90 in 90: Alan Levin, SoDel Concepts
Kick off 2025 inspired with 90 Ideas in 90 Minutes – where nine of Delaware’s business leaders share their 10 best ideas for success.
90 Ideas in 90 Minutes shares the collective wisdom and expert advice from nine proven Delaware leaders. Their ideas can help propel any organization to the next level.
Alan Levin, senior advisor at SoDel Concepts, says coming to work with the right attitude is one place to start for success.
Alan Levin’s Ten Best Ideas for Success:
10. Develop a Flexible Business Plan.
The most successful businesses have flexibility built into long term plans. Businesses who have the ability to adapt to changes in circumstances have a better chance of sustained success.
Businesses that cannot pivot when things don’t go to plan will be difficult to sustain in the long run when challenges and obstacles are inevitably encountered.
9. Hire employees with the right attitude. Skills can be taught, attitude can’t.
Skills can be taught, attitude can’t. Someone with a great attitude and growth mindset has unlimited potential to learn; a person with a negative attitude, no matter their skillset, will always face limitations.
Prioritize building a team with employees who are motivated to continuously improve and influence those around them to do the same.
8. Trust your employees and empower them to make decisions.
An employee who feels empowered and trusted to make decisions will take pride in their work and responsibilities – it also allows them to learn from their own mistakes. When employees feel like they can make decisions, you instill a sense of ownership in them, and they take pride in the business the same way you do.
By showing your staff that you trust them to take ownership of their work, you instill a confidence that unlocks unlimited potential for growth. Micromanaging good employees can lead to frustration, regression, and an inability to own their mistakes when they happen.
7. Locate your business near your customers.
Know who your customers are and locate your business near them. Quality service and products are key to a successful business – but so is being near to your customer base.
A great guest experience coupled with convenience builds a strong and reliable base of loyal customers.
6. Keep expenses down. Don’t borrow money unless you need it: Pay employees before yourself.
Business is full of unexpected challenges and obstacles – which is why it is imperative to control what you can. Expenses are an easy place to start; manage your costs, don’t borrow money if you don’t need to, and pay your employees before you pay yourself.
There are many things that you can learn and teach yourself instead of paying someone else to do it – it takes dedication and patience but will pay off in the long run. Lean on people who are willing to help you.
5. Treat customers the way you want to be treated.
The golden rule applies in all areas of life – including business!
When a guest has a negative experience in your store, it is your job to hear them out and try to make it right. Employees and leadership at all levels should speak to customers with respect and understanding.
4. Don’t be too proud to ask for help & advice.
At one time or another, everyone needs help. Develop the ability to recognize when you are in need of additional support. Find trusted mentors and advisors, and go to them when you need guidance.
3. Give back to the community you serve.
When you are running a business, you rely on the support of community members patronizing your store. It is the right thing to do to return this support by giving back to the community that you serve; whether it be monetary donations to organizations, sponsorships of local sports teams, or in-kind donations for community fundraising – generosity pays dividends.
2. Arrive 10 minutes early.
Arriving 10 minutes early is a small gesture that goes a long way. It shows that the occasion is important to you and demonstrates that you are organized, reliable, and respectful of others’ time.
1. Have fun, you only get one chance at life.
Sew fun into the fabric that makes up your workplace. Business does not always need to be so serious. Take the time to laugh, have a conversation with a colleague, and enjoy the small delights of day to day life. You only get one chance!
Alan Levin, Senior Advisor, SoDel Concepts