Checklist: Qualities of a Successful Personal Chef
It wouldn't be fair to make generalizations such as ALL personal chefs do this or ALL personal chefs have this quality. That said, there are a few qualities that would help a personal chef excel in his or her business.
#1 Personable
First, it sure does help to be personable. You've probably met or even have friends who have said "I don't like people". Truly, that just means they don't have good communication skills and have difficulty expressing themselves or understanding the expressions of others.
#2 Enjoyment in Helping
If you don't enjoy helping others or have patience when it comes to working with people, you may not do well as a personal chef.
Our profession is all about meeting people in their homes and making them feel comfortable with the fact that the chef is going to be all alone in their house, often having access to door codes and other private information. Making others feel at ease is often something that comes naturally to those who enjoy helping others.
#3 Attention to Detail
Having attention to detail is not essential to being a personal chef, but goes a long way in the realm of customer service.
Remembering that the Jones' love olives in their spaghetti sauce is going to make them feel special. It could be that you thought to put those notes into your recipes, not that you actually "remember", but this little attention to detail will mean a lot to the family you're cooking for.
Little things like putting the tea kettle back on the stove just how it was when you arrived shows that you know what the family prefers and can accommodate.
#4 Adaptability
Being adaptable is probably one of the most important qualities of being a personal chef. I really don't think you can run a successful business without this.
You may show up and only one out of the six burners are working. You must adapt for the day. One day, your client may announce that they're vegetarian. Well, now it's time to adapt a new menu for this client. Do you see what I mean?
If you throw an internal tantrum each time things aren't perfect, you most definitely won't last long.
Are these all qualities you possess? Or is it that you think these qualities are not important as a personal chef?
Reply anytime and I'll personally answer.
Best Wishes & Much Success to You, Virginia Stockwell
10 Things to Do Before Starting Your Personal Chef Business
Ten-Step Actionable Checklist of things to do before investing in this new business so you're prepared when your first paying client comes along.
for Free
Personal Chef Mentor
Virginia Stockwell
Virginia Stockwell is a personal chef business mentor from California, now living in Austin, TX. She's had careers as a chiropractor and Realtor, then finally found her calling as a personal chef. Starting in catering in 2005, she began her personal chef business in 2012, quickly growing to a waiting list of clients thanks to her local marketing expertise. She now empowers home cooks and professional chefs to start their own meal prep and dinner party businesses, creating a life of hours and income they control. She lives the life of a minimalist both personally and professionally, reads cookbooks like novels, and is locally famous for her taco and margarita parties (check out "A Taco Walks into a Bar" on Amazon).
How to Price Your Personal Chef Services
Personal Chefs do not charge by the hour. They also do not calculate food costs like restaurant chefs.
This is a self-paced course you can begin immediately.
$94 >>
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Design a custom plan with the help of prompts so that you know where you’re going and what you need to do next...
Because a goal without a plan is just a wish.
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How-To
Anyone can create a website, but it takes know-how to design a lead generating website. You'll learn how to capture leads while you sleep, what to include on each web page, and common mistakes personal chefs make on their websites. Give potential clients a five-star first impression of your company by showing off your culinary skills in a benefit-driven style.
This course is included when purchasing the all-inclusive personal chef business program above.
Bookkeeping
for Personal Chefs
for Personal Chefs
Lesson 1 - Bookkeeping 101
Lesson 2 - The IRS & You
Lesson 3 - What's Tax Deductible
Lesson 4 - Record Keeping
This course is included when purchasing the all-inclusive personal chef business program above.
Chef-Client Contract
Customized to Your Business
Customized to Your Business
Without this important document, there are too many "what ifs" that could lead to lost money. You'll walk away with customized contracts for both meal prep and events to fit your personal chef business model.
This course is included when purchasing the all-inclusive personal chef business program above.
101 Marketing Tactics to Attract New Clients
You know all there is about cooking and pricing your services. The only struggle you have now is bringing new leads into your business. You'll receive 101 action oriented marketing tactics that you can begin implementing today. Find what's working best for you and do more of it. Marketing tactics for both introverts and outgoing personalities are included. Start implementing the tactics today.
All-Inclusive Program
PERSONAL CHEF
BUSINESS PROGRAM
All-Inclusive Program
BUSINESS PROGRAM
Go from "I don't know where to begin" to running a profitable personal chef business so you have control over your own hours and income.
Modules Included:
1 - Define Your Competitive Advantage
2 - Determine Pricing
3 - Meal Prep 101
4 - Dinner Party 101
5 - Become Legal & Insured
6 - Create a Lead Generating Website
7 - Craft a Marketing Plan
8 - Test Various Marketing Strategies
9 - Bookkeeping
10 - Social Media
10 Things to Do Before Starting Your Personal Chef Business
Ten-Step Actionable Checklist of things to do before investing in this new business so you're prepared when your first paying client comes along.
for Free