Starting a food business is no easy task. There are so many things to focus on, from the products you offer, to the processes you use, to the people you hire. But if you want to be successful, there are 9 things you absolutely must focus on. In this blog post, we will discuss each of those 9 things in detail. So if you’re thinking about starting a food business, make sure to read this post!

We have put the 9 things into 3 categories: PRODUCTS, PROCESSES, and PEOPLE.

• PRODUCTS: The first area you need to focus on is your products. They need to be high-quality, consistent, and cost-effective.
• PROCESSES: The second area you need to focus on are your processes. They need to be simple, scalable, and teachable.
• PEOPLE: The third area you need to focus on are the people you employ. They need to be hard working, be dependable, and pay attention to detail.

PRODUCTS

For a small food business, choosing the right products to sell can be the difference between success and failure. Not only does it determine what customers will buy, but it also impacts cost and waste management. When selecting products, it’s important to consider your target audience and their preferences. Are there any dietary restrictions or allergies that may affect your choices? It’s also important to ensure that you have a reliable supplier for quality ingredients at a good price, as well as proper storage equipment to maintain the freshness of your products. One key aspect is determining what will differentiate your business from others in the market. Having a unique offering or niche can help attract customers and drive repeat business. Ultimately, taking the time to carefully select the right products can set your small food business up for long term success.

Once you have decided on the products you want to prepare and sell, you should make sure that your products meet the 3 criteria below:

1. High-Quality: As a new food entrepreneur, it’s important to have high-quality products. Your customer’s first impression of your business will come from the taste and texture of the food you offer. Investing in high-quality ingredients and professional recipe development can go a long way in creating exceptional products that check all the boxes. At the end of the day, excellent products are crucial for building a successful food business. They often make or break customer loyalty and word-of-mouth recommendations. So don’t skimp on quality – treat your products as the stars of your business, because they truly are.
2. Consistent: When it comes to food, consistency is key. Think about your favorite cafe or restaurant – you probably keep going back because you know exactly what to expect with each dish. It’s the same for customers when they buy your products. If one batch turns out differently from the last, they may hesitate to buy it again. Plus, no business wants unhappy customers calling in with complaints about inconsistent taste or texture. That’s why your business needs to be vigilant about ensuring each batch of your products meets the same high standards, from start to finish. On top of that, consistency helps maintain brand reputation and trust among customers, which can ultimately lead to higher sales and success for the business. So next time you’re cooking up a storm, remember – consistency is crucial!
3. Cost-Effective: When it comes to running a successful food business, cost-effectiveness is key. When you spend less on ingredients and production, your profit margins rise. And let’s be honest, those profits can mean the difference between staying afloat and sinking like the Titanic. It’s not just about making choices that save money though. You also have to make sure those cost-effective options don’t sacrifice quality or taste. Sure, it might be cheaper to use fake cheese instead of the real thing, but your customers will be able to tell the difference – and they won’t be happy about it. That’s why finding affordable sources for top-notch ingredients is crucial for success in the food industry. Bottom line: cost-effectiveness means happy customers and a healthy bottom line for your business. Don’t skimp on quality or cut corners – focus on finding ways to make and sell great food at a reasonable price.

PROCESSES

As a small business owner, it can be tempting to fly by the seat of your pants and figure things out as you go. However, having well-thought-out processes in place is crucial for the growth of your business. This doesn’t mean that you need to have everything planned out from day one, but as you start to see success with your product and customer base, it’s important to take a step back and establish processes for every aspect of your business.

This includes a) sourcing ingredients and supplies, b) manufacturing or preparing your products, and c) getting those products into the hands of your customers. Not only will this make daily operations run more smoothly, but it will also set you up for scalability as your business continues to grow. Plus, having clear processes in place makes training new staff much easier.

When it comes to your processes, you should make sure that they are:

1. Simple: When it comes to running a small business, simplicity is key. A streamlined process keeps things organized and efficient, saves time and money, and helps prevent mistakes. When everything has a clear place and purpose, tasks can be easily delegated and completed without confusion or duplication of effort. Plus, having a straightforward system in place can make it easier for new employees to jump in and get up to speed quickly. Simplicity also allows for more flexibility and adaptability as the business grows or changes direction. In short, simplifying your processes just makes good practical sense. And let’s face it – it just feels better to have everything under control, instead of constantly playing catch-up in a chaotic mess. Keep it simple, keep it organized, and keep calm while running your business.
2. Scalable: As a small business owner, it’s important to constantly be thinking about growth. But if your processes aren’t scalable, all that expansion can quickly become overwhelming and lead to major roadblocks. That’s why it’s crucial to have scalable processes in place from the beginning, even during those early days of just you and maybe 1-2 employees. This means setting up systems that can easily handle increases in workload, communication methods that can accommodate new team members, and the ability to track performance metrics as you continue to grow. It may seem like an extra step now, but trust me – it’ll save you a lot of headaches down the road. Plus, having scalable processes shows potential investors and partners that you’re serious about growth and ready for success. So don’t wait until the last minute – make scalability a priority in your small business from day one.
3. Teachable: As a small business, you may not have the luxury of a dedicated training department or tons of resources to invest in onboarding new employees. That’s why it’s important for your processes to be easily teachable. Not only does this make it easier for new hires to hit the ground running, but it also means that others can step in and fill any gaps without missing a beat. Plus, if your processes are easy for new employees to learn, it shows that they’re organized and streamlined – qualities that can give potential clients confidence in your reputation as a reliable and efficient business. So don’t underestimate the importance of setting up a teachable process – it benefits everyone from the top-down.

PEOPLE

When you’re running a small business, every person on your team counts. And that’s why it’s so important to make sure you have the right people in the right roles. When you have talented, motivated employees, they can bring new ideas and energy to the company. They can also help lighten the load for everyone else, allowing everyone to work more efficiently and effectively. On the other hand, if someone isn’t a good fit for their position or just doesn’t take their job seriously, it can drag down morale and impact productivity. In a small business where resources are limited and everyone has to pull their weight, that can spell disaster. So when hiring for your small business, don’t just settle for whoever is available – make sure they’re truly the right fit for the job. It’ll pay off in the long run.

Here are the 3 most important qualities to look for in your employees:

1. Hardworking: Being a small business owner can be tough. You’re often wearing multiple hats and trying to do everything yourself. That’s why it’s so important to have hardworking employees on your team. They help to lighten the workload and ensure that tasks are being completed efficiently and effectively. Plus, having dedicated workers projects the image of a professional, successful business to customers and clients. On top of all that, motivated employees tend to be more creative and come up with innovative solutions, resulting in increased productivity and profitability for the company. So if you’re running a small business, make sure to hire (and retain!) those go-getters who aren’t afraid to roll up their sleeves and get the job done. It will ultimately benefit both you and your business in the long run.
2. Dependable: As a small business owner, you wear a lot of hats and have to juggle many tasks at once. When it comes to managing employees, having dependable team members can make your job so much easier. You don’t have to worry about whether they’ll show up to work, or whether they’ll get their work done without issue. This also helps to create a positive work environment where everyone trusts each other to do their jobs, and be there when needed. Plus, having dependable employees helps to improve customer satisfaction because tasks are completed on time, efficiently and accurately. In the end, dependable employees are worth their weight in gold for a small business. So make sure to hire (and retain!) those reliable gems.
3. Attention To Detail: Have you ever bought something at a store or restaurant, only to get home and find out that they gave you the wrong product, or it was prepared incorrectly? In a small business, details like these can make or break a customer’s experience. That’s why having employees who pay attention to detail is so important. These employees take pride in their work and make sure that every aspect of the business is running smoothly. They notice when something needs to be cleaned or fixed, they properly organize inventory, and they double check all orders before they are sent out. This not only creates a better overall appearance for the business but also helps prevent mistakes that could cost the company time and money in the long run. Bottom line: paying attention to detail can truly make a difference for small businesses. So next time you’re hiring, prioritize finding employees with this valuable skill set.

So there you have it! The 9 things every new food entrepreneur needs to focus on. If you can master these things, you will be well on your way to success. Thanks for reading!