GBCC Recognizes Independent Retailer Month!

Guest blog by Heather Cooper, Owner, Bethesda Chocolates 

​Being an independent retailer and a small business owner is not easy, but the benefits are worth the effort. I own a small chocolate and coffee shop in Bethesda, Maryland. We’re open 7 days a week and hand make all our chocolates. In 9 years, my shop has grown robustly just through word-of-mouth recommendations. 

It’s a challenge to be competent at every aspect of the business. I sometimes find myself stretched thin managing equipment repairs, keeping compliant with regulations, staying updated on licensing and negotiating vendor contracts. As an owner-operator, I am a one person Human Resources department, Accounting department, Sales and Marketing department, IT department and Research and Development department while also delivering an exceptional product with exceptional customer service and staying current on all trends in my industry. While not every day is considered fun, personally I do enjoy the challenge of it all and I love what I do.

My advice to new business owners is to have confidence, trust your instincts and if you don’t know something, ask around. Running a business isn’t rocket science but there are a lot of moving parts and it’s difficult to be an expert in everything. Don’t be afraid to admit you don’t know how to do something. Find people who know what you don’t know. Ask around. If you are stumped about an issue, then start talking to people. Someone out there has figured it out or knows someone who has. I’ve found my best resources from neighbors, friends, local business owners, my local chamber of commerce and industry associations. People are open to helping others out and there is no reason to make it harder than it is.

Don’t be afraid to dream. Set the big goal. Write it down and then work backwards as to what needs to happen to get there and when it needs to be accomplished. Set it all up on a 5 or 10 year timeline. The process of putting it in writing helps to clarify exactly what every decision will move you towards. Put it up where you see it everyday. It can be as simple as a poster board on the back of a closet door. It keeps you focused and on track.  

Good decisions are important, but making that decision right is even more important. You make a decision, and then you make it right. There is more than one path to success and all the options can have you second guessing every good decision you make. So often a good decision ends in failure because the successive decisions undermine the original decision ensuring its failure. So make your decision then make sure every decision after that supports that decision. If it was not the right decision then change course and make sure all the successive decisions support it the new course. 

It’s nothing short of magical when you see your vision take shape, your business grow and your dreams take off. I love what I do and I’m amazed by how it all started with a vision and came together with simple plan. I still receive help and advice from others and I’m now sharing that with those who venture to ask. 

---

GBCC encourages you to visit Bethesda Chocolates! https://bethesdachocolates.com/​