What to do when everything is going RIGHT?

Business is running smoothly. Sales are coming in. Customer satisfaction is good. Profitability is consistent. What you’re doing is working. Is there any reason not to be content?

Contentment sounds like a great goal that any businessperson would aim to achieve. But there’s a danger. A fine line exists between contentment and complacency. The reason it’s dangerous is that you’re vulnerable to risks, not evolving and becoming irrelevant.

Complacency can happen to the best of businesses. In fact, it is more likely to occur when companies are experiencing success. Consider that the Fortune 500 is a list of some of the greatest companies who represent achievement not just within their industry, but in the business world as a whole. Yet, only 13% of the original Fortune 500 companies from 1955 are still in existence today. What causes such a fall from greatness? Their stories are all different, but the bottom line is the same. Contentment with their position as a leader gave way to a failure to recognize threats and respond to factors in their marketplace.

How do you avoid it? Here’s our take on four tips courtesy of Inc. Magazine:

1. Practice reasonable paranoia – The competition is lurking. And they will jump at any chance to seize your business. Don’t be blindsided. Role play and consider how the opposition thinks. Are there opportunities you’re ignoring? Is there a weakness in your service that could be exploited? Where is your market heading in the future? There’s always someone out there striving to be better. Make sure that someone is you!
2. Look in the rear view mirror – It’s easy to get focused on what’s ahead. But if we keep driving forward without being aware of our surroundings, it’s just an accident waiting to happen. Know who your competition is and what they are up to. For example, BlackBerry was a leader in mobile devices but didn’t see the iPhone coming until it was too late. Are there competitors that you haven’t even thought about?
3. You can always do better – Some of you are reading this feeling confident that you’re doing everything right. Well, I hate to disappoint you, but there’s no room for ego. Always look for ways you can improve in product, value and service. It’s not enough to just keep doing what you’re doing. How can you do more, be better, exceed expectations? Every detail counts from the way you greet customers to the cleanliness of your concession stand to the products you offer.
4. Listen for fresh ideas – You don’t have to do it all alone. Tap into resources outside of yourself. Employees, customers or suppliers may have your next great idea. Read, attend events and engage in forums. Keep an open mind and you might just be surprised what you learn.

Don’t settle when you can be even more competitive! Beach Cities Wholesalers is ready to help you take your business to the next level. Contact us at 562-355-4074 and consult with our concession specialists for a fresh perspective on the marketplace.

Making Delicious Fudge Just Got Simpler!

For a classic indulgence that will entice your patrons, fudge is the treat that delivers a fulfilling experience. Yet, operators may be skeptical and wonder if the process is labor-intensive or complex. It’s time to debunk that myth. Thanks to the Sweet Selections® Fudge unique 1-STEP mix, creating flavorful fudge has never been easier.

Now, you can tap into the knowledge of Gold Medal’s food technologists as they share special insights that will benefit anyone new to fudge and those who are experienced and looking for new ideas.

1. Better Butter – To maximize your mixing time, first cut your butter into slices before adding to the mixer. Adding the whole stick will add 2-3 minutes of extra melt time. Plus, you should allow your butter to begin to melt before adding the mix. This makes the mixing process smoother.
2. Check Your Temp – The key to properly making fudge is to monitor your temperature. 150-160 degrees F is ideal. The Sweet Selections® Fudge Mixer includes a candy thermometer that fits into a specially made hole on the paddle. Note that the hotter the temperature, the more firm the fudge will be.
3. Expand Your Line of Flavors – It doesn’t have to be intimidating to add more flavor selections to your menu. One option that is super easy is to use the Base Mix and replace 3 oz. of water with 3 oz. of Sno-Kone® concentrate. Some of our favorites are: lime, strawberry and cotton candy.
4. More Tasty Additions – Think about what you can mix in to add flavor and texture. Walnuts are popular and can be used with chocolate, vanilla or maple fudge. Other suggestions are crushed sandwich cookies for cookies and cream or candy canes for a peppermint seasonal favorite. Typically, you’ll want to use 3-4 cups. You can either use as a topping or embed them by placing the inclusion on your parchment paper and pouring the fudge directly on top.
5. How to Swirl – This gives your fudge an amazing look that catches the buyer’s eye. Yet, it is actually easy to accomplish. Make your first flavor batch and pour half into each pan. Then make your second batch and quickly pour on top. Use a spatula to pull up the first flavor and make stripes across the pan. Last, use a setter stick to draw lines perpendicular to the stripes and make a swirl pattern. This is a great technique for chocolate strawberry, mint chocolate or orange creamsicle.

If you’re curious about fudge, please check out: Why Selling Fudge is a Smart Business Decision. It doesn’t matter whether you are a tourist attraction, grocery store or other venue, the benefits are widely appealing. And profits of 80% are very achievable. Let us show you how. Just click here to request a demo or call Beach Cities Wholesalers at 562-355-4074.