Any tips on making chili?

[Lard Almighty]

The results are in, and out of 11 entries, I did not place. However, I was told by numerous people that my chili was good. A few of the tips I used:

-Added fresh ground black pepper to the meat (thanks, tropics)
-Used a flavorful beer (Sam Adams) (thanks Fish On and The Hunter)
-Cumin and cocoa powder (thanks june181901)

A few wrinkles I added:

-Used lean sirloin beef, double-ground
-Also used ground smoked pork butt to add fat and salt
-Used a whole sweet vidalia onion
-Added one each of fresh jalapeno, cerrano, and habanero peppers (turned out to be just enough heat)
-Used a mix of red and white kidney beans for added color

By my own taste test (which is the most important to me) it was pretty darn good!

Thanks again everybody for your input. I had a lot of fun making the chili and putting it in the competition. I'll definitely do it again!