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Posted By RCI,
Tuesday, April 11, 2023
Updated: Tuesday, September 5, 2023
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Do you ever feel like you’re stuck in a rut? Are you looking for ways to gain momentum and taking your business to the next level? If so, then you don’t want to miss RCI’s Annual Convention & Industry Expo in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on June 12-16, 2023! Join fellow confectioners, candy retailers and suppliers looking to gain momentum in their businesses through impactful education and collaboration. Get inspired to take the next step and gain momentum for your business through two days of education led by experts in their fields and designed to meet the unique needs of the retail confectioner. Learn game-changing retail and merchandising techniques from retail strategists and professional store planners, KIZER & BENDER. In two unique education sessions, this dynamic duo will teach attendees how to engage and connect with customers and offer a better understanding of what you need to do—and how to do it—to take your sales to insane, new levels, as well as create store layouts that sell, sell, sell! As a new addition to this year’s educational programming, attendees will have the opportunity to select topics that best fit their unique needs and interests during Roundtables: Conversations for Candy Businesses. Participants can join up to three different small groups to discuss specific topics relevant to their confectionery business. Each group will have a moderator to guide the conversation and address questions. Topics to include: - Business Operations
- Candy Formulations/Troubleshooting
- Human Resources/Hiring
- Marketing/Merchandising
- And more!
Attendees will also gain clarity on FDA packaging and nutrition labeling regulations, as well as how to capture consumer demand by identifying key flavor trends and executing successful new product launches. Click here for a full description of the education sessions offered at RCI’s 2023 Annual Convention & Industry Expo. Educational sessions will be presented on Tuesday, June 13 and Wednesday, June 14. A variety of ticket packages are available, giving attendees the option to create an experience that fits any schedule and budget. RCI offers a 1-Day Education Ticket for just $225 for those looking to focus strictly on education. RCI will conclude the week with off-site tours of local candy maker and supplier business, which takes education to the next level. Discounted early-bird tickets are available through April 28, 2023. Visit retailconfectioners.org/annual now to grab your ticket! Crave more?Click here to subscribe and start receiving weekly tips, like this, delivered straight to your email inbox. RCI's blog is just one of the many resources we offer to help candy makers refine their craft and build upon their business and marketing practices. Follow us on Facebook for even more sweet inspiration. Not a member? Click here to learn how RCI can help you build your sweet business.
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Posted By RCI,
Tuesday, May 4, 2021
Updated: Friday, August 20, 2021
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Now, more than ever, is the time to invest in your business! Many would agree that education is the best investment you can make in yourself, your team and your business. Education is deeply rooted in Retail Confectioners International’s (RCI) mission, which is to advance the confectionery industry by offering members the knowledge to build sweet businesses from entrepreneurial passion. For over 100 years, RCI has developed a reputation as a valuable resource for small business owners both established and new to the industry. With that said, we’re thrilled to share two opportunities for you to invest in education, (1) RCI’s Virtual Merchandising Boot Camp and (2) RCI’s 2021 Annual Convention and Industry Expo. Both events are designed to help you expand your knowledge to build an even sweeter business. Virtual Merchandising Boot Camp
May 18-19, 2021 Get your business on track and on point with 2 half days of in-depth training where you’ll learn how to engage and connect with customers in your store, online and on social media. Retail strategists, professional store planners and the instructors of this course, Rich Kizer and Georganne Bender, KIZER & BENDER, will break down the essentials and offer a better understanding of what you need to do–and how to do it–to increase store traffic and explode your sales. RCI’s Virtual Merchandising Boot Camp will take you through each of the steps necessary to build a merchandising strategy that gets results. During the course you’ll learn how to: - Build a consistent brand inside your store and out.
- Set your sales floor to sell with effective visual merchandising and displays.
- Back up your brand with a successful website and strategic digital marketing tactics.
- Better understand four generations of today’s consumer.
The course will be presented virtually via ZOOM. Students will have the opportunity to interact and ask questions live with instructors. Take advantage of this unique opportunity to build a merchandising and marketing strategy that will take your business to the next level—all without having to leave your desk. Visit retailconfectioners.org/page/VirtualMerchBootCamp for complete course details. Registration is open now! Annual Convention & Industry Expo
July 19-23, 2021 – Columbus, Ohio If you attend one in-person event in 2021, this is the one to attend! Join RCI for the 2021 Annual Convention & Industry Expo at the Greater Columbus July 19-23. Safely explore what’s new in the confectionery industry and take away effective business and production strategies to help you build a more successful business. Designed uniquely for the retail confectioner, this event will continue to offer attendees educational sessions, a two-day expo, confectionery tours and connection opportunities. As part of this year’s educational programming, attendees will join the discussion with a panel of retail confectioners whose businesses have adapted or pivoted to not only survive, but thrive, despite the challenges presented in 2020 and today. Learn how they made the most of their opportunities with strategic thinking and action, as well as what worked and what didn’t. In addition, attendees will take away effective business and production strategies with thought-provoking education on the following subjects: - Build an Exceptional Team Through Coaching and Mentoring
- Positioned for Growth
- Nougat: An Artisan Approach
Educational sessions will be presented on Tuesday, July 20 and Wednesday, July 21. While the convention is hosted by RCI, all confectionery professionals are invited to attend. A variety of ticket packages are available, giving attendees the option to create an experience that fits any schedule and budget. RCI offers a 1-Day Education Ticket for just $225 for those looking to focus on strictly on education. RCI will conclude the week with off-site tours of local candy businesses, which takes education to the next level. Register by May 14 for best rates. Visit retailconfectioners.org/annual for complete details on this year’s convention. Don’t miss an opportunity to invest in yourself and your business. Focus on learning this year and watch your business benefit as a result. Crave more? If you like what you read here, look for the "Subscribe now" box on the right to enter your email address and start receiving weekly tips, like this, delivered straight to your email inbox. RCI's blog is just one of the many resources we offer to help candy makers refine their craft and build upon their business and marketing practices. Follow us on Facebook for even more sweet inspiration.
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Posted By RCI,
Tuesday, April 6, 2021
Updated: Friday, August 20, 2021
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 When is the last time you invested in education for you or your team? It’s so easy to get lost in the details, as you scramble to complete daily tasks before the sun sets. Even if you crave the opportunity to learn, it can be difficult to invest your time when it always seems so limited. Podcasts are an easy and quick way to gain valuable insight for really any aspect of your life.
“Packed with expert interviews, fascinating conversations and creative content you can absorb while commuting, waiting for a flight, or running on a treadmill, entrepreneur podcasts are fast becoming a go-to for top leaders,” as stated in an article on Inc.com.
Below is a list of 10 business-related podcasts that we think you'll love as much as we do!
1. The Brendon Show, by Brendon Burchard
As one of the world’s leading high-performance coaches, Brendon Burchard shares tactical training on how to achieve your highest potential. 2. EntreLeadership, by Ken Coleman
EntreLeadership offers weekly interviews with today’s top thought leaders designed to help you grow, develop your team and provide inspiration to boost your bottom line. 3. The Tim Ferriss Show, by Tim Ferriss
Tim Ferriss examines habits of high-performing people to extract the tactics, tools and routines that listeners can apply to their lives or businesses. 4. The Marie Forleo Podcast, by Marie Forleo
From business, marketing and career advice, to tackling failure, disappointment, fear and philanthropy Marie Forleo shares advice to help you build a life and business you love. 5. The BizChix Podcast, by Natalie Eckdahl
Learn how to master your mindset, grow as a leader, refine your strategies, build your team and gain visibility in your industry. 6. Rise and Grind, by Daymond John
In-depth conversations with highly successful people from all different industries about how they conquered their goals. 7. Online Marketing Made Easy, by Amy Porterfield
Expert interviews, mini execution plans and intimate behind-the-scenes secrets all tied together to make everything you listen to as actionable and profitable as possible. 8. Stanford Entrepreneurial Thought Leader Series, hosted by Stanford University
If you're partial to academic thinking and want to learn from highly successful entrepreneurs, this podcast is packed with serious value and knowledge in one-hour chunks. 9. The GaryVee Audio Experience, by Gary Vaynerchuk
Media mogul and entrepreneur advocate, Gary Vaynerchuk, shares a combination of keynote speeches, interviews about business and marketing plus motivational advice. 10. Business Boutique, by Christy Wright
For women interested in starting and growing their own businesses, this podcast features deep dives on topics like marketing, selling, social media, pricing and more. Start listening now! Access podcasts for FREE using your computer, Apple or Android device. Most podcasts have a website where all their episodes are available to listen to anytime. Otherwise, look for the pre-installed Podcast app on all iPhones or download a podcast app, such as Spotify or Stitcher, if you have an Android device. Crave more? If you like what you read here, look for the "Subscribe now" box on the right to enter your email address and start receiving weekly tips, like this, delivered straight to your email inbox. RCI's blog is just one of the many resources we offer to help candy makers refine their craft and build upon their business and marketing practices. Follow us on Facebook for even more sweet inspiration.
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Posted By RCI,
Tuesday, March 16, 2021
Updated: Friday, August 20, 2021
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During RCI’s regional conference last spring, Tiffany Langlinais of Freret & Napoleon shared practical ways for retail confectioners to approach marketing in today’s social world. Langlinais pulled from her experience working with RCI member Laura’s Candies to share how candy makers of any size can elevate their online presence.
Is your business currently using platforms such as Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest? These are all avenues to connect not only with your current customer base, but also potential customers. Even more importantly, you should be using these platforms to sell your products.
Step up your social media marketing with the following tips:
- Research your favorite brands. What are they doing with social media that catches your attention?
- Make an attainable schedule for posting to social media regularly.
- Create a routine for posts. Pick a specific day of the week to post, even if it’s only once a week.
- For topic inspiration, check out any number of national holiday calendars. RCI members: Don’t forget to use RCI’s wall calendar as a resource for tracking confectionery-related holidays.
- Invite a fan to “takeover” your social media page and post about your confections.
- Create shopping catalogs on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest platforms.
- Create professional-looking posts by utilizing free resources such as Canva, Snapseed and Afterlight.
RCI members can login at retailconfectioners.org/pasteducation to view Tiffany Langlinais' full presentation on social media marketing, along with other education from RCI events.
We hope you are able to apply at least a couple of these ideas to step up your social media marketing!
Crave more? If you like what you read here, look for the "Subscribe now" box on the right to enter your email address and start receiving weekly tips, like this, delivered straight to your email inbox. RCI's blog is just one of the many resources we offer to help candy makers refine their craft and build upon their business and marketing practices.
Follow us on Facebook for even more sweet inspiration.
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Posted By RCI,
Thursday, March 26, 2020
Updated: Tuesday, April 21, 2020
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Despite all the uncertainty that comes with the COVID-19 crisis, we are certain this will pass. We are also certain that things are and will continue to change. But change is normal and change can be good. Take this opportunity to embrace change and your business could change for the better.
Here’s a list of recommendations to help your business survive the weeks ahead and come out of this better than ever. Stay connected with RCI’s community and email us with any questions you need answered or suggestions you’d like to share.
Leadership
- Know that this isn’t going to be easy, but you didn’t become an entrepreneur because it was the easy route. Trust your instincts and lean on the support of your RCI community, your local community and your team.
- Take care of yourself. If you don’t take care of yourself, you certainly won’t be able to take care of your business and your team. Be intentional about getting enough sleep, eat healthy, drink plenty of water and move your body a minimum of 20 minutes a day. You got this!
- Stay positive. According to Bob Phibbs, The Retail Doctor, “People are still buying things, and they are buying things for two reasons right now: (1) To get them through their day, so they are shopping for the things they need to make life work for them right now. (2) To help them escape from their day, so they are shopping for pleasures and fun things that will bring them joy and keep them busy,” (retaildoc.com).
- Take this time to educate yourself and your team. Explore online education opportunities to learn more on the topics of business, leadership, candy making and marketing. RCI members can login to view past education presentations.
- Connect with fellow RCI members to ask and answer questions on RCI’s online forum, List Serve.
- Curb thoughts of uncertainty and anxiety during downtime by reading books to help you grow as a business leader. Click here to read RCI’s recommended reading list.
- Get inspired to become a better leader by getting plugged into to some great podcasts. Learn from expert business leaders, many of which are navigating some of the same challenges right now that you are. Check out RCI’s list of 10business-related podcasts.
COVID-19 Education & Staff
- Go straight to the source for updates on COVID-19 from health and governmental agencies, such as The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and your state and local health agencies. Review the CDC’s Interim Guidance forBusinesses and Employers to plan, prepare and respond to COVID-19.
- Employ strict protocols for preventing exposure in the workplace and reporting symptoms. See below for links to additional resources addressing common questions:
- Do not disclose an employee's name if they have contracted COVID-19. You may have to disclose to other employees that they may have been exposed.
- To prevent stigma and discrimination in the workplace, the CDC recommends using only the guidance provided on its COVID-19 web page to properly determine risk. Do not make determinations of risk based on race or country of origin.
Operations
- Be aware of temporary guidance put in place by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regarding preventive controls, food supplier verification and onsite audits.
- Get your products in customers’ hands safely. If your retail store is open, this may require that you limit the number of individuals in your store at one time or encourage shoppers to call ahead for curbside pickup or delivery.
- Develop your own delivery program or look into local delivery services to partner with if your team doesn’t have the capability to deliver. See what Doordash, Grubhub and UberEats are doing to support local businesses.
- Keep staff busy tackling tasks that had previously been put off, because everyone was too busy—tasks like organizing inventory, reorganizing the store, cleaning, refreshing the website and creating lots of social media and email content.
Cleaning
- Create a new cleaning schedule and update procedures on employee hygiene practices (i.e., handwashing, etc.) as well as cleaning and disinfecting surfaces and equipment. Clickhere for guidance from the CDC.
- The most effective way to clean most equipment is with soap and water. Just scraping or using water alone will not be effective.
- Cleaning equipment with an all-oil-based product (and no sugars to help dissolve the product away) may require several oil flushes before introducing water or chemicals. Without the oil flushes, cleaning chemicals can extract the oil, leaving behind solid masses cemented to the pipes or agitators in equipment.
- Educate yourself on action steps required in the case someone with a suspected or confirmed case of COVID-19 was in your facility, follow these CDCguidelines.
Online Sales
Marketing & Promotion
- Use all forms of communication to let shoppers know you are open and what you are doing to ensure the cleanliness of your facility, staff and products. Where appropriate, share your cleaning protocols and photos of your clean candy kitchen and retail store.
- Don’t stop marketing your business! Create content that appeals to consumers by offering a way to escape the chaos through fun, comfort and joy.
- Think of members in your community who need to know someone is thinking of them. Consider a promotion to support the elderly quarantined in their homes and in nursing homes. Think of ways to thank those on the front lines—the medical workers and first responders, who are working hard to keep our communities safe and healthy.
- Invite shoppers to purchase gift cards from you and other local businesses as a way to support local. Some businesses are offering discounted gift cards to generate cash flow.
- Create eye-catching graphics for your store, website and social media outlets using free and user-friendly tools like Canva or Adobe Spark. Both sites have hundreds of professionally designed templates and layouts, making it easy for non-designers to create impressive, custom designs.
- Share easy recipes for followers to make at home with their kids, featuring your products. Consumers with kids out of school are looking for fun and easy ways to pass time as a family. Check out KidsActivities.net for easy candy recipes for kids using five ingredients or less. Substitute candy ingredients to make recipes your own. Considering bundling ingredients for one recipe and selling it as a “take-and-make kit.”
- Bundle products together by theme to help generate ideas of who your followers can shop for. RCI member, Bon Bon’s Candy House, has had success promoting care packages for “Peanut Butter Lovers,” “Grandpa’s Favorites,” and more.
- Host a Facebook Live event to get face-to-face with your followers even if your retail store is closed. RCI member, Dolle’s Candyland, has regularly scheduled Facebook Live videos to promote Easter items, new products and other merchandise that can be ordered through their virtual shopper service. Click here for tips from The Retail Doctor for using Facebook Live successfully.
- Host a contest on social media. RCI member, Mister Ed’s Elephant Museum and Candy Emporium is encouraging their followers to share positive thoughts for a chance to win their sweet treats. Check out this blog post by Hootsuitefor creative social media contest ideas.
- Encourage customers to host virtual tasting parties. Sell a tasting party bundle of your products and provide content on the tasting experience or lead a virtual tasting on Facebook Live or try Zoom for video conferencing (free and tiered pricing is available).
- Have a branded delivery vehicle? Consider visiting local neighborhoods, musical ice-cream-truck style, to sell your products. Other businesses have asked their social media followers to private message their addresses to be added to the delivery route. Share your route on social media and let people know when to expect you. First, check local regulations to ensure this activity is permitted.
- Educate and entertain social media followers by creating behind-the-scenes videos showing how your businesses makes some of your signature confections.
- Encourage customers to share photos of themselves enjoying your products from home and ask them to tag your business and/or use a creative hashtag.
- Offering curbside pickup is a great way to ensure the health and safety of your staff and customers, while continuing to do business. Perform practice runs to ensure an excellent customer experience. If taking orders by phone, have a checklist of important questions to ask customers—such as, “what color and model of car will you be arriving in?” making it easy to find them. Coach staff to thank every customer for their business over the phone and at pick up.
- Include handwritten notes along with all pickup and delivery orders, personally thanking customers for supporting your business.
- Update your store hours on your website, social media pages and all other third-party sites, such as your Google listing.
- If your retail store is closed or partially closed, start planning and preparing for a grand re-opening now. Be open with your staff about your plans and seek their input.
Closing thoughts
Doing business during times of uncertainty is going to be hard, but you are not alone. If business has slowed down for you (and it probably has—unless, of course, your business involves toilet paper or hand sanitizer), take advantage of the down time to learn, try new things and cross items off your list.
If you ran a successful business prior to this crisis, chances are you have a community of people who will be happy to support your business now. Now, more than ever, consumers are looking for ways to support local businesses. Find new ways to engage with consumers and remember that your sweet treats offer people comfort and hope, and help express gratitude, kindness and love to each other.
As you navigate these unprecedented times, we hope this offers you ways to challenge yourself and your business to grow and learn—so you and your business can come out of this better than ever.
Crave more? If you like what you read here, look for the "Subscribe now" box on the right to enter your email address and start receiving weekly tips, like this, delivered straight to your email inbox. RCI's Tip of the Week blog is just one of the many resources we offer to help candy makers refine their craft and build upon their business and marketing practices.
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Posted By RCI,
Friday, March 20, 2020
Updated: Tuesday, April 21, 2020
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When asked what the key to success was, Warren Buffett once pointed to a stack of books and said, "Read 500 pages like this every day. That’s how knowledge works. It builds up, like compound interest. All of you can do it, but I guarantee not many of you will do it.”
Before social distancing was a thing, we all had a million reasons not read books. Take advantage of this time to educate yourself and grow as a leader. Below is a list of recommended books to help you strengthen your business and leadership skills.
Tip: If you’re having trouble getting your hands on physical copies, OpenLibrary, Libby and Hoopla are available for accessing digital or audiobooks for free.
The Hard Thing About Hard Things: Building a Business When There Are No Easy Answers, by Ben Horowitz
While many people talk about how great it is to start a business, very few are honest about how difficult it is to run one. Ben Horowitz analyzes the problems that confront leaders every day, sharing the insights he’s gained developing, managing, selling, buying, investing in, and supervising technology companies.
Crucial Conversations, by Kerry Patterson
Learn to communicate best when it matters most. The classic guide to conversing in high-impact situations, Crucial Conversations helps you get constructive results when emotions run high and opinions vary, in the workplace and beyond.
Differentiate or Die, by Jack Trout
Bestselling author, Jack Trout, criticizes marketers for taking the easy route too often, employing high-tech razzle dazzle and sleight of hand when they should be working to discover and market their product’s uniquely valuable qualities. He examines successful differentiation from giants like Wal-Mart to smaller success stories like Connecticut’s tiny Trinity College to determine why some marketers succeed at differentiating themselves while others fail.
The Great Game of Business, by Jack Stack
The Great Game of Business is a whole different approach to running a company. With Jack Stack’s proven approach to transparency, employee education and engagement; he guarantees you will improve financial results and the lives of the people who drive those results.
StrengthsFinder 2.0, by Tom Rath
In 2001, Gallup introduced the first version of its online assessment, StrengthsFinder, to help people uncover their talents. In StrengthsFinder 2.0, Gallup unveils the new and improved version of its popular assessment, including hundreds of strategies for applying your strengths, this new book and accompanying website will change the way you look at yourself--and the world around you--forever.
The Ultimate Question, by Fred Reichheld
Loyalty expert, Fred Reichheld, shows how to turn customers into promoters who generate profits and sustainable growth. The key: one simple question—“Would you recommend us to a friend?”—that allows companies to track promoters and detractors, producing a clear measure of an organization’s performance through its customers’ eyes.
Who, by Geoff Smart and Randy Street
In this New York Times Bestseller, Geoff Smart and Randy Street provide a simple, practical, and effective solution to what The Economist calls “the single biggest problem in business today”: unsuccessful hiring.
Other recommended reading:
How you choose to spend our time now, will have a significant impact on the success of your business now and over time. Take time to consume information and education that can help you continue to build a strong and successful business moving forward.
Crave more? If you like what you read here, look for the "Subscribe now" box on the right to enter your email address and start receiving weekly tips, like this, delivered straight to your email inbox. RCI's Tip of the Week blog is just one of the many resources we offer to help candy makers refine their craft and build upon their business and marketing practices.
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Posted By RCI,
Tuesday, November 19, 2019
Updated: Monday, April 27, 2020
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Just as it’s never too early to start reading to children, it’s never too early to teach them to appreciate the art of chocolate making. Giving your customers access to books that teach children about how chocolate and candy is made - in a language they can understand - is just the start to creating the next generation of consumers that know the difference between what’s on your shelf and the shelf at the convenience store down the street.
Here’s some recommended books to add to your shelves.
Candy Making for Kids is a creative and fun book full of easy-to-follow candy recipes for kids. From traditional favorites such as toffee and fudge to whimsical creations such as candy caterpillars and candy play-dough, kids of all ages will absolutely love these delicious and cute treats. Perfect for children’s parties, holiday parties, packaging up for friends, or simply enjoying at home, these recipe ideas are sure to become a family favorite!
When George and the man with the yellow hat stop to shop at a chocolate factory store, George becomes curious about how chocolates are made. Though he begins to follow the factory tour, George is soon off on his own to investigate.
How does a cocoa bean turn into tasty chocolate? Follow each step in the food production cycle—from planting cocoa trees to eating a sweet treat.
Bean to bar... to book! Join a charming little girl named Coco as she goes on a magical journey to discover how chocolate is made. Guided by the gentle, loving hand of her favorite chocolate maker, Coco learns the sweet secrets to confection perfection.
Crave more? If you like what you read here, look for the "Subscribe now" box on the right to enter your email address and start receiving weekly tips, like this, delivered straight to your email inbox. RCI's Tip of the Week blog is just one of the many resources we offer to help candy makers refine their craft and build upon their business and marketing practices.
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Posted By RCI,
Tuesday, June 18, 2019
Updated: Monday, April 27, 2020
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If summertime is a slower season for your business, consider taking this time to experiment and have fun with new flavors and techniques. Use the following guide presented by Joe Sofia, with Cargill Cocoa & Chocolate, during RCI’s 2018 Annual Convention & Industry to develop recipes for new confections. RCI Members: View the full presentation by logging in at retailconfectioners.org/pasteducation.
1. CREATE A "GOLD STANDARD" SAMPLE
Turn your concept into a tangible sample by focusing on a desired flavor and texture. Small benchtop samples are inexpensive, fun and provide helpful guidance. Remember to have an open mind during this step, constraints can come later.
2. GET THE HELP YOU NEED
If you’re a member of RCI, this is a great opportunity to take advantage of your membership and its valuable network of candy makers and suppliers willing and able to address your questions. Another option would be to hire an experienced confectionery consultant, which could save you a significant amount of time. Lastly, help yourself by seeking out educational courses, like the many offered by RCI and other industry organizations.
3. SEEK FEEDBACK
Sharing test samples with employees and customers is not only a great way to get useful feedback, but it's a way to involve your team and engage your customers. Alternatively, consider mailing samples to trusted friends or members of a professional organization you may be a part of, like RCI or your local chamber of commerce. Most importantly, use the feedback to guide your recipe choices.
4. SCALE UP
Produce the minimum batch size in a real production environment, taking detailed notes and measurements. Adjust as necessary and use these samples to test the shelf life of the recipe.
5. DON'T BE AFRAID TO START OVER
Avoid the temptation to move forward with a concept if the results don't meet your original expectations.
Crave more? If you like what you read here, look for the "Subscribe now" box on the right to enter your email address and start receiving weekly tips, like this, delivered straight to your email inbox. RCI's Tip of the Week blog is just one of the many resources we offer to help candy makers refine their craft and build upon their business and marketing practices.
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Posted By RCI,
Tuesday, April 23, 2019
Updated: Monday, April 27, 2020
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“Cultivating a powerhouse team is key to the success of any business,” said Denise Kestner of ClearPath HR, a presenter at RCI’s 2018 Annual Convention & Industry Expo. Even the most successful businesses are on the lookout for ways to better ensure the right candidates are hired to join their teams. Keep reading as RCI member, Rebecca Craig of Marie’s Candies, shares what she learned from Denise’s presentation.
5 WAYS TO CULTIVATE TALENT:
Lead with Culture
During interviews, skip the complete company history as your intro. Instead begin by sharing benefits that are unique to our organization and appealing to potential candidates. If you offer an exceptional employee culture, that’s a great place to start. If your company history is important to you, stick to the highlight reel.
Start with Why
When crafting role descriptions for an open position, grab candidates' attention in a way that will attract people who share your purpose and values. Click here to check out Simon Sinik’s TED Talk based on his book, Start with Why.
Be Creative with Benefits
Health insurance, life insurance, retirement, vacation, and etc. are important, but people also value fun things like popsicle breaks during the summer, fun birthday celebrations or even Manicure Fridays.
Try Working Interviews
“A working interview gives the employer a chance to see the applicant’s skills in action," according to employment solutions provider, Friday Staffing. "This arrangement can benefit both parties. Candidates get to see if they like the job. Hiring managers get to see how well the candidate will actually perform in the position. Not only does the working interview give the employer an opportunity to assess the work, but it also gives the job seeker an opportunity to ‘try out’ the job that they will be performing and to get a feel for the office culture.”
Don’t Stop Recruiting
Seek out the server at the restaurant who is passionate about the menu, the teller at the bank, who goes above and beyond to help and approach them about joining your team. You never know where you might meet your next rock star team member!
Give these tips a try and see how they impact your company culture! We want to know what great tips you have for cultivating talent within your business! Share in the comments below.
Crave more? If you like what you read here, look for the "Subscribe now" box on the right to enter your email address and start receiving weekly tips, like this, delivered straight to your email inbox. RCI's Tip of the Week blog is just one of the many resources we offer to help candy makers refine their craft and build upon their business and marketing practices.
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Posted By RCI,
Tuesday, February 19, 2019
Updated: Monday, April 27, 2020
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So, it’s February! And how are those New Year’s resolutions coming along?
Whether you made a resolution to improve your business this year or not, now is a great time to evaluate the goals you do have and measure your progress since setting those goals. Experts agree measuring your progress on an ongoing basis is a vital part of successfully attaining goals.
If you aspire to learn more about chocolate and expand your candy making skills, we’ve pulled sample questions from RCI’s Chocolate Boot Camp® “School of Knowledge” quiz, as a way to help you take a pulse of your chocolate knowledge.
1. Which of the following steps of cocoa bean processing must take place within the growing country?
A. Conching
B. Winnowing (shell removal)
C. Fermentation
D. All of the above
2. When tempering chocolate, what percentage of solid fat crystals is desired when process is complete?
A. 0.1 - 1.0%
B. 1.5 - 4.0%
C. 5.0 - 8.0%
3. Which of the following will contribute to bloomed bottoms?
A. Cold belt temperatures
B. Using chocolate in bottomer
C. High-viscosity chocolate
D. All of the above
4. When removing confections from freezer storage, typical temperature profile is:
A. 0°F - 30°F - 70°F
B. 0°F - 40°F - 70°F
C. 0°F - 50°F - 70°F
Now that you've completed the sample quiz, ask yourself, how confident do you feel in your answers? Would you qualify for master chocolatier status or could you use a refresher on the subject? See post #295 for the answers.
Warren Buffet once said, “The best investment you can make is an investment in yourself, the more you learn the more you’ll earn.” Whether you're a veteran chocolatier or a newcomer to the industry, if you aspire to learn more and expand your candy making skills, consider ways to invest in your education. Thankfully education is more accessible than ever before! Education is available in all different formats; print, webinars, podcasts, seminars and workshops, certifications and courses, even in-person meetings such as trade shows or local networking events. Experiment with different learning formats to find out what works best for you.
Want to learn more about RCI’s upcoming events and education? Click here to receive notifications about when registration opens for events and education courses, like RCI’s Chocolate Boot Camp and Annual Convention & Industry Expo.
Crave more? If you like what you read here, look for the "Subscribe now" box on the right to enter your email address and start receiving weekly tips, like this, delivered straight to your email inbox. RCI's Tip of the Week blog is just one of the many resources we offer to help candy makers refine their craft and build upon their business and marketing practices.
Tags:
Candy Making
Chocolate
Chocolate Boot Camp
Education
Enrobing
Shelf Life
Tempering
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