Specialty Coffee Retailer is a publication for owners, managers and employees of retail outlets that sell specialty coffee. Its scope includes best sales practices, supplies, business trends and anything else to assist the small coffee retailer.
Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/241570
JACK'S BLEND Welcome to 2014 T here are 12 days of Christmas, 12 months in a year, 12 disciples, 12 'function keys' on your keyboard, 12 hues in the color wheel, 12 inches in a foot, 12 knights at the Round Table (plus Arthur), and 12 questions I am going to ask you. by Jack Groot to look at the features and technical advancement of new equipment. Improved product quality, efficiency and time and money savings can be had, and your staff and customers will be energized by your investment in your business. 1. Did you raise prices last year? I know, I know, I keep 10. Have you taken time to give back? Busy lives, especially as business owners, can make it hard to think of anything mentioning this. But, with everything from "Obama-care" else than simply maintaining. But, giving to others in an area to utilities taking a little bit more from your bottom line, you care about will actually benefit you more than those you make sure your net profit is a positive number. We raised give to. It is truly more blessed to give than receive. our prices by the largest margin ever and not a peep. 2. Did you update your training program? The time you 11. Do you exercise? Yeah, whatever…excuses are like armpits—everyone has them and most of them stink. Go lift spend training will pay off. Barista, customer service or weights, join a spin class, go for a walk (actually one of the other job skill training is an investment in your business I most beneficial) or come join me in a racquetball game (it's guarantee will yield profit. so addictive). You'll work off stress, increase stamina, clear 3. Did you take a break from your business? Whether you your mind, make new friends and maybe even lose a pound are a new business owner and took a full weekend off, or a or two (I'm helping you with your New Year's resolution). long time retailer in need of a week away, some time away 12. Have you put any plans together for the year? You will give you renewed energy and focus. know the old adage, those who fail to plan, plan to fail. 4. Did you create a "deep cleaning" checklist and finish You don't need to get super detailed or think out 5 years, it? Create one now, while you are in the after holidays but what about you and your spouse/key person/advisor/ slowdown, and then get it done! mentor take an afternoon and brainstorm some ideas to 5. Did you add any new menu items? Freshening up the increase profit, reduce expenses or add top line sales. Even menu with new beverages, additional food items or snacks if you only follow through on one of your ideas, it may end can significantly increase sales. Adding even 25 cents to up making you hundreds or even thousands of dollars. each transaction can make a big difference. As you are starting this New Year, take stock of where you 6. Did you take your employees to a trade event? Coffee are. Continue good habits, eliminate bad ones and adopt new Fest, The World Tea Expo and more will educate, invigorate ones that will benefit your business and the reason you do and inspire your staff for a very reasonable investment. Do what you do—customer satisfaction! it in 2014. Surviving retail for the long haul doesn't happen accidentally. 7. Did you take time to brainstorm and plan? Sometimes It takes many details: a great team, leadership, a positive culture, we are too close to the forest to see the trees. Take time to product and customer service excellence, re-investment in the get away, get inspired and see things in your business from business, and so much more. a different perspective. Here's to a great 2014 and all the 8. Did you read business publications or blogs? One of my opportunity you can handle! favorite things to read each month is Inc. Magazine. It is not coffee-related, but always business-related and inspiring. I often get more ideas reading about another industry than Jack Groot owns JP's Coffee and the Midwest Barista School in reading about my own. Holland, MI. He spends the majority of his time as a consultant 9. Do you have plans to upgrade any old and tired equipment? Now is the time to plan and save toward equipment replacement. Repair and maintenance is critical, but at some point you'll want a new espresso machine and grinders. If yours is three to five years old, you may want to the coffee industry in the US and worldwide. His work helps individuals create, open, improve and operate successful operations in the retail coffee industry. You can read more from Jack's experience as a 20-year coffee retailer at his blog, www. coffeegroot.com. Jack can be reached at jack@jpscoffee.com. 17