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Search bar with the question "Who are the top corporate caterers in my area?" representing AI-powered search using ChatGPT.

How to Make Sure Your Catering or Venue Business Shows Up on ChatGPT

Right now, AI tools like ChatGPT are changing how your future clients find vendors—and if your catering or venue business isn’t showing up, it’s not because you’re not excellent. It’s because AI doesn’t recognize or understand you yet. You’re not alone. Most caterers and venues haven’t been told how to optimize for AI tools like […]

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Catering, Marketing, Sales Training

A hand arranging wooden blocks that spell out the word “FEES” on a white desk, symbolizing the concept of service charges or pricing structures in business.

Let’s Talk About the “F” Word: FEES

(How to Lead With Confidence When Clients Push Back on Pricing) You know the moment. It’s going so well on the call, and then the client says it:
 “But the other caterer doesn’t charge an admin fee…”

 Or worse:
 “We love everything… but you’re just too expensive.” And suddenly, your energy dips. You get a […]

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Catering, Sales Correspondence, Sales Training

Golden lab puppy lying on a soft gray dog bed, looking directly at the camera

The Micro-Moments That Build a Sales Powerhouse

Small actions. Big trust. Real results. I once had a client tell me they booked their venue because the salesperson remembered their dog’s name. That was it. Not the price. Not the Pinterest-worthy ballroom. Not the perfectly paired signature cocktail. It was the moment during a follow-up call when the salesperson asked, “How’s Bear doing?” […]

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Sales Correspondence, Sales Training, Venue

10 Ways to Caterers & Event Pros Are Staying Ahead in 2025

10 Ways to Stay Ahead of Catering and Event Trends in 2025

The catering and event industry is constantly evolving. What was trending last year might already feel outdated today. If you’re in the catering business, staying ahead isn’t about chasing fads but understanding industry trends, anticipating client preferences, and strategically positioning your offerings to remain competitive. Ignoring trends means your competitors are gaining an edge. Staying […]

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Catering, Marketing, Menu Ideas

Discussing Wedding Venue Sales

Discussing Wedding Venue Sales on The Venue RX Podcast

I recently had the pleasure of joining Jonathan Aymin, the insightful host of The Venue Rx podcast, for an engaging discussion about the intricacies of wedding venue sales. As the owner of Rainmaker Sales & Marketing Group, I’ve always believed in the power of authentic connections and customized sales strategies, and it was wonderful to delve […]

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Sales Training

Identifying your ideal sales candidate

Decoding the Language of Success: How to Identify Your Ideal Sales Candidate

Have you ever noticed how someone’s choice of words can reveal a whole world about them before they even realize it?

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Sales Training

Food inclusion & catering sales

Uniting Food Including & Catering Sales: A Conversation with Tracy Stuckrath

Listen to the podcast It was an absolute delight to join my friend and colleague, Tracy Stuckrath, on her “Eating at a Meeting” podcast. Tracy and I share a deep passion for food inclusion and diversity, and how these crucial elements can drive success in catering sales. Our conversation was not just a meeting of minds […]

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Catering, Sales Training

This 12-month Rainmaker Sales Meeting Roadmap includes a calendar of check-ins and suggested adjustments that will help you create the kind of consistent, steady progress that transforms how your team connects with clients and closes sales.

Are your Sales Meetings lacking intention, energy, and purpose?