Menu
- Phone: +1(833)PHX-Geek
- 712 H St NE Suite 1904 Washington, D.C. 20002
Menu
In today’s fast-paced digital world, businesses often lean heavily on technology to drive sales. However, when it comes to catering sales, nothing replaces the value of old-school relationship building. Developing strong, personal connections can be a game-changer, especially in an industry where trust and reliability are paramount. While modern sales tools and marketing automation are useful, catering businesses that blend these innovations with time-tested networking strategies often find more success. Here’s how building relationships the old-fashioned way can boost your catering sales and keep your business thriving in a competitive market. 
In catering, trust is everything. Whether it's a corporate event or a wedding, clients need assurance that everything will run smoothly on their big day. Personal relationships create a sense of trust that digital marketing often can't achieve. When a potential client meets with you face-to-face, they are more likely to form a positive opinion of your business. A warm handshake, a smile, and active listening can go much further than an automated email.
Unlike other sectors, catering often revolves around repeat business. A successful event could lead to bookings for future events or referrals to friends and colleagues. By investing time into building a strong rapport with clients, you increase your chances of creating long-term relationships that fuel sustained business. A client who feels valued is more likely to come back, which is crucial for ongoing catering sales.
People trust recommendations from friends and family. While online reviews are important, nothing beats the power of word-of-mouth marketing. Clients who have had positive, memorable interactions with a catering company are more likely to refer them to others. This is why relationship-building efforts often lead to new opportunities. Catering companies should leverage these personal connections to encourage referrals, which remain one of the most powerful forms of lead generation.
Face-to-face meetings, phone calls, and personal follow-ups allow catering sales teams to understand their clients better. This isn’t just about what food they like; it’s about understanding their concerns, budget, vision, and what they value most in a catering partner. When clients feel heard and understood, they are more likely to book and trust you to deliver.
While competitors are focusing on SEO, social media, and paid ads, catering companies that prioritize personal interaction can stand out. Old-school relationship-building gives you an edge, allowing clients to see you as more than just another vendor. They see you as a partner invested in the success of their event. 
Corporate catering offers unique opportunities for recurring revenue. Companies regularly host events, meetings, and gatherings that require catering. Building relationships with office managers, event planners, and business owners through lunches, in-person meetings, and personalized outreach can secure you a steady flow of corporate business. Networking at industry events and conferences is another great way to strengthen these connections and gain visibility in the corporate space.
Catering businesses that are involved in their local communities often thrive due to the strong networks they create. Sponsoring local events, donating to charity functions, or even hosting free tastings for local businesses are ways to integrate your business into the community fabric. This kind of visibility helps you build relationships not only with potential clients but also with local influencers who can refer your services.
Old-school relationship building doesn't stop once the contract is signed. It's about staying connected even after the event is over. Sending a thank-you note or giving a follow-up call to check in on how everything went can leave a lasting impression. This simple act can turn a one-time client into a loyal customer, further boosting your catering sales through repeat business.
It’s important to acknowledge that while old-school relationship-building is key, technology still has its place. Tools like Toast POS can streamline operations, allowing more time for personal interaction. With features like online ordering and event management, catering companies can use technology to complement their relationship-building efforts without sacrificing personal touch. For example, Toast Tab enables catering businesses to manage orders and payments seamlessly while maintaining a personalized customer service experience.
In catering, relationships matter just as much as the food. By focusing on old-school relationship-building tactics like face-to-face meetings, personalized follow-ups, and community involvement, catering businesses can create strong bonds with clients that lead to increased sales. At the same time, integrating tools like Toast POS can enhance your efficiency and allow you to focus more on your clients. Call Phoenix Geeks today at 833-PHX-Geek to learn more about how we can help you combine technology and relationship-building to boost your catering sales.