‘It does not matter how long one has been in business, or how well you think you know your business, there is always room for improvement’ Sissys Gourmet Delights.

Sylvia Kliska, owner of Sissys Gourmet Delights has been in the business of making premium quality biscuits since 1994. Originally home-based, Sissys Gourmet Delights relocated to a factory shop to Blackburn in 2000 and are still there today.  Currently employing up to five staff, Sissys offers a range of products and services from truffles and gluten free treats to chocolate making classes and books for the chocolate connoisseur.

In addition to their existing marketing framework, Sissys took the opportunity to gain some fresh ideas to add to their marketing tools by undertaking the Marketing for Growth Program presented by APCOT Consulting on behalf of the Whitehorse City Council.

As a part of the program, Sissys Gourmet Delights received tips on:
• How to successfully launch new products on first attempt;
• Conducting effective market research;
• Satisfying and retaining your customers; and
• Developing marketing strategies to generate sales and Word of Mouth referrals to sustain business growth.

Sissys Gourmet Delights currently undertake the following marketing activities:
• an online website;
• shop banner;
• publications and print;
• word of mouth; and
• engaging in online selling experiences.

The information that was presented in the program as well as the individual consultation each business received was critical in understanding the importance of implementing a strategic marketing plan. Sylvia says that the program was highly beneficial in that she received ‘new and fresh ideas in how to improve her business’ and that it now gave her a ‘renewed sense of direction’.

Moving forward from the program, Sylvia now plans to implement recommendations on revamping the website as well as augmenting the existing products with their services as she ‘can’t see why any business wouldn’t benefit from implementing the ideas from the program’.