We were lucky to catch up with Dewanna O’Guinn recently and have shared our conversation below.
Dewanna, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today So, let’s start with trends – what are some of the largest or more impactful trends you are seeing in the industry?
Post COVID Concierge has been utilizing more passed foods and individual servings that offer equal visual appeal, and minimal buffets in order to limit crowds and grazing. Concierge has gotten creative using small plates and roaming stations where people simply pick up a styled dish or hors d’oeuvres rather than serve themselves from a station. It’s become one of the most popular requests for our events.
If buffets are offered, rather than self-serve, staff is on sight to control the number of guests who touch utensils offering safety without sacrificing experience. Concierge has always been at the forefront of client’s health and safety measures.
Buffet vs Passed Service look much different than they did only a few years ago. Our clients want memorable; they want their event to stand out, they want Concierge to deliver the seamless and engaging experiences that guests have come to expect.
Dewanna, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
Concierge has been in business for more than twenty years; we are a woman owned business. We got into this industry by mere accident. A bad break up, a mother of three with limited means to support my family lead me to pray. The next day opportunity for the business venture was presented to me. I was always the mother who threw over the top birthday parties for my children, I hosted the holidays making sure my house was always photo worthy for any occasion. My sorority sister was getting married, she had a modest budget but wanted the works. I was charged with catering, décor, and coordinating. I was used to small groups without effort, but a 100 guest would be the challenge, the mission could not match the budget. That was the hardest but most rewarding event to date, which was the birth of something special.
Year 24, what sets Concierge apart from other caters is we are full service meaning we specialize in food, but décor also. I was thrusted into the décor side because I was not finding any decorators at the time who would offer a lovely tablescape to accent our menu offerings. So, I started to dabble, clients loved what we offered. Fast forward we are well sought after for offering great food, with beautifully complimenting tablescapes.
The one thing we hear often is you’re not cheap, we will accept that. But once secured you’ll never forget the experience of hiring Concierge, the follow up is “You were worth every dollar!”
How do you keep your team’s morale high?
The advice I give for managing my team is first equipping them with all the necessary tools to be successful. If we are going into unfamiliar territory walk throughs are conducted, weekly team meetings to make sure all team members are comfortable with the premise, if any questions arise, we address them. Depending on the nature of the request, we may have to conduct a “dry run” to ensure the event is seamless.
I believe in praise and reward, the team and I have team builders, outings to show my appreciation for their hard work and effort. It’s easy to say great job but rewarding those who excel with bonuses. Rewards are not just financial; they can be in kind.
What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?
The most effective strategy used for growing Concierge’s clientele is has been using our network to grow the business. Every opportunity is a networking opportunity, we stay in networks that need our service. If its at a community event, someone either knows Concierge or will get to know the name, the brand and what we offer. We are a firm believer in using the network to grow the business. We actively engage with customers, we hold their hand through the process, after all we are the experts. I have worked with the team to master the art of selling. Our elevator pitch is down to 1 minute, at the end of it you’re storing the card and or number safely away. Our social media presence is visible, always alerting our potential audience of how busy and creative we really are.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/conciergelivingkc/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ConciergeLiving