Guest Article: Winning The "Cater-Stress" Battle - by Carl Jones

Cater-stress is the anxiety felt by a caterer who is overwhelmed by the demands of owning and operating a catering business.  Not all stress is bad.  To some people it is like a drug or a rush they need to have a fulfilling life. Stress can have cumulative effect, especially when adding on the stresses of life, traumatic events, loss of loved ones and financial crisis.

Most cater-stress can be avoided once we understand the causes and take the necessary steps to eliminate it. While some caterers believe they are a part of a stressful business, it does not have to be as stressful as we allow it to be.  Many people learn how to channel the body's reaction to mental and physical stress.

Mental stress is caused by fear.  Perhaps it is the fear of the unknown, but is usually the repetition of the same problems over and over.  A caterer has a tough day due to several key items forgotten; or late leaving the kitchen for an event, or running out of food.  Yet, they don't correct the real problem and continue to repeat the same mistakes.

The solution is being proactive by doing things to prevent unnecessary stress. Most stress in business comes from lack of organization.  Getting organized is a skill that must become a lifestyle.  Until the business owner learns the skills of being organized, they will continue in a lifestyle of stress and anxiety.

Here are the basics of being organized:
Maintain a daily to do list.
Use checklists for each event.
Write out a game plan for each event.
Delegate anything you have trained someone else to handle.
Train someone to do daily tasks and delegate.
Write down the procedures of "how we do things here" for every task from buffet set up to trimming a tenderloin."
Train, evaluate, test and reward employees to bring out their best.
Consider hiring someone to help get this done much faster; such as a consultant who specializes in systems and operations.

Remember, your health is vital to the continuance of your life. Mental stress is detrimental to your emotional and physical health.  Learn how to relax, eat well, take time to meditate or breath deeply. Exercise has been proven to lower stress and  improve health; we all know this.  The key is making this a priority and following through.

Catering is not easy work, but it doesn't have to be difficult. Your business does not have to be stressful to the point of damaging your health. Make it a priority to get organized. 

Carl Jones

Carl Jones is renowned food artist - ( a result of adding a stress relieving hobby); he is mentor and consultant to restaurants, caterers and corporate leaders.
http://www.carljonescarvings.com