If sales meetings are a crucial part of your job, you know that keeping all attendees engaged and enthusiastic can be challenging. One of the easiest ways to maintain momentum is to order food for sales meetings. Not only does this keep your audience fed and happy, but it also makes them more receptive to your sales pitch overall.
Thanks to the shifting nature of sales meetings, ordering the right catering may seem complicated at first. Here’s how to master office catering and add another layer of interest to your sales meetings.
The benefits of sales meeting catering
Clients are less likely to receive your sales pitch positively on an empty stomach. The sensation of being hungry can have numerous effects on the body, and an increase in negative emotions is one of them. Treating your attendees to a good meal keeps them happy and shows that you’re willing to go the extra mile for their comfort. The more comfortable and satisfied they are during the meeting, the more likely they are to respond positively to your sales pitch.
How to choose the right catering for sales meetings
When it comes to food for sales meetings, not just anything will do. From choosing the right cuisine to ordering the right amount of food, here are a few guidelines to ensure you get the most out of catering for your meeting.
Provide some healthier choices
Aside from staving off the negative effects of hunger, certain foods can greatly influence your mental state. For example, protein consumption can lead to an increase in the feel-good chemical dopamine, while fruits and vegetables are also known to boost happiness.
Whole foods, such as sweet potatoes, beans, and quinoa, have also been known to raise serotonin levels. When choosing your catering, opt for cuisine that incorporates a variety of whole foods, or at least add some healthier dishes into the mix.
Be mindful of dietary restrictions
From gluten-free to plant-based, dietary restrictions are more common today than ever. Be mindful of this when ordering catering, and opt for a variety of dishes to avoid limiting any of your attendees. Reach out to your point of contact to find out whether there are any dietary needs or restrictions you should be aware of. This will prevent an uncomfortable scenario and ensure there’s something for everyone to eat and enjoy.
Ordering the correct amount of food
Ordering the right amount of food is just as important as ordering the right type. Too little, and you risk some attendees not being fed; too much, and you’ll be wasting both food and money. The following tips can help you find out exactly how many people you’ll be hosting:
- Ask your point of contact for an estimated number of attendees. When you reach out to ask about dietary restrictions, you can ask for an approximate headcount. Casually mentioning the number of people your meeting space comfortably seats is a good way to broach the subject.
- Visit the client’s “About” page. Some companies have web pages designed to introduce users to their teams or executives. Browsing this page may give you a better idea of who will be attending your meeting.
- Check the client’s LinkedIn page. For larger companies, an About page may not provide the specifics you need. If the company has a LinkedIn page, you might be able to find a list of employees that can give you an idea of how many people to plan for.
Opt for locally owned restaurants
Opting for catering from a local restaurant is a great way to demonstrate your connection to the area and can act as a conversation starter. There’s nothing like a beloved local restaurant to get people chatting about their favorite dishes and fondest memories. Having your meeting catered by a local favorite can be just what you need to score some extra points with a prospective client.
Work within your budget
While sales meeting catering has plenty of benefits, it shouldn’t become a massive expense. Catering shouldn’t break the bank — it should enhance your sales meeting and emphasize your company’s value when combined with a compelling pitch. To prevent catering from endangering your bottom line, opt for restaurants within your budget. Finding a caterer through a provider such as ezCater is a great way to prevent overspending.
When to serve food at a sales meeting
Catering can take your sales meeting to the next level, but it isn’t always appropriate. It might not make sense to order food for relatively short meetings or those that take place right after lunch. However, for full-blown sales pitches and meetings scheduled in the morning or just before lunch, catering could be just the thing to drive your pitch home.
Make catering a breeze with ezCater
For sales meetings, events, and other workplace gatherings, keep clients and attendees happily fed with ezCater. With nationwide coverage and built-in budget controls, you’ll find catering from the best local restaurants while staying well within your budget. Impress prospective clients and master sales meeting catering today with ezCater.