The science of candy making can be complicated, making it difficult to get answers to your questions online that are both relevant and accurate.

Did you know RCI offers an online forum for members, called List Serve, which is designed to connect with fellow candy makers and even suppliers who have the knowledge and experience to answer your questions? List Serve is also a great way to support fellow colleagues in the industry by responding to their questions.

If you’re considering purchasing a new piece of equipment or looking to do business with a new vendor, get recommendations from fellow members by creating a post on List Serve.

Stay up-to-date on posts, by subscribing to conversations covering topics such as chocolate production, marketing and merchandising and owning a business. RCI members can click hereto subscribe now.

Not a member of RCI? Visit RetailConfectioners.org for more information on how to join. 

Tags:  Candy Making  Chocolate Production  Forum  List Serve  Marketing  Merchandising  Owning a Business 

Source:Veracode

In a day and age when most businesses rely on the internet for daily operations, many do not have a formal cyber security plan in place. Businesses that don’t protect themselves against cyber attacks risk paying a price that could ultimately cost them their business. According to research by Symantec and the National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA), the average cyber attack cost small and mid-size businesses $188,242. Leading two-thirds of companies victimized by hackers to close their doors within six months of the attack.

According to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), “as larger companies take steps to secure their systems, less secure small businesses are easier targets for cyber criminals.” If your business doesn’t have a formal cyber security plan in place, the FCC offers a free, comprehensive cyber security planning guide for small businesses with actionable items and helpful references to put a cyber security plan in place.

Click here to download the FCC's free Cyber Security Planning Guide

Tags:  Cyber Security  Owning a Business 

Providing corporate gifts is a competitive game. Not only are there other local merchants competing to be the gift of choice for your local businesses, but you are in competition with the best in the world. The internet has given local businesses the world at the end of their fingertips. You are competing with the likes of Harry and David, Amazon, Wine Country Gifts, Godiva, Pro-Flowers, 1-800-Flowers, and hundreds of other internet gift companies. You are in competition with all of the above for the budget corporations have set aside for gift giving.

To even compete with these corporate giants you must portray a professional image to your targeted corporate client. This includes your company image, product and packaging. If you are designing an advertising piece it must reflect the same quality as the customer you are attempting to lure to your product. More than likely they will also shop your website. Go to your webpage and see if you are on the same level as your competition. This starts with professional graphics, photography and presentation. You must appeal to their eyes before they even try your product.

 

Running a small business is no easy task. As we know, we live, eat, and sleep our businesses. However, one of the best ways to increase your corporate business is through community involvement. Rub elbows with the decision makers in your area. Join Rotary, Kiwanis, Chamber of Commerce, or civic boards, and attend events and fundraisers. This is no quick fix, but as you get to know more people in your area, many of these decision makers will think about buying from you personally more than just your company. My father always said “sell yourself and they will buy your product.”

 

This is an excerpt from Kettle Talk, 2nd Quarter 2013, page 12. Click here to view full article on corporate gift giving (including tips on personalized gifts) written by Terry Hicklin of Candy House Gourmet Chocolates in Joplin. Images are the property of Candy House Gourmet.

Tags:  Chocolate  corporate  gifts  Holidays  Marketing  Owning a Business  Photos  website 

Tags:  Customer Service  Marketing  Merchandising  Owning a Business 

Do you have an email marketing strategy? This week’s tip is to be sure that going mobile is part of your strategy.

 

Data compiled by Constant Contact in conjunction with Chadwick Martin Bailey, found that 49 percent of consumers say they are likely to click on links in emails opened on their smartphone.  Therefore, you can’t afford not to optimize the emails you are sending to be viewed on mobile devices. How do you do that? Here a few specifics from RCI Partner Constant Contact on the practical steps to getting your emails mobile-ready:

 

1. Start with your email template. View your current emails on a mobile device and see how easy (or difficult) it is to read them. Make adjustments to the template to improve readability such as changing from multiple columns to one column.
2. Cut down content. When your customers are reading emails on their phones, they’re not looking for a lengthy article. They are looking for just the minimum amount of information needed to make a decision. Also consider your own goals for the email and only include information that helps to meet those goals.
3. Rethink links. Constant Contact has found that to encourage click-throughs buttons work much better than links on a mobile device. Additionally, avoid stacks of links as they’re difficult to click on with a finger – the risk of clicking on the wrong link is fairly high.
4. Review font choices. Again, it is important to view your email as your customers will see it. Is your font selection easy to read? Are there too many fonts being used?

Now, get those emails optimized before the holidays get here!

Tags:  Marketing  Owning a Business