Saturday I had this great opportunity to cater a party,
which I did, and it was an honor to even be thought of. There were lots of
positives, but there were also a lot of takeaways to grow from. I have been
doing this off and on for a while now, and I really enjoy the art of cooking.
The difference this time was me, and by not following my own rules I set myself
up for failure. Maybe cooking for friends kept me from the formalities of
business? One of my favorite sayings is, “Friends is friends, but this is
business”. Will I remember that going forward? Yes!
Rules I Broke:
1. Communication – Sure we communicated, but not at the
level for success. Over communication is better than a lack of communication. Very
unprofessional on my part because there shouldn’t have been any surprises.
2. Site Visit – I always visit the site beforehand, but did
not do it this time. Why? I don’t know. Where was the party at? Where was the
food going to go? What additional materials were needed? Access to the
facility? Restrictions? Time? Backup plan?
3. Equipment Usage – I had access just prior to the party to
finish prepping and cooking, as well as setting up. Broken Rule # 2 would have
solved most of this. I learned a humbling lesson about an induction cooktop –vs-
a glass top range. My in-laws have a glass top range, and how do I know it is glass
top and not induction…because all of their old ass pans work on it. I felt like
an old person with a smart phone (if you’re reading this then you’re too young
to be offended). Power? Check. Burner controls? Check! Stove working? No! The thing
was laid out like an IKEA instruction booklet…easy to follow. Except you need
the right pans, and my pans were not the right pans. However, I now know the
difference, and can operate the equipment.
4. Help – I planned accordingly to not need help based on no
issues. That was a bonehead move because you should plan for the worst, and
hope for the best. It was like I was writing the manual of what not to do.
Pros:
1. Love cooking!
2. Got to see some great people.
3. Lots of help and support from friends and family.
4. Good reviews.
5. Getting the opportunity.
6. Got to be part of part of a great celebration of life.
7. Trust and honor!
Cons:
1. Broken rules from above.
2. Time.
This was a great event in a family’s life, and I had the
opportunity to be a part of that. The entire day was positive. People may take
my broken rules and cons as negative, but they’re not; they are positives,
because anytime that you can grow, learn, and takeaway from a person or a
situation; then that is a positive experience.
I have never received negative feedback in my life; it has
always been positive. It is not always easy to hear, but it has always been
positive. Feedback is determined to be positive or negative in the mind of the
person receiving it. If you cannot look at yourself as you truly are, or are
not willing to hear what others have to say; then how will you ever grow as a
person? I grew as a person on Saturday, and it is a great feeling.
Special love and thanks go out to my family (the Allred
family), the Gregory family, the Rose family, and the Bower family. You know
who you are and the great things you did, and I really truly appreciate all of
you. Thank you!
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