KIM McKOSKER A Business Success Story

Many a family dinner has been saved by the simplicity and ease of 4 Ingredients. Across the country, busy, tired parents, professionals and retirees alike rejoice at the idea of a fast feed that fills bellies, tastes great and is easy on the budget every day.

What began as a simple green cookbook is now an empire of 37 cookbooks, three TV series, a range of quality kitchenware, apps and ambassadorship roles for IGA, BETTA Home Living and Coeliac Australia and several prominent awards – to name just a few achievements. Global cookbook sales have reached nearly 9 million copies, and founder Kim McCosker now estimates that one in every seven Australian households owns at least one 4 Ingredients cookbook!

There is no doubt it is Kim’s hard work, tenacity and incredible business savvy that have cemented 4 Ingredients in the cookery history books as a philosophy that will live on through the generations. She successfully owned her space as the go-to for easy, everyday cooking that supports families across the diversity of Australian life, ever-expanding to help more people eat well, easily.

“I have now written cookbooks for autoimmune diseases, allergies, pets, babies and retirees. Literally, there is a 4 Ingredients cookbook for all diets, all stages of life and all are super easy,” Kim said.

“Although the series has expanded, what has stayed the same, and what I have built the business on is a strong consistent message of easy. 4 Ingredients will save you time and money in the kitchen, it really is the EASIEST cookbook you will ever own!”

Over the years, Kim has developed the essential business skills of confidently taking ownership of her business decisions and claiming her space within the market. She knows exactly where she is and where she is going and is thus in the perfect position to steer her company towards the ultimate long-term success.

“Repetition is your reputation, it is imperative to know your story and repeat it, over and over again. Confidence is believing in yourself even when nobody else does (and few do in the beginning).”

Kim’s 4 Ingredients to business success

1. Be in control of your business finances
   With a background in finance a considerable advantage for Kim, she urges every business owner to be accountable for their own finances.
   “It’s absolutely crucial to have a team of smart minds around you; bankers, accountants, lawyers, financial planners etc. but at the end of the day no-one looks after your financial affairs better than you… Sure consult, debate, push-back and challenge, but always have the final say,” Kim said.
2. Risk vs research
   “As a business owner, having the confidence to take risks is a constant, but risk must be mitigated with research,” Kim said.
   In the case of 4 Ingredients, Kim can tap into the vast following she has gained through social media and events. She has never been afraid to ask people what they want and – importantly – listen to what they say. With that information on board, Kim can take the next leap in her business, whether that is investing time and money in another book or hosting an event or workshop. In business, taking risks is essential and can pay dividends – providing there is some research to back them up.
3. Don’t focus on your competitors – own your
   space
   A great indication that Kim’s company has achieved success is the number of competitors releasing similar titles! This does not worry her in the slightest, she is comfortable and confident in her messaging and knows what 4 Ingredients fans want.
   “If there was one word I could use to summarise 4 Ingredients and what it stands for, it would be EASY! The ‘quick and easy’ space is ours, we own that space, and we know we are market leaders because my biggest competitors have all written very similar titles,” she said.