How to Sell Yourself

with

Denise Vivaldo
author of
How to Start a Home-Based Catering Business,
How to Start a Home-Based Personal Chef Business,
and The Food Stylist’s Handbook
Basic Sales Techniques

! Have you ever worked in

sales?

! Will you be comfortable

promoting yourself?
Twenty-Five DIY Sales Tips

1. Market when you are busy.

2. Have a professional and

current head shot.

3. Print on both sides of your

business card.
Twenty-Five DIY Sales Tips

4. Create a catchy slogan or

logo.

5. Don’t steal ideas: improve

upon them.

6. Set deadlines for yourself,

and be accountable.
Twenty-Five DIY Sales Tips

7. Contribute articles to local

publications.

8. Publish your own calendar,

newsletter or small cookbook.

9. Send handwritten thank-you

notes.
Twenty-Five DIY Sales Tips

10. Become a guest speaker at

your local city college or
business groups.

11. Teach a class that showcases

your talent.
Twenty-Five DIY Sales Tips

12. Have an 888 or 800 toll-free

number.

13. Have embroidered aprons

for your kitchen staff to
wear on jobs.
Twenty-Five DIY Sales Tips

14. Record a professional

voicemail message.

15. Conquer the Chamber of

Commerce.

16. Barter, trade or hire a

graphic designer.
Twenty-Five DIY Sales Tips

17. Give interviews on local

radio.

18. Give referral fees.

19. Have a web page and email.

Update web page regularly.
Twenty-Five DIY Sales Tips

20. Be easy to contact. Have a cell

phone and return calls
promptly.

21. Write press releases of parties

and classes you’ve taught.
Email to industry publications,
local newspapers and clients.
Twenty-Five DIY Sales Tips

22. Contribute your talents to

fund-raising events,
making sure local media
knows about your
involvement.

23. Maintain a current list of

excellent references.
Twenty-Five DIY Sales Tips

24. Have a portfolio that is up-to-date,

neat and organized. Include
photographs and thank you
notes.

25. Hire or barter with a local film

student to get footage of you
planning, prepping and producing
a major job.
Denise Vivaldo is the author of 7 books: