Making “ROTI” your “ROZI ROTI”

Priya had lost her job as a lecturer in a B.Ed college. She was frustrated and depressed to a certain extent. A family get-together, sort of potluck made a sudden change in her life. When all the relatives were relishing

the various dishes, the most delicious one was made by Priya. And suddenly I said, “You should start a restaurant or something you know. You food items will sell like hotcakes.” That was it. Soon all the relatives

joined the discussion and encouraged her to start with her own food business. She had the skills and the temperament. After all cooking was her forte- she not only enjoyed making various dishes but also knew the

art & science of cooking. That day onwards she is selling various food items and is quite famous among college going students. For them “didi”

has started giving them an economical and yet hygienic tasty food.

There could be many similar stories or many people who will identify themselves with the character or Priya. In spite of having a proper formal education and a steady job suddenly life had something else for her in store. All this led me to think what is it that one should have to start a food business or become an entrepreneur. After all that’s what Priya is going to be called- An Entrepreneur. Whenever people decide to foray into this unexplored and challenging field they have many hurdles to cross, many milestones to achieve.

So here are a few tips from a ‘foodie’ to all those who want to earn their living by making ““ROTI” their “ROZI ROTI”.

First and foremost one must truly believe that he or she will be able to start and continue in the food business. Because any business has certain good days and certain bad days. One should be prepared to face a rainy day with a belief that “Every cloud has a Silver lining.”

Further one should remember that if there is an industry that is unlikely to go down, it is probably the food industry. Regardless of the economic situation, weather or whatsoever, people must eat. People might stop buying clothes and jewelries but they will never stop eating. Also, this is a business you can start in any locality or region; rural or urban; city or country; whether Nigeria, Canada, USA, U.K, Ghana, India, or Singapore, food business will flourish if you have done your homework well. So if you are interested in starting a food business, below are some food business ideas to help you start or expand your existing food business.

Thus one has to decide what business to start with keeping in the mind the strengths and weakness of the individual. A SWOT analysis (Strength Weakness Opportunity Threat) done on an individual or group basis will give you a fair amount of idea as to what is feasible for you. For example if your Strength is having a leased land, room or shop you can think of starting a Restaurant. Otherwise if you do not have a place you will need extra funds to lease or buy the place. In such cases you should start thinking of 4 M’s of business- Men, Material, Money & Machine. Make a list of things available with you and what is your area of interest.

Following is the recipe for success in food business and one change it according to their taste.

Fig. Recipe for Success in Food Business

Ideas for Food Business

Food ProducerFrozen Foods

Food on wheels

Weight Loss or Dietary Foods

Baking or Cooking LessonsFood Blogging

RestaurantFood ProcessingOrganic Foods

A handful of Determination

A handful of Patience

A handful of Cooking skills

A Spoonful of Management

Skills

A pinch of Humor

A dash of Enthusiasm

A spoonful of Risk taking

attitude

Type of Business accroding to

your taste

Here are few tips and places to start finding and testing your ideas for a food business.

1. One should start small and make it large with efforts. 2. Enjoy the process and accept the ups & downs with Positive

attitude.3. Ask your local daily needs shop what they would like to see on their

shelves.4. Keep the prices of your items competitive.5. Quality and Consistency is the key in food business.6. Initially take orders within your limit. Remember Goodwill takes time

to be created but one bad word will take minutes to spoil the image.7. Keep an eye on the competitors.8. Social media – get on Twitter, Facebook and YouTube and ask

people what they’re interested in. Upload photos and videos of different food ideas you’ve had and see which get the warmest response.

9. The media: TV, magazines and newspapers are a good indication of current food trends. Listen to Master Chef, Food Food Channel, NDTV Good Times, etc. and check out great food bloggers.

10. How can you improve upon existing products? Think in terms of flavour and nutrition. Both are big selling points.

11. Make a list of everyday food and drink and think about how you could improve on it. Do the same for your favourite meals – both homecooked and from restaurants.

12. Explore the science of nutrition in a short course.13. Have good and trusted friends or colleagues to help you.14. Sign up for advanced-level cookery lessons.15. Ask family and friends. (And experiment on family and

friends!)

And always remember “God helps those who help Themselves”.