Priya had lost her job as a lecturer
in a B.Ed college. She was frustrated and depressed to a certain extent. A
family get-together, sort of potluck made a sudden change in her life. When all
the relatives were relishing the various dishes, the most delicious one was
made by Priya. And suddenly I said, “You should start a restaurant or something
you know. You food items will sell like hotcakes.” That was it. Soon all the
relatives joined the discussion and encouraged her to start with her own food
business. She had the skills and the temperament. After all cooking was her
forte- she not only enjoyed making various dishes but also knew the art &
science of cooking. That day onwards she is selling various food items and is
quite famous among college going students. For them “didi” has started giving
them an economical and yet hygienic tasty food.
There could be many
similar stories or many people who will identify themselves with the character
or Priya. In spite of having a proper formal education and a steady job
suddenly life had something else for her in store. All this led me to think
what is it that one should have to start a food business or become an
entrepreneur. After all that’s what Priya is going to be called- An
Entrepreneur. Whenever people decide to foray into this unexplored and
challenging field they have many hurdles to cross, many milestones to achieve.
So here are a few tips
from a ‘foodie’ to all those who want to earn their living by making ““ROTI” their
“ROZI ROTI”.
First and foremost one
must truly believe that he or she will be able to start and continue in the food
business. Because any business has certain good days and certain bad days. One
should be prepared to face a rainy day with a belief that “Every cloud has a
Silver lining.”
Further one should
remember that if there is an industry that is unlikely to go down, it is probably the
food industry. Regardless of the economic situation, weather or whatsoever,
people must eat. People might stop buying clothes and jewelries but they will
never stop eating. Also, this is a business you can start in any locality or
region; rural or urban; city or country; whether Nigeria, Canada, USA,
U.K, Ghana, India, or Singapore, food business will flourish if you have
done your homework well. So if you are interested in starting a food business,
below are some food business ideas to help you start or expand your existing
food business.
Thus one has to decide
what business to start with keeping in the mind the strengths and weakness of
the individual. A SWOT analysis (Strength Weakness Opportunity Threat) done on
an individual or group basis will give you a fair amount of idea as to what is
feasible for you. For example if your Strength is having a leased land, room or
shop you can think of starting a Restaurant. Otherwise if you do not have a
place you will need extra funds to lease or buy the place. In such cases you
should start thinking of 4 M’s of business- Men, Material, Money & Machine.
Make a list of things available with you and what is your area of interest.
Following is the recipe
for success in food business and one change it according to their taste.
Fig. Recipe for Success in Food Business
Here are few tips and places to start finding and testing your ideas for
a food business.
1.
One should start
small and make it large with efforts.
2.
Enjoy the process
and accept the ups & downs with Positive attitude.
3.
Ask your local daily needs shop what they would like
to see on their shelves.
4.
Keep the prices of your items competitive.
5.
Quality and Consistency is the key in food business.
6.
Initially take orders within your limit. Remember
Goodwill takes time to be created but one bad word will take minutes to spoil
the image.
7.
Keep an eye on the competitors.
8.
Social media – get on Twitter, Facebook and YouTube
and ask people what they’re interested in. Upload photos and videos of
different food ideas you’ve had and see which get the warmest response.
9.
The media: TV, magazines and newspapers are a good
indication of current food trends. Listen to Master Chef, Food Food
Channel, NDTV Good Times, etc. and
check out great food bloggers.
10.
How can you improve upon existing products? Think in
terms of flavour and nutrition. Both are big selling points.
11.
Make a list of everyday food and drink and think about
how you could improve on it. Do the same for your favourite meals – both
homecooked and from restaurants.
12.
Explore the science of nutrition in a short course.
13.
Have good and trusted friends or colleagues to help
you.
14.
Sign up for advanced-level cookery lessons.
15.
Ask family and friends. (And experiment on
family and friends!)
And always remember “God helps those who help
Themselves”.
