Is Fear Taking Control of your Business?

 

Is Fear Taking Control of Your Business?

Learn how to turn fear into strength and confidence for your growing business.

 

Introduction

For many years, we dream of owning a business. When it finally happens, it can feel like the best thing in the world. However, for some, it leads to shock and fear. After waiting for so long, where do you begin?

If you’ve been feeling fear or hesitation in your business journey, you’re not alone. Fear is natural but can be overcome. Let’s explore how to turn it into something positive by addressing three critical areas: technical, strategic, and tactical.

Technical

During the honeymoon phase of building a business, everything seems perfect. But as this fades, you may begin questioning whether your idea is good or if you’re wasting time. This is where technical advice becomes invaluable.

  • Don’t let a lack of technical expertise hold you back. Seek help from experts in areas like accounting, marketing, or production.
  • Review your business plan for motivation and to reconnect with the goals and ideas you had in the beginning.
  • Admitting you need help isn’t a weakness—it’s a strength. Invest in the expertise needed to push forward confidently.

Strategic

Technical aspects aside, strategy often poses a challenge for new business owners. What are your goals, and why should you pursue them?

  • Create a comprehensive business plan outlining your short- and long-term goals.
  • Define what success looks like and document how to measure it.
  • If needed, consult an expert in business planning. They can transform your vision into a roadmap for success.

A clear strategy not only keeps you on track but provides direction during tough times.

Tactical

With your goals defined, the next step is determining how to achieve them. This requires tactical planning.

  • Break your goals into actionable tasks and assign responsibilities to your team.
  • Regularly review your progress and adjust tactics as needed to stay aligned with your strategy.
  • Collaborate with your team to ensure shared responsibility and a unified approach to achieving objectives.

Tactics are the day-to-day actions that bring your strategy to life and move your business forward.

Summary

Fear is a natural part of starting and growing a business, but it doesn’t have to control you. By addressing technical, strategic, and tactical challenges, you can regain confidence and move forward with clarity.

Take time to step back, reflect, and seek help where needed. Soon, fear will transform into growth and progress for your business.

 

© 2021 Cameo. All rights reserved.

 

Your Guide to Reopening a Restaurant After the COVID-19 Pandemic 

 

Your Guide to Reopening a Restaurant After the COVID-19 Pandemic

Navigate the challenges of reopening with these essential steps to adapt, thrive, and cater to customer needs.

 

Introduction

As the world recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic, restaurants are starting to reopen and welcome customers back. This guide will help you navigate the challenges and opportunities of reopening successfully.

Step 1 – Keep the Delivery Option

Many customers have become accustomed to delivery and no-contact collection during the pandemic. Retaining this option ensures you cater to nervous customers and those who enjoy the convenience of takeout. Consider creative options like bulk meal offerings for added value.

Step 2 – Communicate

Stay connected with your customers through social media, email lists, and your website. Share updates, safety protocols, and menu changes. Engage them with recipes, tutorials, and other high-quality content to keep your brand top of mind.

Step 3 – Push Gift Cards

Boost cash flow by promoting gift cards. These provide immediate revenue and can drive future customer visits. To generate interest, revisit previous popular promotions and tie them to gift card campaigns.

Step 4 – Take Your Time

Don’t rush to reopen fully. Start with limited hours and test new procedures, like no-contact pick-up or mobile ordering, to address customer concerns. A thoughtful reopening will build trust and long-term loyalty.

Step 5 – Review the Menu (and Your Profits)

Use this downtime to analyze menu performance and refine offerings. Identify and remove underperforming dishes, optimize food costs, and consider introducing variations of popular items. This is also a great time to review your profit and loss statement and address inefficiencies.

Step 6 – Improve Recruitment and Training

Take advantage of the talent pool created by the pandemic. Update your recruitment methods and onboarding processes to attract and retain skilled workers. Invest in engaging training materials, such as videos, to prepare employees for success.

Step 7 – Boost Your Digital Marketing

Enhance your online presence with a comprehensive digital marketing strategy. Create engaging content using tools like Adobe Spark and Canva, and consider investing in paid ads for increased visibility. Ensure your website is user-friendly and fast-loading.

Step 8 – Get Accustomed to a New ‘Normal’

Embrace the new normal with flexibility and innovation. Continue offering delivery and no-contact options, as some customers may prefer these for the foreseeable future. Restaurants that adapt will thrive in this evolving landscape.

Conclusion

Reopening after the pandemic requires careful planning and adaptability. By following these steps, you can ensure a smooth transition and position your restaurant for success in both the short and long term. Best of luck!

 

© 2021 Cameo. All rights reserved.