Running a brewery is usually based on the passion of the brewer. It depends on your commitment to sharing your taste with others. In other words, you must be willing to work hard to craft the best-tasting beers in your locale. However, since a brewery is a business, there might be times or occasions when you fall into the trap of complacency; you are content that your brewery is earning money, and you are not comfortable trying new things.
Complacency, however, is the enemy of greatness. Sure, there are risks involved in innovation, but the rewards are great. If you want to do something with your operations to make your brewery much better, you need to change some parts of yourself. You need to step out of your comfort zone. If you want to become a better brewer, there are some things that you need to keep in mind:
Trait #1: Self-Assessment
Good brewers are honest people. They fairly assess their skills and range of products. If they think that their products are not great, they will welcome that assessment and then do something about it. Now and then, you need to assess your operations, your leadership, and your decisions. That way, you will always be grounded. You will see your mistakes, and you can do something to rectify them or keep them from happening again. You can write your assessment, but it also helps if you get feedback from your partners and employees.
Trait #2: Innovation
If you get stuck in a rut, you have to do something to get out of it. The complacency can get worse, and you will be bogged down by it. Great brewers innovate, and you should start to make yourself a great innovator. You can try new mixes using your hops or buy new sets of hops for sale. You can experiment by matching new dishes with your craft beers. You can even try changing some aspects of your brewery, both in a functional and an aesthetic sense.
Trait #3: Willingness to Learn
Being an innovator also means that you are more than willing to learn. Accept the fact that you do not know everything, and to find new ways to run your business, you will have to see other people’s perspectives. This is where you will need to attend seminars, find a mentor, or consult your partner. Short courses, from the utilization of hops to leadership, can certainly help improve yourself.
Trait #4: Being a Good Partner
Reliable brewers are great business partners, too. They are not selfish, and they know how to converse with their stakeholders. This might be a soft skill, but it is essential to navigating the political aspect of the business. Work with your partners efficiently through the proper delegation and assignment of tasks.
In the end, a brewery is a business, so you should always be logical when it comes to running it. The tips above will help you become a better businessperson in this competitive industry.
