Hi all!
I am an unwillingly "retired" chef looking to get into the sales field, specifically the restaurant technology world or just restaurant sales in general. I'm looking to get some advice on how to start this new venture and any tips or suggestions on the best ways to get in touch with recruiters or companies so I can land a job as quickly as possible.
Due to the ongoing pandemic, working in restaurants has become an extremely volatile industry. I've gone through 4 jobs since the pandemic started almost 2 years and have lost 4 jobs through no fault of my own due to loss of revenue and profits, closures, furloughs, etc. It pains me to see the industry that I've wanted to be in for my entire life crumble as much as it has (no pun intended). I tried my luck out with restaurant consulting to help those who are struggling and those who still wish to try opening a restaurant in these crazy times, but my services were too costly for restauranteurs or would barely make me any profits. I wondered how I could continue to work within the restaurant industry while still maintaining a job and still help out others. I was introduced to the restaurant technology industry where so many companies are working towards streamlining every aspect so that restaurants can still stay open and make money. I want to be a part of that change.
I find being a chef very relatable to being a salesperson. Whereas sales reps sell their product, I'm selling my food. Through menu descriptions, pictures, and my own personal "reps", being bartenders and servers, I can upsell you on that pan seared duck breast that gives me $5 more profit than that airline chicken breast you were eyeballing initially. I used to do cold calls 6 days a week looking for potential clients for my consulting business too, just like a sales rep does. I may not have hard skills as a salesperson, apart from the time I was a cheesemonger for a few months selling some of the best cheeses you can find from around the world, but I do have the soft skills and the knowledge on how to communicate and talk to others that makes it easy to sell exactly what the company I work for in the future is selling.
Long story short, any and all suggestions, tips, or advice that you have for me would be greatly appreciated! Hey, even if you have a lead that might pique my interest or if you're willing to take a risk on someone who put their heart and soul into a profession he's wanted to be in since he was 9, get in touch with me or leave a comment. I look forward to hearing from all of you and thank you so much in advance for your help!
Best Wishes!
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