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  • Get Microsoft 365 for Six People a Year for Just $100

    Get Microsoft 365 for Six People a Year for Just $100


    Disclosure: Our goal is to feature products and services that we think you’ll find interesting and useful. If you purchase them, Entrepreneur may get a small share of the revenue from the sale from our commerce partners.

    Gusto, the payroll and benefits company, found that SMBs that are fully remote tend to have higher scores across almost all performance indicators. Of course, it would probably help if everyone used the same software. Right now, the best office suite option for small businesses has to be this one-year subscription to Microsoft Office 365 for family or up to six users that’s on sale for just $99.99. That’s 23% off the normal $129 subscription price.

    The best thing about a Microsoft 365 subscription is that you know the programs are always up to date with the newest innovative features because you get them as soon as they are released. Communication is a breeze; up to 300 people can join group video calls on Microsoft Teams and talk for up to 30 hours. Also, each user gets 1TB of secure cloud storage and can use up to five devices of their own simultaneously, including computers, phones, and tablets.

    Applications include Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, OneNote, OneDrive, Clipchamp, MS Edito,r and Microsoft Defender. They can help you with spelling and grammar, offer royalty-free creative content, and so much more.

    The real gamechanger, though, is Microsoft’s AI-powered productivity assistant Copilot. Its AI features are integrated seamlessly into the Office programs to save you time and effort by helping you work smarter and more efficiently. Microsoft Copilot can even automate tasks!

    Security is another huge perk of Microsoft 365. Advanced features protect all of your files, and all of the Outlook features that help you stay organized are backed by the most robust security tools.

    Plus, you can’t beat the flexibility of this suite of programs. You can use it on almost any type of PC, Mac, Android phones and tablets, iPads, and iPhones. Not only can you collaborate in real-time, but you can also work offline. It’s no wonder Microsoft 365 has a 4.7 out of 5 stars rating on both GetApp and Capterra.

    Get a one-year subscription to Microsoft 365 for a family, or up to six users, while it’s available for only $99.99, a 23% discount.

    StackSocial prices subject to change.

    Gusto, the payroll and benefits company, found that SMBs that are fully remote tend to have higher scores across almost all performance indicators. Of course, it would probably help if everyone used the same software. Right now, the best office suite option for small businesses has to be this one-year subscription to Microsoft Office 365 for family or up to six users that’s on sale for just $99.99. That’s 23% off the normal $129 subscription price.

    The best thing about a Microsoft 365 subscription is that you know the programs are always up to date with the newest innovative features because you get them as soon as they are released. Communication is a breeze; up to 300 people can join group video calls on Microsoft Teams and talk for up to 30 hours. Also, each user gets 1TB of secure cloud storage and can use up to five devices of their own simultaneously, including computers, phones, and tablets.

    Applications include Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, OneNote, OneDrive, Clipchamp, MS Edito,r and Microsoft Defender. They can help you with spelling and grammar, offer royalty-free creative content, and so much more.

    The rest of this article is locked.

    Join Entrepreneur+ today for access.



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  • Your Team Will Love This Easy-to-Use PDF Editor

    Your Team Will Love This Easy-to-Use PDF Editor


    Disclosure: Our goal is to feature products and services that we think you’ll find interesting and useful. If you purchase them, Entrepreneur may get a small share of the revenue from the sale from our commerce partners.

    PDFs are a business essential — Adobe, the creator of the file format, estimates that more than 2.5 trillion PDFs are created each year. Easily creating, editing, and converting PDF files makes doing business smooth and seamless, but to make it happen, you need the right tool.

    That’s where PDF Expert comes in. This award-winning app unlocks all the PDF functionality you need to keep business going, and right now, you can get a lifetime subscription for $79.97, 42% off the $139.99 regular price.

    Editing tools that do it all

    There’s a reason PDF Expert was named an Editor’s Choice pick from Apple, and why more than 30 million people rely on it worldwide: It packs a comprehensive set of tools into one easy-to-use PDF editor.

    That includes creating PDFs from JPGs, PNGs, Word files, Excel spreadsheets and even PowerPoints — or taking PDFs and making them into image files, editable documents, and spreadsheets and presentations.

    But PDF Editor goes way beyond creation. Use the program to highlight and comment on existing PDFs or fill out forms. You can also use it to change text, or add images and links into the file. It also supports managing pages, splitting multi-page files into separate documents, and merging separate PDFs into one.

    You can even use this program to enhance scanned files, and crop and split pages to suit them to your needs. And maybe most usefully of all, you can use the program to add your signature to critical documents like invoices, contracts, or agreements.

    The fine print

    This deal is for new users only, and is only valid for Macs. If that describes you, however, it’s a great deal — this subscription is good for use on an unlimited number of personal Mac products.

    Your team already uses PDFs everyday. This is a golden opportunity to make their jobs easier and their workday more productive, for a price you won’t beat.

    Get a lifetime premium plan subscription to PDF Expert for $79.97 (reg. $139.99).

    StackSocial prices subject to change.

    PDFs are a business essential — Adobe, the creator of the file format, estimates that more than 2.5 trillion PDFs are created each year. Easily creating, editing, and converting PDF files makes doing business smooth and seamless, but to make it happen, you need the right tool.

    That’s where PDF Expert comes in. This award-winning app unlocks all the PDF functionality you need to keep business going, and right now, you can get a lifetime subscription for $79.97, 42% off the $139.99 regular price.

    Editing tools that do it all

    The rest of this article is locked.

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  • This $200 MacBook Air Handles Your Hustle Without Complaints

    This $200 MacBook Air Handles Your Hustle Without Complaints


    Disclosure: Our goal is to feature products and services that we think you’ll find interesting and useful. If you purchase them, Entrepreneur may get a small share of the revenue from the sale from our commerce partners.

    One thing to keep in mind when getting a laptop to support your professional needs is that not every job needs the latest M-series MacBook. If your goal is reliable performance, decent battery life, and that always-satisfying Apple experience—without obliterating your tech budget—this refurbished Apple MacBook Air 13.3″ (from 2017) might be exactly what you’re looking for.

    At just $199.97, it’s a compelling option for entrepreneurs, frequent flyers, remote teams, or anyone needing a no-fuss, high-functioning laptop. Whether you’re outfitting new hires, building a small remote team, or just need a travel-friendly workhorse for flights and coworking spaces, this deal checks all the right boxes.

    Powered by a 1.8GHz Intel Core i5 processor with 128GB SSD and Intel HD Graphics 6000, this MacBook Air can easily handle productivity apps, video calls, and browser-based work. The 13.3-inch Retina display (1440×900) gives you enough screen real estate for spreadsheets, docs, or Netflix—no judgment here.

    And with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and a 12-hour battery, you’ve got the flexibility to work wherever you find a signal and a seat.

    A business-savvy no-brainer

    Sure, it’s not the newest model, but at this price, it’s a smart choice for businesses that are looking to scale or support remote productivity without buying into another $1,000 machine. It’s also ideal as a reliable secondary laptop for traveling professionals who’d rather not risk their $2,000 daily driver at airport security. It’s been cleaned and inspected, and arrives with the possibility of some light scratching or minor blemishes.

    All in all, it’s a legit Apple laptop with great performance, for just $200. You’ll get what you need, save what you don’t, and maybe even impress a client or two with how resourcefully you roll.

    Get a top-quality refurbished Apple MacBook Air for just $199.97 (reg. $999) with free shipping when you order through July 20.

    Apple MacBook Air 13.3″ (2017) 1.8GHz i5 8GB RAM 128GB SSD Silver (Refurbished)

    See Deal

    StackSocial prices subject to change.

    One thing to keep in mind when getting a laptop to support your professional needs is that not every job needs the latest M-series MacBook. If your goal is reliable performance, decent battery life, and that always-satisfying Apple experience—without obliterating your tech budget—this refurbished Apple MacBook Air 13.3″ (from 2017) might be exactly what you’re looking for.

    At just $199.97, it’s a compelling option for entrepreneurs, frequent flyers, remote teams, or anyone needing a no-fuss, high-functioning laptop. Whether you’re outfitting new hires, building a small remote team, or just need a travel-friendly workhorse for flights and coworking spaces, this deal checks all the right boxes.

    Powered by a 1.8GHz Intel Core i5 processor with 128GB SSD and Intel HD Graphics 6000, this MacBook Air can easily handle productivity apps, video calls, and browser-based work. The 13.3-inch Retina display (1440×900) gives you enough screen real estate for spreadsheets, docs, or Netflix—no judgment here.

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  • Texas Requires Apple and Google to Verify Ages for App Downloads



    The state’s governor signed a new law that will give parents more control over the apps that minors download, part of a raft of new legislation.



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  • Best Practices



    Establishing a streak is a low-pressure way to generate feelings of pride and self-respect around the things you’re already doing in your everyday life.



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  • Turn Your Side Hustle Into a 7-Figure Business With These 4 AI Growth Hacks

    Turn Your Side Hustle Into a 7-Figure Business With These 4 AI Growth Hacks


    Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

    Most entrepreneurs are using AI the wrong way — tweaking blog posts, drafting emails and hoping it saves time. But surface-level tools won’t grow your business. What if you could use AI to build a system that runs your content, lead gen and sales — without hiring a single person?

    This video reveals the four high-leverage AI growth hacks that solo entrepreneurs are using to reclaim three days a week and scale to seven figures — no tech skills required. What you’ll discover:

    • The content research shortcut top creators swear by: Uncover high-converting ideas from what’s already working in your niche — then turn those insights into original, engaging content in record time.
    • Your always-on sales assistant: Deploy a smart system that engages leads, answers questions and handles objections — boosting conversions while you focus on growth.
    • Lead generation on autopilot: Set up a full cold outreach engine that identifies ideal prospects, warms them up and keeps conversations moving — without the manual grind.
    • Revenue-boosting email intelligence: Analyze your past campaign data to reveal exactly what drives clicks and sales — then use AI to write emails that outperform your best ones.
    • The plug-and-play system behind seven-figure solopreneurs: Link these automations together to build a lean, self-sustaining business engine that grows even when you’re offline.

    Everything is broken down step-by-step, no tech skills required. If you’re ready to scale your business without burning out, this is the video to watch.

    Download the free “AI Success Kit” (limited time only). And you’ll also get a free chapter from my brand new book, “The Wolf is at The Door – How to Survive and Thrive in an AI-Driven World.”



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  • 6 Reasons Every Business Needs to Start a YouTube Channel Today

    6 Reasons Every Business Needs to Start a YouTube Channel Today


    Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

    Okay, I get it. The idea of creating videos for your business can feel intimidating, maybe even overwhelming or just plain “not my thing.” But trust me on this one — not only do you need to be on YouTube, but it’s also one of the smartest decisions you’ll make for growing your business. YouTube isn’t just a platform; it’s a marketing powerhouse that helps you connect with customers, build trust and drive sales in a way nothing else can.

    Today, I’m walking you through six reasons why getting on YouTube is a total game-changer for your business. From building authentic connections to boosting your SEO game, this list has something for everyone. And don’t worry, we’ll have some fun along the way. By the end of this, you’ll be ready to hit record and start growing your business like never before.

    Related: I Made $389,822 In One Year On YouTube. Here’s How I Did It

    1. Your business becomes more than a name

    People want to do business with, well, people. YouTube gives your audience the opportunity to see the human side of your brand. Whether it’s behind-the-scenes videos, team introductions or your workspace, these videos bring your brand to life.

    When I created Tonia in Vegas, I only used YouTube to launch my brand, and I grew to over 500 members in under one year. Here’s another example. Take, for instance, the booming world of TCGs (that’s trading card games, for those who have never been to one of these unbelievably busy conventions).

    Pokémon is a TCG and is not just a card game; it’s an empire. And newer TCG games like TMeck are catching eyes, too. Entrepreneurs in this space are riding the waves of the industry’s massive popularity by using YouTube as their primary marketing tool. Card shows with lines of excited collectors are everywhere, but the smart sellers know the power of video. Streaming a live box break, showing the process of grading rare cards or even posting an unboxing video is so much more engaging than just listing products for sale. The connection formed makes viewers feel like insiders to your world.

    And here’s a great example from a real entrepreneur who is growing immensely online. Dylan from The Bulba Store has grown to over 100k subscribers in less than 18 months. YouTube has been a total game-changer for his business. With the success of his channel, he has been able to connect with collectors all over the world who are just as passionate about Pokémon cards as he is. Sharing videos of real deals, market trends and the day-to-day grind of running the business has built a level of trust and transparency that you just can’t achieve through a website alone. People don’t just want to buy cards — they want to buy from someone they feel connected to. YouTube gave him that platform and it’s played a huge role in growing thebulbastore into what it is today.

    2. Showcase your expertise

    When it comes to positioning yourself as an authority in your industry, YouTube is a stage like no other. Whether you’re a fitness coach, a tech enthusiast or a TCG entrepreneur, video allows you to educate your audience and prove why you’re the go-to expert.

    Would you rather scroll through paragraphs about someone’s expertise, or actually see them in action? If you’re a fitness trainer, guide your audience through a killer workout. If you’re a real estate agent, give a virtual walkthrough of your properties. And if you sell TCGs, flex your expertise with tutorials on deck-building strategies or even discussions on current market trends. The possibilities are endless.

    3. Shine bright in customer service

    You can talk about great customer service all day, but showing it makes all the difference. YouTube is an awesome place to answer FAQs, demo products or even showcase how you handle orders. And yes, that content doubles as amazing marketing.

    Imagine a customer debating between two businesses. One has an engaging YouTube channel filled with helpful tips and tutorials, while the other has crickets. Guess where that customer is headed? Exactly. Be the business that stands out and shines.

    Related: 9 Ways Brands Can Explode Their Sales With YouTube

    4. Connect authentically with your audience

    Here’s the deal: YouTube videos feel real. Unlike slick ad campaigns or polished brochures, they show the relatable, human side of your business. And guess what? People crave that authenticity.

    Your audience doesn’t care if your video quality is on par with a Hollywood production. They care about you. Be yourself, stumbles and all. Take time to interact in the comments and build relationships with your viewers. That authenticity builds trust, and trust is priceless in business.

    5. Boost your SEO and website traffic

    This one’s a little technical, but super important. YouTube is owned by Google (a.k.a. the king of search engines), and videos often show up on the first page of search results. A well-optimized YouTube video is basically a direct ticket to driving traffic to your website.

    Say you own a bakery in Newport Beach, and you upload a video called “5 Must-Try Desserts at [Your Bakery Name].” The next time someone Googles “best desserts in Newport Beach,” there’s your video, sitting pretty on the results page. Simple but powerful, right?

    6. It’s fun

    Yes, YouTube is a fantastic tool for growing your business, but it’s also a blast! Once you shake off those first-time-on-camera jitters, you’ll discover how fun it is to create content that resonates with your audience.

    Experiment with creative ideas, show off your personality and connect in the comments. The more you practice, the better your videos (and confidence) will get. Before you know it, you might even look forward to hitting “record” each week.

    Related: 8 Ways I Grew My Company’s YouTube From Inactive to 1 Million Subscribers — and Counting

    Final thoughts

    Your audience is out there, ready to click “play.” All you need to do is show up and share your story. Don’t overthink it; hit record and have fun. You’ve got this, and who knows? Your next video could be the one that takes your business to the next level.

    Okay, I get it. The idea of creating videos for your business can feel intimidating, maybe even overwhelming or just plain “not my thing.” But trust me on this one — not only do you need to be on YouTube, but it’s also one of the smartest decisions you’ll make for growing your business. YouTube isn’t just a platform; it’s a marketing powerhouse that helps you connect with customers, build trust and drive sales in a way nothing else can.

    Today, I’m walking you through six reasons why getting on YouTube is a total game-changer for your business. From building authentic connections to boosting your SEO game, this list has something for everyone. And don’t worry, we’ll have some fun along the way. By the end of this, you’ll be ready to hit record and start growing your business like never before.

    Related: I Made $389,822 In One Year On YouTube. Here’s How I Did It

    The rest of this article is locked.

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  • Best and Worst States for Retirement? Here’s the Ranking

    Best and Worst States for Retirement? Here’s the Ranking


    One in five Americans aged 50 and over has no retirement savings, and more than half worry that they won’t have enough money to last once they leave the workforce, according to an AARP survey.

    However, where U.S. workers live can have a significant impact on their retirement readiness.

    Getting familiar with some of the key averages in your state, from 401(k) balances to median incomes, life expectancies, cost of living and more, can help you understand just how prepared you are — or aren’t — for your golden years.

    Related: How Much Money Do You Need to Retire Comfortably in Your State? Here’s the Breakdown.

    Western & Southern Financial Group examined those metrics and others to rank all 50 states based on where retirees have the best and worst readiness for retirement.

    New Jersey, Connecticut, Maryland, Virginia and Vermont came out on top for states where people are most prepared for retirement, per the study.

    What’s more, residents in Connecticut and New Jersey reported the highest average 401(k) balances: $546,000 and $514,000, respectively. Residents over the age of 65 in those states also have high median incomes — over $96,000.

    Related: Here Are the Best and Worst States for Retirement in 2025, According to a New Report

    Americans living in West Virginia, Mississippi, Arkansas, Tennessee and Arizona may fare the worst in retirement, according to the research.

    Mississippi and Arkansas residents reported some of the lowest average 401(k) balances, at $348,000 and $364,000, respectively. In West Virginia and Arkansas, residents over the age of 65 have median incomes under $58,000.

    Related: These Are the States Where $1 Million in Retirement Savings Lasts the Longest (and Where You’ll Be Broke in No Time)

    Check out Western & Southern Financial Group’s full ranking of Americans’ retirement readiness by state below:

    Image Credit: Courtesy of Western & Southern Financial Group

    One in five Americans aged 50 and over has no retirement savings, and more than half worry that they won’t have enough money to last once they leave the workforce, according to an AARP survey.

    However, where U.S. workers live can have a significant impact on their retirement readiness.

    Getting familiar with some of the key averages in your state, from 401(k) balances to median incomes, life expectancies, cost of living and more, can help you understand just how prepared you are — or aren’t — for your golden years.

    The rest of this article is locked.

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  • College Professors Turn Back to Blue Books to Combat ChatGPT

    College Professors Turn Back to Blue Books to Combat ChatGPT


    As college students use ChatGPT to complete take-home tests, finish homework and write essays, professors are using blue books, or inexpensive, stapled exam booklets with a blue cover and lightly lined pages, to ChatGPT-proof the classroom.

    The Wall Street Journal reported earlier this month that demand is up for blue books, which cost 23 cents apiece in campus bookstores and were first introduced in the late 1920s.

    Blue book sales were up more than 30% at Texas A&M University, nearly 50% at the University of Florida and 80% at the University of California, Berkeley, over the past two years, the Journal found.

    Roaring Spring Paper Products, the family-owned business that manufactures most blue books, told the Journal that sales have picked up over the past few years due to AI use, as professors use the old-school books to conduct in-person exams in a classroom setting. The advantage of blue books is that students can’t use ChatGPT and have to instead write their essays by hand under a professor’s supervision.

    Related: College Professors Are Turning to ChatGPT to Generate Course Materials. One Student Noticed — and Asked for a Refund.

    Kevin Elliott, a Yale University lecturer in the ethics, politics and economics program, told WSJ that he switched from at-home essays to blue books in the spring semester when he realized students were using AI to write their assignments. He found that a few take-home papers included made-up quotes from famous philosophers, a clear sign of AI use.

    Elliott implemented a new system where students had to write essays in blue books for their final, and it worked so well that he plans to continue using blue books for the next academic year.

    Most college leaders think AI tools have led to widespread cheating. A survey released in January from the American Association of Colleges and Universities and Elon University found that the majority of university leaders (59%) report that cheating has increased on their campuses since AI tools have become widely available. More than half of these leaders believe that their faculty cannot tell the difference between AI-generated work and student-written papers.

    Meanwhile, a January 2023 survey from Study.com of over 100 educators and 1,000 students found that nearly 90% of college students had used ChatGPT to complete a homework assignment, 53% had it write an essay and 48% had used it for an at-home test or quiz. More than 70% of college professors expressed concern about how ChatGPT could be used to cheat on assignments.

    Related: Hiring Managers Want Workers With ChatGPT Experience, New Survey Says

    Still, some professors who restrict ChatGPT use through blue book exams admit that students could benefit from knowing how to use the tool to be more productive when they graduate.

    Arthur Spirling, a Princeton University professor of politics, told WSJ that although he gives proctored blue book exams, he thinks it is a “strange” situation to limit ChatGPT use in the classroom when students will be able to tap into it when they begin working full-time.

    “It is strange to say you won’t be permitted to do this thing that will be very natural to you for the rest of your career,” he told the outlet.

    ChatGPT had 500 million global weekly users as of April, up from 400 million weekly users in February.

    As college students use ChatGPT to complete take-home tests, finish homework and write essays, professors are using blue books, or inexpensive, stapled exam booklets with a blue cover and lightly lined pages, to ChatGPT-proof the classroom.

    The Wall Street Journal reported earlier this month that demand is up for blue books, which cost 23 cents apiece in campus bookstores and were first introduced in the late 1920s.

    Blue book sales were up more than 30% at Texas A&M University, nearly 50% at the University of Florida and 80% at the University of California, Berkeley, over the past two years, the Journal found.

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  • Grandma’s Recipe Started Business With $2B+ Annual Revenue

    Grandma’s Recipe Started Business With $2B+ Annual Revenue


    Mildred Reser started selling potato salad to pay the bills back in 1950. The recipe she perfected in a rural Cornelius, Oregon, farmhouse helped her launch a seasonal business, Mrs. Reser’s Salads, which supplied local meat markets before it moved to its first small factory and landed distribution in Safeway.

    Image Credit: Courtesy of Reser’s Fine Foods. Grandma Mildred with her family.

    Mildred’s son, Al, stepped in as president in 1960, and the company became Reser’s Fine Foods. Eager to transition operations to a larger facility but lacking the cash to do so, he took the company public and raised a little over $200,000. Those funds went toward opening Reser’s 55,000-square-foot Beaverton facility in 1978.

    Because potato salad was primarily considered a summer staple in the Pacific Northwest, Al also expanded the product line to include sausages, tortillas and more to offset seasonal sales slowdowns.

    Shortly thereafter, in 1986, Al took the company private again to prevent an outside investor from assuming control.

    “[We]  actually received some loans from customers, vendors, employees [and] a lot of family members to make that move,” Mark Reser, Al’s son and the current CEO of Reser’s Fine Foods, says. “We were much smaller at the time, but it was a very strategic move to take it back private.”

    Related: The Business He Started in Response to a Frustrating Grocery Store Experience Surpassed $1 Billion in Sales and Counts Ray Dalio Among Its Investors

    Image Credit: Courtesy of Reser’s Fine Foods. Mark Reser with his father, Al.

    “I had my own little route, and [it was a] great way to learn the whole product line.”

    Mark began working in the Reser’s factory in eighth grade; he continued helping with the family business through high school and into college during the summer months. His degree in accounting proved useful in understanding the business’s numbers. After graduation, Mark spent a couple of years driving a truck route for the company’s direct store delivery.

    “I had my own little route,” Mark recalls, “and [it was a] great way to learn the whole product line, to have that experience, the interaction with the customers.”

    Related: A Cambodian Refugee Paralyzed By Polio Says ‘Not Much’ Was Expected of Him. He and His Wife Built a Multimillion-Dollar Business That Beat All Odds.

    Reser’s needed help managing its peak salad season, so Al acquired a company with about 40 employees in Corona, California, and Mark relocated to run it in 1990. Mark learned a lot before moving on to lead an even larger operation in Topeka, Kansas, where he spent eight years growing the company’s first built facility, he says.

    He moved back to Oregon in 1998 and became COO. He then stepped in as president in 2006.

    Image Credit: Courtesy of Reser’s Fine Foods. CEO Mark Reser.

    The Kansas facility remains Reser’s largest base today, with four manufacturing plants and a distribution center. Reser’s currently boasts over 5,000 employees across North America and more than $2 billion in annual revenue; the business has also seen double-digit sales growth each of the past five years, per the company.

    “We always stress that the 4th of July always comes on the 4th of July.”

    These days, as Reser’s celebrates its 75th year in business, it must navigate some of the same challenges it has over decades past, like potential commodity issues and labor shortages. Putting in the work to prepare, especially for the company’s busiest stretch, Memorial Day through the Fourth of July, remains an indispensable strategy, Mark says.

    Image Credit: Courtesy of Reser’s Fine Foods

    “We always stress that the 4th of July always comes on the 4th of July,” Mark explains. “It’s all about the planning up front. We did planning in the earlier years, but not as much as we’re doing today.”

    Related: This Couple Used Their Savings to Start a Small Business. A Smart Strategy Helped Make It a Multimillion-Dollar Success.

    The company continues to innovate to help fuel year-round sales, and its hot side dishes, big sellers in the fall and winter months, have become an integral part of that, Mark notes. Now, alongside Reser’s Fine Foods, the company’s line includes Main St Bistro, Stonemill Kitchens, Reser’s Foodservice, Fresh Creative Foods, St Clair Foods, Baja Café and Don Pancho. Its Mexican food category in particular enjoys sales stability year-round, Mark adds.

    “Our family’s aligned, and that’s so critical.”

    According to the CEO, Reser’s strength as a family business stems from its shared goals when it comes to leadership and growth.

    “Our family’s aligned, and that’s so critical,” Reser explains. “ They’re aligned on reinvestment, they’re aligned on the next generation, taking the business even further, and they’re aligned on the drive to continue to grow the business.”

    Related: Entrepreneurship Means Generational Independence. These Leaders of a 115-Year-Old Family Business Are Honoring the Past and Building for the Future.

    Mark’s nephew and his oldest son are currently part of that next generation working in the business, and he hopes to see several other family members join the company down the line.

    “There’s a lot of learning that they have to do, but we do feel  we’ve got some great, strong leaders coming up within the ranks, taking the business further,” Reser says. “We want [Reser’s Fine Foods] to become a bigger part of the meal.”

    Image Credit: Courtesy of Reser’s Fine Foods

    The company sees growth opportunities in meal kit bundling, convenience stores and more snack-sized options, and it continues to research potential categories for expansion. Reser’s launches close to 300 items per year, Mark says, noting that many are custom-made for restaurant chains or private label.

    Related: 10 Growth Strategies Every Business Owner Should Know

    The key to growth is to always consider what’s next and resist the urge to get too comfortable, the CEO says.

    “ Don’t forget who pays the bills — it’s the customers,” Reser says. “And don’t forget who does the heavy lifting. That’s your employees. Make sure you’re having fun and enjoying yourself. If you’re not, you’re in the wrong spot.”



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