IN STARTING A BUSINESS…

I’ve seen a group of friends’ food business start of, and it made me realize a lot of things that can make someone starting his own business go ahead of others a few steps towards success. My family had before put up one and I can say that it’s not easy to right away go with the flow considering that:

First, you’re a newbie and there are a lot to learn yet; and in this regard the saying “experience makes you the wiser” counts. You’ll learn as you go along. BUT...you also have to have intact knowledge along with you prior to the grand opening. Know also your expectations. A soldier cannot just go to war head-on without his arms and bullets.

Second, there’s tight competition especially when we speak of food business. Owner should have careful planning of strategies to “matter” to consumers. What do you have that others don’t? Or even what you don’t have that makes you better that the rest, if not the best.

Third, we are well aware of the economic worldwide crisis and it is a must that you beat the mother’s and heads of the family in choosing to eat at home or some place cheaper though risky to sanitation, not competitive in taste and presentation. It is a challenge to beat all odds!!!

In so saying, I then believe that the following should be taken in consideration:

• Key pointers and advices should be considered
- get as much idea as you can of the business you’re to put up (e.g. food establishment)
• Know what are the common problems encountered and how to avoid them, or provide solutions in case it does happen.
• Know you products up to the minute ingredient for any possible need (e.g. unavailability in the market, allergic reactions)
• Give allowances to factors such as financial constraint, environmental problems, unavailability of goods (e.g. outbreaks like bird’s flu (chicken)or foot and mouth disease(pork), price increase due to shortage like rice, calamities like typhoon)
• Know your consumers and target groups. This will help you in your profit and avoiding loss. Is your good salable to the market, competitive and appropriate in pricing in accordance to expected consumer? Is your location ideal for your proposed business?
• Note strategies and must-do’s:
*duly prepared from the moment of grand opening.
* consider high probability of favorable reception, pertains to location/target consumers versus your product
*ambiance must be conducive (comfortable, entertaining, appreciative –lighting, ventilation, if possible see to customer expectation like music, decor)
*safety for both management and consumer (work environment slip and bump free, rodent free, table tops spill free)
*wide range advertising (use of media, flyers, banners, attention getting posters, lights/music/banderitas/balloons and the like)
*provision of PROMO’S and DISCOUNTS that usually pleases customers
*ensure continuous improvement and standard quality for customers to keep coming back.
*have customer friendly attitude. SMILE. Let them feel welcome. Cater to their every need. Set a goal of not only pleasing the customers but exceed their expectation.

It’s not so easy really…but look around and see for yourself magnanimous numbers of businesses that succeeds. Simply because they put their heart into it and they had carefully planned everything. You can also see yourself as you see them…in due time. Keep believing, but do so with FOCUS.