. As the time draws closer keep repeating affirmations that you can do this, you will be successful, stay focused and determined on a positive outcome and when the day comes just go for it. Always remember that you have got nothing to lose by trying but everything to gain by sticking with your newfound determination.

1 – Real Estate Agent

Real Estate agents are responsible for the vast majority of Real Estate Sales, Matching qualified buyers with eager sellers.

2 – Mortgage Broker

A good mortgage broker will represent 10 or more lenders. Each lender may have dozens of loan programs. The job of the Mortgage broker is to find the best loan for each client.

3 – Loan Originator

A loan originator or loan officer will work for the mortgage broker and help the client choose the best loan for their situation.

4 – Title Officer

A title officer will issue a title insurance policy on Real property. The purpose of the title insurance is to protect the buyer and the lender in the event there are claims against the property that weren’t settled at time of purchase.

5 – Loan Processor

A Loan Processor often gets paid a salary as well as a bonus for each funded loan. Loan Processors do all the paper work to push a loan thru.

6 – Loan Underwriter

The Loan Underwriter works for the lender and makes sure the borrower meets the loan qualifications

7 – Appraiser

An Appraiser will place a value on the house that will be used by the lender to determine the amount of money they are willing to lend on a property

8 – Home Inspector

A home inspector will often look over the house to find any problems prior to the close of the sale. The buyer can then negotiate with the seller to get some or all of the major problems fixed.

9 – Insurance Agent

Lenders require a Home Owners Insurance policy. Often new homeowners will also purchase, Flood, Mortgage life and earthquake insurance as well.

10 – Escrow Officer

An escrow officer works for an escrow company. An escrow company is a neutral 3rd party that holds and disperses the funds to ensure a smooth transaction

11 – Real Estate Lawyer

Many Real estate transactions require the services of a lawyer