In my humble experience living in a large metropolis, city life is great. Who doesn't love all the different shops, the downtown experience, the crazy traffic...the crime...wait--wait--- I really do love living in a big city!
Back when Sam and I first lived here I was enthralled with Whole Foods Market. Who knew something like that existed? An organic grocery that supports local farmers and producers? My eyes were opened to all the different flavors, smells, and styles of cuisines. I would shop there regularly for my
unrefined sugar and vanilla beans. Although very fine quality foods, WFM is rather pricey (and you have to deal with the pseudo hippies who run 40 miles a day). Therefore, I digressed to my usual Safeway, Costco, and Wal-mart for supplies. It's not a bad thing, but I can tell a difference in the quality of the foods I make.
In Summer farmer's markets start popping up around the city. It's also one of my favorite parts about living here. Specifically, there is one that is in a K-Mart parking lot every year. Their prices are a bit steep but the quality of the fruits and veggies are very good. I recently purchased
peachcots (peach-apricot hybrids) and boy howdy--they are delicious. I have to be careful, at 6 for $5. I could easily eat a few for a meal! I also had the pleasure of purchasing their cherries. They were so ripe and sweet! A
very nice treat. I only regret that they are not open as early as I get off work and not open as late as I come into work (I work nights). Wish I could purchase from them more often!
You could eat at a different restaurant here every night, have a different cuisine, and not repeat the same restaurant for at least 3 months. It's wonderful how many options you have for a night out but it also can be tough deciding
which one to go to!
I'm sad to say that the restaurant closed. I don't remember if I told you or not, but thought I'd bring it up. I do not know why it closed, but assume it was for financial reasons. We weren't bringing in a whole lot of business, not as much as I had hoped. It's frustrating. In this big city having all the restaurants is great but you must compete for the business of the city. People trust big names. They are used to the bright shiny lights of Olive Garden and Texas Roadhouse. When you have a new place in town it can be hard to distract the big corporation's regulars enough to come eat at your small diner. It's all about networking, I've come to believe. It's who you know and who they know and how they can help.
The restaurant's closing has been a bit of an eye opener for me. If I ever want to open my own bakery or shop I have come realize many many things that should be done and a few things that shouldn't be done.
Customers. Offer great incentives for someone to come to you rather than someone else. Treat them with respect and be very gracious and thankful.
Product. Offer a product that is different or great enough to tempt your desired market. Keep improving and taking a close look at how your product can be tweaked.
Back of House. Keep straight books. Keep receipts. Stay up on bills. Be tidy and organized.
Design of Store. You NEED a cohesive theme, no matter what business you are in. The whole thing needs to come together- business cards to bathroom walls. Stick with a theme that is catchy, personal, and completely yours. Be different yet approachable.
Location. LOCATION. Find a good spot. Don't settle. People are vaguely interested in going out of their way to find you. They are less inclined to do so if it is in a shady neighborhood. Be careful.
Costs: You can be frugal without starving. You can cut costs without losing the final effect of the product or store theme/idea. Be wise about money. Buy secondhand and make it your own. Upgrade when you can. Don't think that you'll swim in $100 bills the first month. Be prepared to have your financial ups and downs. Save money. Save energy and money where you can in your store.
Service: Do it with a smile. You are being watched and critiqued each time you open and close your doors. People will start to associate you with your business. Be sure you are representing yourself and your business in a professional and upbeat manner even when you are off the clock. Always see complaints as a jumping pad for improvement. Welcome criticism and do it with a smile. Why should a customer come to you as opposed to Joe Blow next door? Treat the customers with respect. You should be very thankful they walked into your store. Show them you appreciate them by offering attentive service and a great quality product. No one wants to be forgotten, rejected, or ignored in life. The same goes for a potential customer walking through your door. Be available but not clingy. Be professional but still approachable. Be yourself! If you don't possess good 'people skills' I recommend practicing or taking a class. Get out of your element and be proud of what you offer.
To sum up. Pay attention to what you're doing. Pay attention to how often people come in and when they don't. Maybe you're doing something wrong and no one wants to tell you. Evaluate your team, your product, your theme, your system, and your business weekly, if not daily. Are you bringing in new clients? Are you able to retain them for repeat business? What's the word on the street about your store? Keep your fingers in the pies and your feet in the doors. A small gift basket or a card, business sharing perks, or a personal visit will do wonders for you. Put yourself out there. Check free local ads. Network. Business Cards. Free samples. Co-op with other businesses.
I don't know a whole lot about business but I have an idea about how a business should be ran. My mom started her own business when the company she worked for went under. She has been very successful. I doubt she realized how booming her business would be when she first opened shop. She must be doing the right things! She gets new customers daily, repeat customers weekly, and still loves her job.
Living in the big city affords many opportunities for business for the small entrepreneur but one must be careful and smart about business!
