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Personal Chef Industry

Hi Well I just put an ad in the paper, I don't know if I'm more worried people will call or they won't call. The ad rep at our local newspaper got my ad in for the last holiday gift guide.She thought it was a really good idea, & there was no one else advertising for personal chefs. I'm really nervous. I have not gotten my training material yet but have been reading this forum for quite awhile. I believe I can take a stab at this. What has anyone done for a holiday special if at all? I only have 20 or so recipes put together. Do you usually use your own recipes or do you use client recipes. I plan on getting those training materials next month, so I'm going to have to wing it for now. Any Suggestions. Having this forum to read has really encouraged me to take this first step. I'm really excited. thanks so much. Suddenly Supper Kim Johnson

Hi Kim,

Let me be the first to congratulate you on taking a big step; there's no doubt it takes gumption to do this, especially without the safety net of joining the association first. In all honesty, though, I have to offer this congratulations with a caution - make sure you are running legally.

One of the things that is constantly repeated by Candy, and the membership at large, is running your operation legally and safely - which involves a safe food handler's course, liability insurance (special premiums through APCA contacts BTW), and business licenses where required. For me personally the biggest hot-button is the insurance - in the event of a liability claim there could be serious costs involved and without insurance it comes out of your pocket. This is all laid out in the APCI training materials.

As for the recipes, when you join up you receive the APCA cookbook plus access to the forums where there are a host of member-submitted recipes available (and a whole bunch of really good people who will bend over backwards to help at every turn). Some members do cook client-provided recipes, especially those that are "family favorites" or that address specific dietary concerns.

Some members have had tremendous success marketing gift certificates this season, others have been doing more "event" type service (meanwhile some others have just been doing a "duck and cover" because they've just been too dang busy!).

You might want to consider getting hold of Candy to discuss the membership thing. One of the advantages is that you spend a whole lot less time trying to "figure out" the personal chef things and more time just doing it.

Good luck on the ad, and I sincerely hope we'll "see you inside" soon.

Cheers,

Gord