Hey everyone,
Are you dreaming of getting your products into stores but struggling with the process? Well, I have a special guest on the podcast today who is here to share her expertise and help you navigate the world of business automation and getting your products on shelves.
I'm thrilled to introduce Chris Wood, who has had her products in 75 stores across Canada. But it wasn't always smooth sailing for Chris. She realized that she lacked certain foundations to support the next level of growth, leading to burnout and eventually selling her business. However, Chris didn't let that setback stop her. She created a business to help entrepreneurs in the middle stage of growth, teaching them about the importance of certain foundations.
One of the key concepts Chris discusses is bottle necking in business. She explains that bottle necking occurs when everything stops at the owner, preventing the business from growing. It's like being stuck on the ground level of a mansion without the key to open other doors. To overcome this, Chris emphasizes the need to build the back end of your business, focusing on systems, hiring, suppliers, and sales approaches. It's easy to get caught up in the excitement of your product, but neglecting the business side of things can hold you back.
Chris also highlights the importance of thinking about your future self when building a business. It's not just about you or your customers, but also about your brand. By asking your future self how they achieved success, you can gain valuable insights and guidance. Chris suggests that raising prices can be a strategic move to ensure profitability and sustainability. Don't rely on your own assumptions, ask your brand what price point it wants to be at. This mindset shift can help you detach yourself from the fear of rejection and view yourself as a representative of your brand.
Another crucial aspect Chris emphasizes is the need for proper systems and documentation in your business. Creating job descriptions for every role and writing spec sheets for suppliers and ingredients can ensure consistency in product quality. It may seem overwhelming, but Chris advises breaking down tasks and setting goals to gradually implement these systems in your business. Once they're in place, you can delegate tasks and seek help, freeing up your time and allowing your business to grow.
When it comes to choosing suppliers, Chris stresses the importance of doing back-end research and selecting based on specific criteria such as local sourcing, ethical practices, and good customer service. Having a spec sheet for suppliers can help you make informed decisions and maintain consistency in your products.
Chris also discusses the importance of hiring assistants and delegating tasks when necessary. Whether you have the money, dislike a vital task, or simply need help managing everything, hiring an assistant can be a game-changer. Chris suggests exploring different options, even on a low budget, and being flexible in your hiring approach. She even recommends joining admin assistant Facebook groups to find qualified candidates.
Throughout the episode, Chris shares her passion for helping hand crafters succeed in their businesses and emphasizes the importance of setting up systems.
