Larry Levy
Vice President and Co-owner“How to Impress for Less”
( This article written by Larry H. Levy, co-owner and Vice President of Biddle Street Catering and Events, was published in Warfields Magazine, March, 1997)In this era of the shrinking dollar, Corporate budgets can change from one moment to the next, and we must prepare our selves. We can plan every detail of an event, be ready to go, and a C.E.O. or a higher up in accounting can decide to cut the budget by one third. How do we best accommodate our clients when their budgets are slashed? One way is to educate your Corporate clients on ways to stretch the Company dollar. Following are my suggestions—to those in charge of Corporate Events— of ways to cut costs while enhancing your Corporate image.
When You Snooze You Loose
Contact your Caterer well ahead of the anticipated event! By establishing plenty of lead time, you are affording your Caterer the opportunity to come up with an even better menu than he might be able to if he is working against time.I always enjoy working with my business clients and helping them to create an event which will enhance their corporate image—or reflect it, at the very least. The more time I have, the more opportunity I have to create a better menu at a better price. For example, if you are planning a Christmas Party, you won't get your best pricing if you call the first week of December because Caterers are under pressure at that time and are working under the gun to coordinate all their bookings for the same period of time.
My suggestion is that you book your Holiday party in September or October when your Caterer has the time to really "get into" your event. I feel the best way to get full value for your money when planning that office Christmas party, is to book it and plan it well before November.You may even be offered a discount!
Honesty Is The Best Policy
Work with professional Caterers. Tell them your situation. Tell them your budget. Tell them your serving ideas. Ask them for their ideas. Let them offer suggestions. Be sure to determine exactly what you expect within your budget! The more information my client gives me, the better I can serve them (no pun intended). I enjoy working closely with my clients. When I understand my client's goals and can work with him, and within his budget, to achieve those goals, I am one happy caterer.
Larry Levy
phone: 410-727-7777
fax: 410-727-7797
