Tip #9: Who Said That? Using Google Alerts

Whether you like it or not, people are talking about your business online. Be sure you’re aware of any online coverage your business receives by setting up Google Alerts. Using this free tool, you will be alerted via email when your business name shows up in Google results.

You don’t have to have a Google account to use this free tool. To get started, just visit google.com/alerts. In the search query field enter the search term you would like to be alerted of. For the purposes discussed here, enter your business name in this field. You must create one alert at a time but you can create multiple alerts (i.e. one for your business name and one for your signature product’s name).

Next choose the type of alerts you would like to receive. You can choose everything or you can specify you’d only like to receive alerts of blogs, videos, etc. Next you’ll select how often and if you would like only the best results or all results sent to you. Now, type in the email address you would like to have the alert sent to and click “create alert”.

Now you can be in the know when your business is being talked about online!

Tip #8: Choosing Flooring for Your Candy Manufacturing Space

If you’re considering a new floor for your confectionery manufacturing facility, there are some things you’ll want to keep in mind.

• Talk to your insurance company.  They might have specific suggestions.
• Visit with the local health departments. They will freely share their requirements so you can incorporate them as you go.
• Epoxy flooring is a good choice for sanitation and durability.
• Cover up the wall so that there is no seam at the wall/floor juncture for dirt, etc. to build up.

This is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to things to consider when choosing flooring for your facility but it’s a great place to start. You can learn even more by attending our Spring Regional Institute in Jacksonville and St. Augustine, Florida, April 17-20, 2012. We'll have two education sessions presented by Silliker Labs and devoted to Good Manufacturing Practices. Click here for the full schedule and how to register.

This list was compiled through conversations on the RCI List Serve for RCI members. Click here to learn more about joining RCI.

Tip #7: Getting Organized After the Chaos

Now that two of the biggest candy-buying holidays are behind you, it’s time to get organized for the year ahead. We’ve given you tips on how to Declutter Your Desk, so now we have a tip that will benefit you anywhere in your facility. From the office to the retail store to the manufacturing facility, this tool will save you time and money.

What is this grand tool?

 A labeler.

Here’s why we love a labeler and think you will to:

• Very affordable and often on sale (Think ‘spring cleaning season’ sales.)
• No more straining to read someone else’s handwriting (or your own J )
• Provides a consistent look to keep your area organized
• Can be purchased in clear or white labels to meet your needs
• Adds a level of professionalism to your system
• Makes the most organized office staff and ‘type A’ personalities happy and more productive

There is a large variety of types and brands of labelers. Visiting your area office supply store is a great place to start. Have fun labeling!

If you have a labeler, share a comment and let us know why you love it so much.

Tip #6: What to Do with Spilled Lecithin

This week’s tip is quick and easy. If you’ve spilled lecithin while making confections, don’t try and wash it because it will gum up and make it worse. Try throwing sugar on it and it will clean right up.

We had a great article on lecithin in our recent Kettle Talk, our newsletter magazine for members. RCI members can click here to view a PDF of the issue. If you’re not an RCI member, click here to learn more about joining.

If you have easy cleaning tips to share, leave us a comment!