Chapter 10

Cleaning Up

I once heard a story about a pilot who performed an amazing feat by landing a passenger plane after it had been critically damaged in a thunderstorm. Having lost almost all his controls, he used only his tail rudder to guide the plane down through the clouds to safety. As the pilot exited the plane he noticed all the passengers were still standing on the tarmac, staring up at the plane in amazement.

"How did you do it?" they asked him, to which he shrugged modestly.

"But look!" one of them asked, pointing to the craft. "Both wings have fallen off!"

The pilot looked back at the plane and shook his head.

"Details," he muttered, "details."

Hopefully, none of us will ever have to land a plane that has lost both its wings; or even fly one through a thunderstorm. Fortunately, most jobs in this world are not quite that complex. But you may find yourself (if you stay in the catering business for any length of time) battling challenges that seem as unstable and unpredictable as thunderstorms, and you may wonder why you put yourself in the pilot's seat.

Few businesses challenge the full range of a manger's skill like the catering business. From an intimate, gourmet dinner for a select group, to a reception for several thousand, every event tests your ability to plan, communicate and lead. In the end, the difference between you and the competition comes down to details. Grand schemes and concepts are merely dreams. It is the ability to deliver quality food and attentive service that is the meat and potatoes of catering. To pull that off you must have a plan.

It is my hope that you have found an idea or two here that will benefit you in your own pursuits. Thank-you for your interest, and I welcome you comments and suggestions.