Breaking Down Big Tasks: How We Tackled Packaging and Hired a Food Scientist
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It feels like we’re really moving things forward now.
But it wasn’t always that way. Don’t you know it.
For weeks I had on my todos: “figure out packaging” and “find a food scientist”.
I had no idea how to tackle either.
Packaging alone felt like a huge task. I still wasn’t 100% clear on what packaging my muffins needed or what my co-manufacturer required.
What type of packaging? What’s it going to look like? How do I know which one will protect the shelf life? Will it transport my muffins without damage? Are there more sustainable options? How much will it all cost?
Although there were a lot of unknowns, I knew if I didn’t “figure out packaging” then it could hold me back from launch.
So, I started asking around.
First, I asked my co-manufacturer if there were any packaging companies they liked working with and recommended.
She provided a few options, one of which she knew would allow for low order quantities.
That’s a start!
Next, I posted a job on Upwork (a website for hiring freelancers), collected resumes, and interviewed packaging designers.
To my surprise, I found someone I liked and started working with her in a matter of days. She has a fun style that I’m excited to infuse into Minky’s brand.
She too had a recommendation for packaging. Now we’re getting somewhere.
Next up: food scientist.
Where does one find a food scientist anyways?
I started asking friends and family, no one knew anyone in my space. So, I started searching.
In the depths of Google, I stumbled upon an entire directory of food scientists with contact information and all.
It was exactly what I needed!
In one night, I reached out to 20+ food scientists.
The response rates were much higher than I expected. I was able to interview a handful and started working with someone within a week.
Oh, and then that person had another recommendation for a packaging supplier.
What originally felt like two monumental tasks were actually manageable once I broke them out into smaller action items. Not only that, I was able to get even farther simply by moving forward.
All I had to do was put one foot in front of the other. From there, the rest came together.
I don’t know about you, but the uncertainty of tackling a big task often overwhelms me. However, breaking it down into manageable pieces is what truly moves the needle.
This approach builds momentum and propels us closer to our milestones.