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Personal Chef Industry

Ok..I haven't even received my training materials yet and I already have a client. That's what I get for advertising too soon !! Does anyone have any quick tips on how not to FREAK OUT ?? I'm not even nervous about going to their house for the consultation...it's the first cooking day that scares the *#&$(# out of me !!! I know there's supposed to be some funny pc experiences on the members forum which would probably calm me down, but I just ordered my kit 2 days ago and don't have access yet. I know one of you guys can help me.
Jennifer (Your Kitchen Gourmet)

Pah. Cooking's the easy part! (Just be sure to ask them where their fuse box is -- when you get to the members forum you can read about the stove blowing out on me...LOL, funny NOW...)

Build some time to get organized in your schedule -- leave at least 3-5 days in between your consultation and the actual cooking date. Looking like you're booked makes them think you're in high demand -- and you'll want that extra time to practice/get ready!

If you have time -- do their menu for you. Pick a day and treat it like a cooking day in your kitchen. Cook for you (and family or neighbors) just what you'll be cooking for them and package it for the freezer. That way you'll get a good feel for exactly what equipment and supplies you'll need.

And plot out carefully what order you'll cook things in -- so that you don't take 8 hours, doing them one at a time and so that you don't wind up with something that needs to simmer for 2 hours, simmering away in the pot you were going to cook the pasta in.

Of course, this is what I WOULD'VE done, if I'd had any sense....LOL....or you could just wing it, that'll probably work too.

You'll do fine -- and you've got a lot of people here cheering you on. Let us know how the consultation goes.

(And don't feel weird about getting clients before you're ready. I'm still waiting for the final design on my brochures, website, etc. -- and am having a hard time finishing that up between new clients and consulting jobs. I hope to have my brochures done and website up BEFORE I'm totally booked. )

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Meredith
Whisk For Hire
Kensington, MD

That is exactly the kind of comforting I needed!! Thank you so much !! I'll remember that fuse box thing too !! LOL !!

Well that's putting the cart before the horse. Meredith is right on the mark, give yourself enought time to trial run the menu they pick, also check double check and do it again before you leave. Pack your cooking kit the night before and double check the list the next morning. Leave yourself a little extra time for shopping the morning of, make a check list of the order of cooking on site and leave a little room for mistakes.... But most of all smile and have fun making money doing what you love!!!!

I know how you feel...just breathe! I'm in the planning stages right now and I haven't done any advertising yet but I've got three possible clients waiting in the wings! I'm having a lot of fun testing out the recipes but I keep getting stuck on the Hobbit Pie. Not that I can't make it...I just can't stop making it cuz it's sooooo good! I swear I'm becoming addicted to it!

Samantha...

Excuse my ignorance, but I have to ask you this question.....WHAT IS HOBBIT PIE ? I've never heard of it. You made it sound so good though !!! Also, thanks for the encouragement. This is such an exciting time for all of us who are just getting started. I have a full time job right now, but if I get enough clients (i should say WHEN i get enough clients ) I will go full time pc'ing - and believe me...I can't wait! But for right now, it's weekends for me.

Jennifer
Your Kitchen Gourmet
Wappingers Falls, NY