So, you’ve decided to start a food business. That’s great! There are loads of fantastic opportunities to use your passion of food to get ahead. I don’t know what type of food business you intend to start. I don’t even know if you’ve got a good idea in mind. All I can do is provide you with a generic checklist that you need to follow. By doing this, you can make sure that you’ve got the basics under your belt, and you’re ready to get started for real.
- A Marketable Idea
Well, duh. If you want to start a food business, you better have a good idea in mind. Are you starting a restaurant, and does it have a niche? Are you selling homemade products online? What is it about your offerings that can attract potential customers? You need to figure this out.
- The Necessary Skills
You’re not going to succeed or be taken seriously if you don’t have the necessary skills. As a chef, you ideally need to have attended a cooking school before you get started. It’s beneficial to have those qualifications and the skillset to back you up. It’s going to be very difficult without them.
- Social Media Presence
The world has changed, and Facebook & Twitter have become a marketing haven. You need to have a presence, and it needs to be a well-maintained one. If you don’t know what you’re doing, look into outsourcing this responsibility. It’s important.
- An Understanding Of Local Rules & Regulations
You’ve got the perfect idea, but are you actually able to implement it? Always check local laws to ensure you’re abiding by the rules. You don’t want to find yourself in trouble because you were too complacent with this.
- A Professional Image
Develop a logo. Develop a brand. Make your business stand out and look as professional as a well-established one. No matter how good your company is, it’s not going to attract the right attention if it doesn’t convey professionalism.
- Valued Employees
If you’re hiring employees, take your time with the process. Make sure you can bring in quality staff who can get the job done. Value them and put effort into making sure their needs are met.
- Organized Finances
You might be great in the kitchen, but that doesn’t mean you can afford to dismiss accountancy responsibilities. You need to make sure your finances are in order. Hire an accountant if you need to – they’re indispensable.
- Marketing Strategy
Social media isn’t enough. How are you going to tell the world about your new business? Wait…you don’t know?! Then start putting a plan together!!!!
- The Right Location
Location is everything in business. The same restaurant might succeed in one area and fail in another. Have you done your research? Have you taken every factor into account? If you haven’t; now’s the time.
- Customer Service
What are you going to do when your customers aren’t happy? Who’s going to be there to alleviate any concerns? It’s better to get equipped for this now than struggle under the weight of customer demand.
Image Credits
This article was provided by ellie jo