Have you ever wondered how the products on the shelves of your grocery store end up there? They are all based on recipes from someone – but who? It could be a person working for a large corporation, a scientist in a lab, or even someone from home. It’s that last example we’re going to look at today. So, if you have a high-quality recipe that you think could make it to the shelves of your local food stores, read on. We’re going to take you through everything you need to know.

Understand your responsibilities

When you are producing food products, it’s important to understand your responsibilities. You would be wise to take a look at the many factors you need to consider before getting started. There are many different issues – and they are enough to put anyone off the idea! You will need to know about food hygiene, and get your kitchen into a condition where it is safe to cook and create recipes. Get in touch with your local food authority to find out everything you need to think about.

Developing your idea

It’s one thing cooking fresh food, but another entirely to produce something that sells in a store. So, even though might have an excellent signature dish, you might have to make some changes. Fresh food goes off quickly, for example, and you might have to think about using more preservatives.

Clearly, this can cause issues – will your recipe now be too salty, or too sweet? A vacuum packaging machine could be the answer here, as it helps you keep fresh foods for longer. You will also face a quantity issue – how are you going to make your product in bulk? Can your kitchen handle the extra pressure? And of course, you need the cash to invest in your new business. When you are just starting out you might get along fine, but any increase in demand could cause you problems.

Developing your brand

Branding is one of the most important aspects of your food business, and it’s vital to get it right. Many small food companies go for the traditional home-cooked branding to create their appeal, for example. While you don’t have to go down this route, it’s important to have an angle to the food you sell. Perhaps you have an unusual cultural background you can draw upon, or maybe healthy eating is your thing? Successful branding is essential for success, and it is something that any store buyer will look at straight away.

Getting a buyer

Now comes the difficult part – who is going to stock your food product? Superstores might give you national or state-wide coverage, but they can be tough to crack when you are just starting out. It might be an idea to find local stores that share your ethos first. Farmer’s markets are another option – or you could try selling your product online. Once you have a record of selling your product successfully, you can use your data to impress the larger stores. That proof will give you a lot more chance of getting bigger orders.

As you can see, there is a lot to do before turning your home-cooked recipe into a viable business. But, with the right dedication and determination, it can be done. Good luck!

Share to Explore !!

Facebook

Digg

Pinterest

Twitter

Reddit

Linkedin

StumbleUpon

Tumblr

Print

email

Yummly

Buffer

Any entrepreneur looking for success knows that the key lies in being able to expand a business and a brand. If your business has hit a bit of a speed bump, that doesn’t mean it has grown to its full potential. It could mean, instead, that there are opportunities you haven’t yet taken advantage of. Below, we’ve compiled six of these opportunities that could show you there’s plenty of life in the old business yet.

1) Accepting different payment types

Something that every company should ask when they reach their zenith is what kind of customers they’re currently missing out. The answer almost always involves some sort of payment option that’s currently missing. If you’ve never given much thought to it, take a look at the various methods your customers are likely to use. Scout around and see if it’s worth investing in opening your business to more.

2) Going B2B

Another opportunity that doesn’t cross quite as many people’s minds is the possibility of going business to business. Set the focus on consumers aside and consider the benefits of marketing to other businesses. For one, businesses tend to value loyalty and reliability. If you successfully keep their custom once, you’re more likely to keep hold of them.

3) Mobile business

If you’re running an online company, you may need to take another look at how your services and store look online. You may have a site you optimised so perfect for presenting your site on a personal computer. The chances are it doesn’t fit quite as you would want it on mobiles. Your customers will notice this too. Developing an app or mobile site with the help of web design firms could stop them from visiting the more optimised sites of your competitors.

4) The business event

If your clients are the kind to pay close attention and learn as much as they can about your services, this could be ticket. When properly marketed, it presents an opportunity for people to get to know your business in detail without making a commitment. It’s a great way to add a human face and some energy to your sales process, too. On top of that, they work just as well for networking with other businesses.

5) Funding platforms

If you’re looking to expand your business, you may not always have to try scrape as much as you can from your business. You don’t even have to go to traditional investment options. There are a lot of alternative funding platforms available nowadays, so check them out.

6) Selling your expertise

One great way to build your personal brand at the same time as bringing attention to your business is by selling your knowledge. This is primarily done through paid speaking opportunities. You can find a lot of these about, that give your chance to establish yourself as an expert in your field. For an entrepreneur, the profile does a lot of good for both you and your business. Providing you can sell yourself well enough.

Share to Explore !!

Facebook

Digg

Pinterest

Twitter

Reddit

Linkedin

StumbleUpon

Tumblr

Print

email

Yummly

Buffer

It’s a sad fact of life that many people are broke. What might surprise you to learn is how many folks have well-paid jobs. They just can’t afford their monthly outgoings and often live above their means.

The turbulent economy is one reason for that problem. The cost of living rises each year. It’s even worse for people that have families to support. If you’re fed up of being broke, this blog post could be your light at the end of the tunnel.

Here are some tips to help you turn that problem around and lead a happier lifestyle:

Make a list

Lists are great! They help us to keep track of things and work out the best ways to action problems. In this case, you should make a list of your income and expenditure.

Once you’ve made your list, it’s time to work out which expenses you can live without. There will be some outgoings that you need to leave on there, such as the mortgage and shopping. But, things like Sky TV and Spotify can get cancelled. They are what we class as “luxuries.”

Next, work out if your income covers the expenses you have left. If it does, that’s brilliant! But, if you’re still short of money, read on for some more money management tips.

Merge your debts into one

It’s likely that you have a few credit cards and loans in your name. The trouble with several sources of debt is the interest you have to pay. Credit cards, in particular, will eat up a lot of your income.

One practical solution is to consider loans for debt consolidation. This is where you borrow money to pay off all your debts. The result is you end up with a lower monthly payment. Plus, there will be less interest to pay.

Find a better mortgage deal

Do you have a mortgage on your home? If so, you might not know it but you could be paying less for it! Mortgage offers only last for a certain period. After that, they revert to default interest rates. They can often be high, believe it or not!

Spend some time online and check out the best mortgage deals on the market. You may also wish to speak with a mortgage adviser on the subject. That way, you can make an informed decision.

Get rid of your car

Do you only use your car for work and to do the shopping? Does it get unused at other times? If there’s a good public transport network where you live, sell your car.

You can use it to commute to work and back. Sometimes you might be able to car-share with another employee that lives near you. When it comes to shopping, order it online and have it delivered to you in the evening or the weekend.

Now you won’t have to pay for fuel, insurance, tax, and servicing costs. Trust me; it’ll make a big difference!

Thanks for reading today’s guide. I hope you find it useful.

Share to Explore !!

Facebook

Digg

Pinterest

Twitter

Reddit

Linkedin

StumbleUpon

Tumblr

Print

email

Yummly

Buffer

Buying a home is a big undertaking. You might be young and looking for your first property, or you might have been renting for years. Whatever the case may be, this is an important step in your future. By having somewhere new to call home, your life will change. There are lots of things to consider when you’re ready to start purchasing, so let’s have a look at some examples.

Location Is Important

It might be tempting to buy that property in a bizarre location to suit a potential job offer, but is it worth it? How often will you be able to see family and friends if you live somewhere like this? You also need to think about facilities near the location. Your kids (or future kids) will need good schooling, does this place have that? Think about easy access to supermarkets, petrol stations and city centres. Are you going to be happy living in a busy place or do you need the solitude of a quieter location? Take all of this into account when you’re picking a location for your home.

Do It Properly

Buying a home requires some support from the people that know what they’re doing. Before you even start trying to purchase a property, do your research. You’re going to need a reputable agency to help you through the process. Go online and visit places like http://www.choi-realty.com/neighborhood/kailualanikai/ to make sure everything goes smoothly. You’re looking at spending a lot of money when it comes to buying a property, so it’s not worth cutting corners. Do it properly and get the best home you possibly can.

Think About The Future

We’ve already mentioned that kids will need good schooling in a place that you’re moving to. But maybe you don’t have kids. Maybe you’re just looking for a nice retreat for yourself? The thing is, you’re spending a lot of money to do this, and you need to consider the future. Are you planning to settle down and start a family? Will your elderly family be able to stay at your home or will they find it difficult to get around? Will you be getting enough rooms to support your potential requirements? There are many things to consider about the future that needs to factor into your decision. While it might not matter now, it almost certainly will down the road.

Finances

Before you make any decision, you need to have a plan in mind when it comes to finances. Look at what you’ve got saved away. Factor costs like agencies and insurances into your decision. It’s best to plan a budget and stick to it. Don’t get carried away if you can’t afford something. That’ll create stresses in your life, and you won’t be able to enjoy your new property. Download software from places like https://www.budgetpulse.com/ to help you plan your budget effectively.

Once you’ve got all these things in place, you’ll be almost ready to buy your new home. It’s an exciting time, so cherish it and enjoy your new surroundings!

Share to Explore !!

Facebook

Digg

Pinterest

Twitter

Reddit

Linkedin

StumbleUpon

Tumblr

Print

email

Yummly

Buffer

Many of us dream of being our own boss, choosing our own hours, and doing something that we’re truly passionate about. But for as many benefits as we can think of, there are as many fears. What if it’s not financially viable? Will I be able to make as much as my current line of work? Where do I find the cash to start up? It is important not to silence these questions but to identify the rational ones and answer them honestly. One of the most common concerns is how to source the funds that would actually launch the business. The old adage goes that, “you have to spend money to make money”. There is an element of truth in that when it comes to beginning a business. You need funds for campaign launches and events, but also for normal living costs and unexpected expenses. What may seem overwhelming at first though is doable if you approach it methodically. Many people have found ways to unlock access to cash and have put it towards doing what they love.

Sell Off Non-Essentials

Selling what you already own can range from the minor to the major. You may feel that your new business will no longer require a car, for example. Without the daily commute or if you are moving to city lodgings, public transport will be sufficient. Not to mention far cheaper! You may have old collections such as DVDs, records, or clothing that could bring in a few extra hundred. It may seem a small contribution to a large sum but this could cover the cost of business cards, for example, or invites to a launch. Equally, if you are beginning a new chapter in your life you may consider selling your home. Even if you owe more on the house than it is worth or never got round to those repairs, businesses like Sell My House can purchase without hassle. If you are serious about managing your finance then cutting ties with a property that is actually wasting money could be a positive step.

Start Small

If we are aiming towards a seemingly impossible sum, it can be tempting to only aim high with investors and support. We might approach the bank as our first port of call, for example. We might approach large local businesses or successful entrepreneurs. It is important not to overlook or shun the support offered by those closest to us, however. Many of our family and friends might believe in our idea or business plan. Several small investments might actually be easier to manage in the early days than one big cash injection. For a new business, they are also more realistic. Keep family and friends informed of your plans, and if they offer support, take it!

Funding Platforms

Sites like GoFundMe and Kickstarter have become more popular than ever. If you have a tangible goal and think that others might want to be a part of your business give it a try! Be honest about your goals, business plan, and likely return. Many people out there love to support new businesses even if there is unlikely to be a major return on their investment. This is especially true if your business plan is “ethical”, environmentally aware, or for the benefit of others.

Share to Explore !!

Facebook

Digg

Pinterest

Twitter

Reddit

Linkedin

StumbleUpon

Tumblr

Print

email

Yummly

Buffer