Gourmet Chocolate Love

This month, I’m featured (with other business owners and managers) in Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY’s Anniversary Edition.

In the publication, I provide 5 tips for creating and continually improving a business.

I believe in this so strongly that I thought it’d be great to share them in my blog with you as well.

5 Tips for Creating, and Maintaining, a Successful Business

1. High benchmarks.

My philosophy on business is to create or manufacture a quality product and never compromise on the quality of your product, to price your product fairly and provide high quality customer service.

2. Employees matter.

It is imperative to empower your employees while surrounding yourself with competent and motivated staff – not just workers. Give them the opportunity to create, develop and contribute to the growth and success of your business.

3. Select a niche.

I have always believed if you create the ultimate quality product and that you manufacture the finest you are capable of doing, then you minimize the competition. I chose to compete in the ultra-premium chocolate product industry segment and I focus on creating the best products available to the American consumer. Having done this, I believe I have marginalized the competition that I could face in another industry segment, such as long-shelf life chocolates.

4. Develop processes.

It is an essential necessity to create and produce efficient processes in all aspects of the business including retail sales, online ordering, packaging, manufacturing and shipping. I focus on being clean, organized and efficient and not compromising proven processes to ensure consistency and efficiency.

5. Do not be stagnant.

Competition catches up to those who show complacency. It is vital to be self motivated to be better than yesterday and to create newness, which further increases distance from you and the competition. Constant innovation results in new products your customers want.