A lot to think about.

I've spent so much time recently tracking down business licenses and health codes, analyzing market trends and writing ingredient lists that I have almost forgotten the *fun* part of launching a new business.

Yesterday I stopped into d'PrintShop in Mesa to price business cards, box labels and carbonless order pads. Suddenly it occurred to me, Whatever logo I design, what colours I choose, these are with my business forever. It will, in part, dictate the website design. The decor of my eventual shop. The style of marketing campaigns. It goes a lot farther than: "here's a name and a URL, buy my chocolate". And that prospect is a bit thrilling.

It also occurs to me that I need to work on my own image, as well. I don't think it is too much to model my personal look after that of my business. I mean, mine is the human face behind this company and we live in a society where first impressions are everything. Does an overly pudgy, matronly lady look like Earthly Delights? Not exactly.

But, back to the business proper. I have a few ideas for logo design. I just don't have an artist. Most of my ideas are stylized, vines and branches growing from truffles type of thing. Though I have always enjoyed the iconography of WWII America. Pin-up girls and rosy cheeked children and Victory gardens. Is that imagery a little overdone, though?

SCORE

Yesterday was my long awaited appointment with SCORE. Despite my complete and total lack of expectation, it didn't quite go as planned.

I like to think I have done at least a little homework. I have calculated costs versus pricing. Looked at market trends (did you know annual chocolate sales in the US alone are estimated to top $18B by next year?). Even drew up a rudimentary list of goals. But the gentleman I spoke with only asked me one question during the entire meeting: What sort of business do you want to start?

When I told him I was a chocolate maker he immediately suggested I rent a table for $12 at the local swap meet on Saturdays.

Now, in my plan, I was going to cultivate relationships with local event coordinators. Perhaps the owners of small, independent bistros. And in the summertime there are always major events going on at Tempe Town Lake and Mill Ave. A wine cooler and folding table are all I really need. And sunblock. Lots of sunblock. In fairness, I had never entertained the idea of a swap meet for my high-end, gourmet chocolates. I am tying to be open minded about the idea, but it is proving difficult.

Some good did come from my meeting with SCORE, though. I got a little piece of paper with a link to their website where you can instantly assess exactly what type of licensing you need to start your business. So that is going to at least get me legal. And there is no point even considering marketing and production until I am legal. So hooray for steps in the right direction!

Love is in the Air

"Wine and Roses" is February's theme. Last year I played around with rosewater and had interesting results. Very delicate flavour and an unreal aroma. I think I would like to try it again. Maybe make some St. Valentine's Day presents for my local friends.

Wednesday I have an appointment with my local SCORE chapter. I am hoping to walk away with more answers than questions, but considering I am still scratching my head over exactly which questions I should have, anything will be a step in the right direction. What I need first is direction.

In preparation for this meeting, which I am sure will be the first of many, I have come up with 1, 2, 3 and 5-year goals. While I am trying to remain focused on the immediate future, I am increasingly excited for the long term. Stay tuned for more details about that.