Stop Comparing Your Catering Biz—Stay Off Social Media and Find Your Lane!

4 min read

Let’s get one thing straight: if you’re a caterer, you already have superpowers. Feeding a group of people—whether it’s 20 wedding guests or 200 conference attendees—is not for the faint of heart. You’re out there grinding, perfecting recipes, and managing last-minute chaos like a boss. But then, social media comes along and smacks you upside the head with unrealistic expectations. Suddenly, you’re questioning your whole existence because you saw someone create a life-sized gingerbread replica of the Eiffel Tower.

Here’s your reality check: STOP THAT.

Social Media Is the Land of Illusions

We’ve all been there. You’re scrolling, and there it is: a caterer with a grazing table that looks like it came out of a fairy tale. Perfect lighting, perfect setup, perfect food. It makes you want to crawl under your tablecloth and rethink your life choices. But let me remind you of something important—social media is a highlight reel.

That dreamy grazing table? What you didn’t see was the 27 hours of unpaid labor, the 4 a.m. meltdown, and the photographer who spent 45 minutes arranging grapes so they looked “effortlessly tumbled.” Oh, and the background music? Yeah, they added that after the fact—it was probably a deafening blend of panicked whispers and clattering dishes in real life.

Social media isn’t real life—it’s a well-lit lie. And comparing your day-to-day grind to someone else’s curated fantasy is about as productive as trying to bake a soufflé in a microwave.

What’s Your Lane? Find It and Own It.

You don’t need to be the caterer who creates edible sculptures of historical landmarks or the one with 100,000 TikTok followers. You need to be the caterer people actually call when they want amazing food and a seamless event. You know, the caterer who makes real clients happy—not just Instagram likes.

Take a minute to figure out what makes your catering business special. Are you the go-to for authentic Southern comfort food? The undisputed king or queen of vegan spreads? Or maybe you’re the one people trust for flawless, elegant weddings. Whatever it is, find your lane. Own it. Master it. Because when you do, you stop worrying about what everyone else is doing and start building the kind of reputation that actually matters.

“You don’t need to be the best at everything. You need to be the best at YOUR thing.”

Stay Off Social Media—It’s Not Your Boss

You might be thinking, “But I need social media to market my business!” Sure, social media can be a helpful tool when used sparingly and strategically. But if scrolling through Instagram is making you feel like trash about your skills, then it’s time to detox. Delete the app. Put down the phone. Walk away.

Here’s the truth: social media can’t pay your bills. Your paying clients couldn’t care less about how many likes your last post got. What they care about is that you show up on time, with incredible food and a killer attitude.

And let’s not forget the time you’re wasting on social media could be spent improving your business. Instead of doom-scrolling through photos of charcuterie towers, invest that time in something that makes you better, like testing a new recipe or brainstorming ways to improve your service.

“Your business needs your focus—not your insecurities.”

Comparing is a One-Way Ticket to Burnout

You know what happens when you constantly compare yourself to others? Burnout. And no one has time for that, especially when you’re in the catering world. Instead of trying to keep up with every trend or outdo someone else’s display, focus on building a business that works for you.

Ask yourself:

Are my clients happy?
Am I proud of the food and service I deliver?
Is my business profitable and sustainable?

If the answer is “yes,” then who cares if you don’t have 100k followers or a viral charcuterie reel?

Practical Tips to Level Up Without Losing Your Mind

If you really want to take your business to the next level, here’s how to do it without letting social media drive you insane:

Invest in Your Craft – Take a class, experiment with new techniques, or refine your plating skills. Progress is sexy, and it doesn’t require Instagram approval.
Upgrade Your Tools – A sharper knife, a new mixer, or a better delivery vehicle can make a bigger impact than a new TikTok trend.
Listen to Your Clients – If your clients are asking for something specific, meet their needs instead of chasing trends they don’t care about.
Build Your Network – Word-of-mouth referrals from happy clients will always be more powerful than social media likes.
Focus on What Works – Analyze what your business does well and double down on it. Nobody is hiring you to be someone else—they’re hiring you for YOU.

The Truth About Social Media Stars

Here’s a little secret: most of those social media stars you admire? They’re looking at YOUR business, wishing they had your steady stream of paying clients and your ability to make events flawless. While they’re stressing over how to get 10,000 likes, you’re out there doing the real work—feeding people, making memories, and actually turning a profit.

“The grass isn’t greener on the other side—it’s greener where you water it. So put down the phone and pick up a watering can.”

Closing Thoughts: Master Your Magic

The catering world doesn’t need more copycats. It needs YOU, with your unique style, flavors, and vision. So, the next time you feel the urge to compare yourself to someone else’s highlight reel, remember this: you’re running a business, not a beauty contest.

Find your lane. Stay in it. Master it. And if all else fails, remember this golden rule: nobody’s charcuterie tower has ever replaced good food and happy clients. So do what you do best, and let the social media glitter bombers fight over the likes.

Now go out there and show the world why YOUR food is the kind that people remember long after the party ends. Because it is. Trust me.