Starting a business is akin to embarking on a grand adventure. It requires courage, innovation, and a dash of audacity. Diana Levy, the CEO of Undercover Snacks, has proven to be a master chef in the kitchen of entrepreneurship. I got to speak with her at the Oracle NetSuite event in New York City.
Her journey is a testament to the power of mixing precise ingredients for success. Let’s break down her recipe: Networking, Taking Calculated Risks, Being Ready for Opportunities, Making a Great Product, and Working Hard and Smart.
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Networking: The Foundation of Growth
Levy shared how much of her success came from networking. She “knew someone” and was able to use that connecdtion to make a pitch to a particular vendor.
It’s not just about exchanging business cards or adding contacts on LinkedIn.
Networking involves building genuine relationships with people who can open doors for you. By putting herself out there, Levy connected with mentors, investors, and partners who believed in her vision. Networking is the soil from which opportunities grow.
Taking Calculated Risks: The Spice of Success
No entrepreneurial journey is complete without risks. However, Levy is a proponent of calculated risks. This means doing your homework, understanding the market, and knowing when to leap. Analyze the worst-case scenarios and don’t take a risk that leaves you “over your head”. For Levy, taking calculated risks involved pivoting her business model when necessary and investing in innovative production techniques. These risks paid off, propelling Undercover Snacks to new heights.
Being Ready for Opportunities: The Right Timing
Opportunities often come when least expected, and readiness is key. Levy’s story highlights the importance of preparation. Educate yourself, understand your industry inside and out, and have your pitch ready. When the opportunity to expand or collaborate arises, seizing it can make all the difference. Levy’s readiness to embrace opportunities as they came was crucial to her success. It’s about having the ingredients prepped and ready for when the oven beeps.
She had the opportunity to sell her products in Starbucks stores, she wasn’t able to leverage it. However, when United Airlines came calling, she was ready.
Making a Great Product: The Heart of the Business
At the center of Levy’s entrepreneurial philosophy is the product itself. No amount of marketing can save a bad product. Undercover Snacks thrived because Levy was committed to make a great tasing product. From sourcing quality ingredients to perfecting the flavor profiles. A great product speaks for itself, earning customer loyalty and word-of-mouth referrals. Levy’s focus on the product ensured that her business wasn’t just a flash in the pan but a lasting success.
Working Hard and Smart: The Heat That Cooks the Meal
Finally, it’s so important to work both hard and smart. It’s not just about the hours you put in, but how you use them. Efficiency, delegation, and prioritization are powerful. She worked tirelessly, but more importantly, she worked intelligently, focusing on what would move the needle for her business. This approach allowed her to navigate challenges and steer her business towards its goals.
Conclusion: The Finished Dish
Diana Levy’s entrepreneurial journey with Undercover Snacks is a masterclass in building a successful business. Her recipe for success—networking, taking calculated risks, being ready for opportunities, making a great product, and working hard and smart—serves as a guide for aspiring entrepreneurs. Like any great recipe, the secret lies in the balance of ingredients. Levy’s story inspires us to mix these elements with our unique flair, creating our success stories in the vast, unpredictable kitchen of entrepreneurship. Let’s roll up our sleeves and get cooking.
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