it’s hard to hold yourself accountable when you’re going it alone
Running a food business can feel lonely. When you’re making granola, bottling hot sauce, or packaging meal kits yourself, there’s no one there to tell you if your ideas make sense. Independence is great – it’s probably why you started your business. But being accountable to someone else can help prevent your business from getting stuck in place.
Friends and Family Aren’t Enough
Your mom might love your new cookie flavor, and your best friend might think your pricing is fine. But let’s be honest – they’re trying to be nice. They don’t know the food business and don’t want to hurt your feelings. You need people who understand things like food costs, production schedules, and health department rules.
Finding People Who Get It
You need to connect with others who know the food business. They’ll help keep you accountable. Here’s where to look:
- Your local small business office probably runs free programs just for food businesses
- Shared commercial kitchens are full of other food business owners
- Food maker groups on Facebook or LinkedIn
- Other food producers who make different products than you do (they won’t see you as competition)
Making These Relationships Work
Meet regularly with your business advisors or fellow food makers. Once a month works for mentors, while peer groups meet every couple of weeks. Discuss your problems, like “I can’t keep up with orders” or “I’m not sure if I should buy new equipment.” Good advisors will ask tough questions to help you think things through. They will hold you accountable.
Next Steps in accountability
Think about what’s holding your business back right now. Find people who’ve dealt with similar problems. This week, reach out to three people who might be able to help. Ask them to hold you accountable. You could message someone in a food business group, join a local meetup, or ask your commercial kitchen manager for introductions. The most successful food businesses have people pushing them to do better – you need that, too.
Enjoy content like this? Check out our Knowledge Hub for more insights, podcasts and articles.
Crafted Kitchen operates as an incubator-style shared-use kitchen in the Arts District of Los Angeles. We provide small food businesses with the tools, access and resources they need to turn their side hustle into a success story. Own your own small food business? Looking for kitchen space and a supportive community to help guide you? Let’s talk. Schedule a call today.
Leave a Reply