Starting your own brewing business is expensive, time consuming, and highly competitive, but—if you are following your passions—worth every effort. Even with all your metaphorical ducks in a row, microbrewing can be a difficult industry to break into, let alone nurture to its full growing potential. Here are five tools you can use to get your product and your name, into the lives of consumers across the country.
Social Media
Get involved in social media marketing so people know who you are and what makes your product special. Are you a local crafter? Do you use organic ingredients in your brews? Do you have creative and distinct flavors? Use your social media accounts to let your customers know how you are different from the generic brands. Be sure to provide information on where you sell your products, so your potential customers can sample your delectable brews.
A Solid Business Plan
You’ve set a reasonable budget, have your contingency plans in place, and your business is running along smoothly thanks to your initial business plan. Now it’s time to foster growth in your business. By now you have a clear understanding of your profit margins and can feel secure in purchasing enough products and materials to match your estimated projections. At this point you probably are familiar with the needs and wants of your region. Is there a craft drinking culture? Do you live in a college town? By examining your location and your profits, you can determine what aspects of your business work best for your location.
GPS Vehicle Tracking
Without GPS technology, many drivers would be lost, both literally and figuratively. By installing GPS tracking units into your delivery vehicles, you can track your shipments in real time and ensure timely deliveries. The more organized your deliveries, the more support you can give to your buyers and their business endeavors. Modern fleet telematics companies also frequently offer equipment that can monitor the temperature of your product, maintaining brew integrity in-transit. Consistency is key, so temperature control data equipment is vastly beneficial for keeping your brew flavors uniform. When GPS tech is paired with RFID technology, you can scan your kegs as they leave the distillery and monitor their location so you never lose a costly keg.
Strong Partnerships
Make sure to vet your suppliers carefully, and choose those that are reliable and share the same business goals as you. If your ingredient deliveries are late production can be delayed, costing your company both time and money. By checking the business reputation and quality of the supplier’s products before signing contracts, you ensure that your company will always receive the best ingredients in a timely manner.
Security
Protecting your goods and equipment is essential for running a streamlined brewery business. Two years ago in Atlanta, Georgia, more than 3,000 cases of beer went missing when two loaded trucks were stolen from a brewery’s warehouse. Fortunately, the police were able to track the missing trucks down via the installed GPS. Commercial dash cams can provide an extra level of security and act both as a deterrent and definitive proof of the nefarious actions of thieves. Videomatics also provides protection from misplaced liability if any of your vehicles is involved in an automobile accident. With forward-facing dash cams and in-cab cams, insurance companies have access to data that provides evidence of the circumstances surrounding any particular incident.
With these five tools at your disposal, your microbrewery can reach beyond its original business goals. By utilizing modern technology, you can share your passion for crafting delicious brews across the country and watch your as your business grows.
