Why is it important to organise pre-shift meetings for your food truck? Many of the food truck owners we have talked to don't do it because they don't know how and don't know what to say. So, again, why holding pre-shift meetings?

Because it's a great opportunity to train your team and help them stay focused on what's important for the success of the food truck business. Today we will explore how to run a successful pre-shift meeting.

When you watch your favourite sports team, just before the players take the field to start the game, you'll probably notice that the team is gathered around their coach. This is their "pre-shift" meeting. What do you think the coach is saying? Well, in most of the games I've been to, the coach is giving the team last minute instructions and motivation.

The coach is guiding the team to make the most of the talent they have. In a food truck, the manager or owner is the coach. And during a pre-shift meeting, that's what he or she is supposed to do: guide, motivate and direct. You don't need great communication skills to have a great pre-shift meeting, just follow these simple guidelines.

Make it simple

Short, pleasant meetings should last between 2 and 2.5 minutes maximum. These meetings should be quick, informative, instructive and motivating just before the shift starts or when the duty window opens.

Stay positive

Make meetings positive. We've seen too many food truck owners let these meetings turn into boring, long, droning meetings. Don't let that happen. No team member needs negative energy just before they start interacting with customers.

Interact 

To keep your teams' attention, you need to make it interactive. For example, when you mention the special of the day, have the service window staff give you a quick sales presentation about the special. Pretend to be a customer and interact with your employees to do a pre-sales simulation.

Keep focused

Concentrate on one main area to talk about. Whether it's maximising sales, providing fantastic service or menu knowledge, pick one topic and focus on it during the meeting.

The owner or manager should have a pre-meeting plan. Remember the specials of the day, talk about team goals or any goals or objectives you have for different areas of the business.

These meetings are also a good time to make important announcements and recognise outstanding staff efforts.

Conclusion

Now you have no more excuses for not knowing what to talk about when holding a pre-shift meeting at your food truck. Follow the guidelines outlined here and you will soon be reaping the benefits of well-trained and motivated food truck staff.

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