When your job requires running successful sales meetings, you know how hard it can be to keep everyone engaged. Influencing the energy of a room is a difficult task, no doubt, but it becomes even harder when your group has an empty stomach. What’s one of the simplest ways to keep things lively in your sales meetings? Order lunch in. Not only does the right spread keep your audience satisfied (and alert), but it can also make them more receptive to what you’re pitching. 

If navigating the world of office catering seems daunting, you’re not alone. ezCater can help you add a new (and delicious) layer of interest to your sales meetings. Here are six tips to help you order the right catering for your next meeting. 

Why sales meetings are always better with food

Who likes free lunch? Everyone — including your prospects. And it’s easy to see why. First of all, it’s free. But also, food gives us energy to take on the workday (and helps prospects sit through a pitch feeling happy and satisfied).

Catered lunches are a win-win because they don’t just boost morale and keep people happy, they also help enhance cognitive function and creative thinking — setting the stage for a successful pitch. 

How to choose the right catering for sales meetings

When it comes to food for sales meetings, not just anything will do. From choosing the right cuisine to ordering the right amount of food, here are a few guidelines to ensure you get the most out of catering for your meeting. 

1. Provide some healthy choices

The right foods can make all the difference when it comes to boosting your mood and curbing your appetite. 

Take protein, for instance. Consuming protein-rich foods can increase dopamine levels, giving your group a much-needed mental lift. And let’s not forget the power of fruits and vegetables — they’re not just good for your body, but they are also effective mood-enhancers. 

So, when you’re planning your next sales meeting, think beyond the usual fare and consider whole foods like sweet potatoes, beans, and quinoa.

2. Be mindful of dietary restrictions

From gluten-free to plant-based, dietary restrictions are more common today than ever. Be mindful of this when ordering catering, and opt for a variety of dishes to avoid limiting any of your attendees. Reach out to your point of contact to find out whether there are any dietary needs or restrictions you should be aware of. This will ensure everyone gets the food they love for lunch — even those with allergies and dietary preferences.

3. Order the correct amount of food

Ordering the right amount of food is just as crucial as choosing the right type. Too little, and some attendees might go hungry; too much, and you’ll waste both food and money. Here are some tips to help you narrow down the perfect amount of food:

• Get an estimated headcount from your contact: When you reach out to discuss dietary restrictions, also ask for an approximate number of attendees. Casually mentioning the seating capacity of your meeting space can be a subtle way to bring up the topic.
• Explore the client’s “About” page: Many companies have web pages that introduce their teams or executives. Browsing this page may give you a clearer picture of who will be attending your meeting.
• Check the client’s LinkedIn page: For larger companies, an About page may not provide the specifics you need. Instead, visit the company’s LinkedIn page. You might find a list of employees that can help you estimate how many people to plan for.

3. Opt for locally owned restaurants

Opting for catering from a local restaurant is a great way to demonstrate your connection to the area and help spark conversations. There’s nothing like a beloved local restaurant to get people chatting about their favorite dishes — and it could be just what you need to create a lasting impression. 

4. Work within your budget

While sales meeting catering has plenty of benefits, it shouldn’t become a massive expense. Safeguard your bottom line by choosing restaurants that fit within your budget. With a catering partner like ezCater, you can set spending limits on the price per head and delivery fees for your next order. 

5. Know when to serve food

Catering can take your sales meeting to the next level, but it isn’t always appropriate. It might not make sense to order food for relatively short meetings or those that take place right after lunch. However, for full-fledged sales pitches and meetings scheduled in the morning or just before lunch, catering could be just the thing to drive your pitch home.

Make catering effortless with ezCater

For sales meetings, events, and other workplace gatherings, you can keep clients and attendees happily fed by using ezCater. With nationwide coverage and built-in budget controls, you’ll find catering from the best local restaurants while staying well within your budget. Elevate your next sales pitch today with ezCater.