How do you maintain profitability in a business? You might think the key is simply to bring in more revenue than you spend. Or limit your overhead costs. Or hike up your pricing. Or widen your customer base. While all those strategies are helpful, achieving consistent profitability comes down to something much more fundamental. Specialization. To run a profitable business, you have to do something unique and do it well. That’s what Leslie Polizzotto has done with her business, The Doughnut Project. Instead of trying to mimic her competition or recreate a success story, Leslie decided to carve out her own unique niche. In my conversation with Leslie today, we discuss the career transition she made in her 40s, how she grew her business through influencer marketing, and what she did to survive the pandemic. You’ll learn the importance of regular financial analysis and review, why it’s crucial to price your goods correctly, and how communicating with your employees can lead to higher profit and retention. About my guest:Leslie Polizzotto is the co-founder and owner of The Doughnut Project in New York City, a hand-crafted, small-batch doughnut shop that prides itself on unique flavors and alcohol-infused glazes. A former attorney and lifelong foodie, Leslie moved to New York and left her career in law to throw herself into entrepreneurship. Now, she works at the doughnut shop full-time and has grown it into a beloved local establishment. In this episode we talk about:➤ Leslie’s career before starting her company (6:38)➤ What makes Leslie’s donuts unique (8:01)➤ The benefit of starting a business in your 40s (10:21)➤ What to know before opening a brick and mortar (15:02)➤ Figuring out how to price your products (19:21)➤ How business changed during the pandemic (25:23)➤ Why your finances determine the success of your business (28:36)➤ The key to business growth (31:14)➤ Leslie’s philosophy on teamwork and communication (33:00)➤ Leslie’s advice to other women entrepreneurs (36:20)Keep ListeningHow to rebuild your business after tough times - listen to Humility & Resilience podcast series.Contact MeReady to transform your purpose to an impactful business financial story, profit, and joy? Schedule a chat with me at any time.Connect with Leslie➤ Website ➤ Instagram➤ LinkedIn