Tastings.... something I have been wrestling with from the beginning... Do I charge? How long should they be? What should I talk about? What should I serve? How should I serve? Where should I host them? Who "gets" one? How do I end one? I could go on and on. Needless to say my tasting policies and procedures have changed quite a bit from when I started my business. While it's definitely not perfected yet, I am really starting to enjoy them, rather than dread them.
One of the biggest reasons I dreaded them was because the potential clients were coming to my house, where I live and my children do too. Unless everyone was out of the house, I don't think there was a tasting session where one of the kids didn't come see what was going on or start screaming uncontrollably because he couldn't see mama. While the potential clients understood, I was typically uneasy or fuming. Sometimes I couldn't concentrate on what I was saying because of what was going on in the family room. I tried traveling to the clients house for a tasting and I tried meeting folks at coffee shops for tastings, and neither one seemed to fit me. Instead of being a 45 minute or so appointment, they ended up being at least an hour and because of the travel time. To remedy this, I started renting space from a local photographer and now hold my tastings there. No it's not as convenient as holding them in my home, but there are no children screaming in the background and I feel more like a professional.
Another reason they made me unhappy was my inability to say no. I always catered to the client's need to meet at a certain day/time, even if it meant finding a sitter or rearranging my entire day. This was totally my fault... I needed to learn that I can't please everyone and if they were interested in working with me, they needed to have some flexibility as well. If I am dying for ice cream at 7am and really want a something from Cold Stone Creamery, I can't call them and suggest that they open 3 hours early just for me... I need to work around their store hours. So I started offering tastings at certain days/times, which allowed me to make them the most time efficient for me and take away that "unknown" factor. I also offer a "to-go" tasting for instances where the couple is in town for a day or two and I am unavailable. This has worked well for me thus far, and think it is a good compromise for those types of situations.
Along these same lines, I had to decide where to say "no" to a personal tasting when it came to the type and size of cake. I decided that I would offer tastings/consults for wedding cakes serving at least 50 and special occasion cakes costing $250 or more. I also offer 6" tasting cakes for $20-30 that are available for pick up if someone does not meet the minimum, but still would like to try a cake before the "buy". I use these same guidelines for design consults as well. I have lost customers because of this, but in the end, I am running a business and doing a consult and/or tasting for a $50 cake is not profitable.
Lastly, and this one I am still working on was whether or not to charge for tastings. I started out doing free tastings and allowed the client to select 3 cake flavors and 2 fillings to try. Again, this made me miserable because on top of my orders, I now needed to make extra cake flavors/fillings just for tastings instead of just using what I was already making that week. On top of that, since I wasn't charging, I had several no-shows. At the same time, I saw this as part of purchasing a wedding cake. So I compromised on this one.... I offer 2 types of tastings: Baker's Choice... it is exactly what it sounds like... I choose what to bring and I don't charge for it since I don't have to prep anything outside of what I am already prepping for the week. The other option is Bride's Choice, which allows the couple to choose 3 cake flavors and 2 fillings to try. This type of tasting costs $25 and helps offset the cost and time of producing a tasting plate tailored to them. Most folks pick the complimentary tastings, so it has really worked well thus far. I still have no shows occasionally, but not enough to start charging for every tasting.
For those of you in the business, do you charge for tastings? For customers, would you or did you pay for your tasting?
Showing posts with label business. Show all posts
Showing posts with label business. Show all posts
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Monday, March 5, 2012
Advertising: What's the best bang for your buck? Part 2
So last time I blogged about advertising, I talked about my thought process behind paid advertising, but what can one do with little to no advertising budget? Here are some thoughts... and while I tailored them to my business a bit, they really apply to any business.
- VISTAPRINT - If you haven't checked this site out, you need to... NOW! Go ahead... I will wait... I will even play the jeopardy music... ok... You back? Great! As you just saw or already know Vistaprint is a great way to get inexpensive marketing materials. And no, they aren't as fancy as hiring a professional printing company, but this is a blog post on advertising on the cheap. My point is...it gets the job done and doesn't break the bank.
- The Internet - In my opinion, no matter how big or small, new or old your business is, you need a website. It always floors me to see businesses, especially those that do artistic/custom work, not have a website. Again, it doesn't need to be fancy, it just needs to be organized, easy to navigate, and contain the important information most customers are looking for.
In addition to having your own website, you can also search for directory-like websites and put your information on them as well. Most will charge for a "featured" listing, but many will allow you to list your business for free. You probably won't get much, if any, business directly from this, but you never know how someone will find you.
- Push your product - For a cake designer, this is easy. Bake some samples and take them to places where the clientele fits the clientele you are after or to locations where you may get referrals. It's not free, but you can always use "leftovers", especially if you are hitting up a business that has only a few employees such as a florist. Word of mouth is still the best advertising one can do.
- Social Media - In this day and age, I think you need to do some sort of social media campaign. Business pages on Facebook are free, Twitter is free, blogging is free... all help you spread the word.
- Networking Groups - Whether the group is specific to your industry, gender, age, etc., there are a ton of networking groups out there. My suggestion is find one or two that you like and fit your personality, and stick with them. Most networking groups allow you to "visit" before you join and some are so casual that you can come and go as you please. But be warned though, every group is run differently and many charge a fee for you to become a member, so make sure get all that info before you commit yourself and some advertising budget to it.
So there are some ideas on how to stretch your advertising budget... surely it isn't an exhaustive list, but it is a list of things that I have tried, used, done, etc. I plan on talking more about networking in a future post, but in the meantime... What types of cost-effective advertising has worked for you?
- VISTAPRINT - If you haven't checked this site out, you need to... NOW! Go ahead... I will wait... I will even play the jeopardy music... ok... You back? Great! As you just saw or already know Vistaprint is a great way to get inexpensive marketing materials. And no, they aren't as fancy as hiring a professional printing company, but this is a blog post on advertising on the cheap. My point is...it gets the job done and doesn't break the bank.
- The Internet - In my opinion, no matter how big or small, new or old your business is, you need a website. It always floors me to see businesses, especially those that do artistic/custom work, not have a website. Again, it doesn't need to be fancy, it just needs to be organized, easy to navigate, and contain the important information most customers are looking for.
In addition to having your own website, you can also search for directory-like websites and put your information on them as well. Most will charge for a "featured" listing, but many will allow you to list your business for free. You probably won't get much, if any, business directly from this, but you never know how someone will find you.
- Push your product - For a cake designer, this is easy. Bake some samples and take them to places where the clientele fits the clientele you are after or to locations where you may get referrals. It's not free, but you can always use "leftovers", especially if you are hitting up a business that has only a few employees such as a florist. Word of mouth is still the best advertising one can do.
- Social Media - In this day and age, I think you need to do some sort of social media campaign. Business pages on Facebook are free, Twitter is free, blogging is free... all help you spread the word.
- Networking Groups - Whether the group is specific to your industry, gender, age, etc., there are a ton of networking groups out there. My suggestion is find one or two that you like and fit your personality, and stick with them. Most networking groups allow you to "visit" before you join and some are so casual that you can come and go as you please. But be warned though, every group is run differently and many charge a fee for you to become a member, so make sure get all that info before you commit yourself and some advertising budget to it.
So there are some ideas on how to stretch your advertising budget... surely it isn't an exhaustive list, but it is a list of things that I have tried, used, done, etc. I plan on talking more about networking in a future post, but in the meantime... What types of cost-effective advertising has worked for you?
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
I love my customers
I love my customers. I love the existing customers who contact me 6 months or more in advance just to make sure they reserve their slot. I love the new customers who decide to "give me a try". I love the customers who allow me to be creative. I love the customers who let me try something new or different. I love the customers who refer me to friends and family. I love customers who let me know they enjoyed their cake. I love the customers that allow me to enjoy my business.
Of course, not everyone is "my" customer, and this is something I have had to learn over the past few years. When I started the business, I would do anything to get a customer, not because I was desperate, but because I thought I providing good customer service. After doing that for several months, I was miserable. I was spending a lot of time away from my family and I always felt like I was being walked on. I posted this dilemma on a cake designers board and received a huge wake up call. The experienced business owners told me that not everyone was my customer, and I needed to get over it. They told me it was my business, and I needed to run it in a way that worked for me. I needed to learn to say "no" in those situations that gave me that funny feeling in my stomach. I needed to walk away from potential business that was going to give me heartburn. It can be hard sometimes, because I am such a people pleaser, but in the end, it's what's best for my sanity.
For those of you in the business, have you learned this lesson or did you go into business with this attitude?
Of course, not everyone is "my" customer, and this is something I have had to learn over the past few years. When I started the business, I would do anything to get a customer, not because I was desperate, but because I thought I providing good customer service. After doing that for several months, I was miserable. I was spending a lot of time away from my family and I always felt like I was being walked on. I posted this dilemma on a cake designers board and received a huge wake up call. The experienced business owners told me that not everyone was my customer, and I needed to get over it. They told me it was my business, and I needed to run it in a way that worked for me. I needed to learn to say "no" in those situations that gave me that funny feeling in my stomach. I needed to walk away from potential business that was going to give me heartburn. It can be hard sometimes, because I am such a people pleaser, but in the end, it's what's best for my sanity.
For those of you in the business, have you learned this lesson or did you go into business with this attitude?
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Advertising: What's the best bang for your buck? Part 1
My head is spinning.... every time I turn around someone else is "inviting" me to advertise online or in a magazine, attend a bridal show, or improve my SEO rankings. While I would love to be everywhere and do everything, it's just not financially possible. So where should one put their advertising money? I have no clue, as I am not a business guru, but I can tell you my thought process on my most recent decisions.
- SEO companies - I am starting here because I really have no clue which ones of these are legitimate and really know the least about. The goal of paying for this service is to improve your visibility on the web by improving the way search engines find your business. While I feel this is very important, I don't feel like I need to pay to be the top result when searching for cakes... I am fine with being in the top 3-5.
- Online Websites - The Knot, Wedding Wire, Get Married, One Wed... I can go on and on about all the wedding vendor websites. I don't like the way these websites are set up for my area. Fredericksburg is half way between Northern VA and Richmond, and most of these sites are setup for general geographic areas, none of which I feel represent my immediate area. If I was in Fairfax, it would be a different story, but until these website change the way they are set up, you won't be seeing me there (unless it is a free listing).
- Print Magazines - This is where I personally struggle the most. Local magazines are a great way to get your name out there, but at the same time, they are pretty pricey. Sure you can pay for 1/8 of a page, but will anyone see that tiny ad? I have paid to advertise in 3 different print publications... one was inexpensive, so I said why not! Another one was more of a local bridal guide than periodical, but it was reasonable and brought my name out to an area that I serve, but don't have a lot of presence in. And the third... well, this is where it went south... literally. A local non-wedding magazine, targeted at larger household income family was putting out a wedding issue and it seemed like a good idea to advertise. Well, to this day I am still not sure what happened, but long story short, the magazine went out of business and I believe the wedding issue became a regular issue. The biggest thing I struggle with advertising in a magazine is knowing whether or not it is worth it. Sure I have a drop-down on my form mailer letting folks select where they found me, but do most people actually fill this out accurately? If they found me in "Cool Weddings" magazine but then googled wedding cakes to find my website, which do they put there? And yes, you can do promos ("Mention this add and get blah blah blah..) or QR codes, but I just don't want to deal with either.
So that leaves me with Bridal shows. For me and my business, I think bridal shows are a great way to get yourself out there. Since wedding cakes have 2 components, look and taste, this is the only way for people to do both, and as a bonus they get to meet me as well. They can be expensive and take hours to prepare and setup for, but it allows you to not only mingle with brides and grooms, but other vendors as well. Your return on investment is also more easily trackable because you typically get a list of attending brides. On top of that, I like to talk... I will talk to a spot on the wall until it moves, and I think that helps me too. Do I think bridal shows work for everyone? Definitely not, but for right now, that is where I am putting my advertising budget.
What are your thoughts? Part 2 will concentrate on advertising on the cheap...
Thursday, October 6, 2011
It's good to have a budget...
Sorry for the delay in my blog posts... for once I wasn't just ignoring them. As you may have seen... I have been busy... and on top of that, the little one has an ear infection. While he normally resides on my lap 80% of the time he is awake, with the ear infection, we were at a full 100% of the time and he wasn't sleeping much or very well. Since he appears to be feeling better and is actually playing on his own, I thought I would try to squeeze in a quick blog post.
Budget... I hate to keep talking the cost of cakes, but this is for customers and potential customers out there. I had a customer call me the other day, asking for a 3-tier cake with a carved cake as the top tier, fondant, the works. I quoted her a price and her response was "She's not getting married!" I giggled on the phone with her and asked her what her budget was. She politely responded and we continued to discuss some options. Eventually we came up with a few possibilities within her budget and she set off to discuss it with her daughter. The next day, she ordered the cake!
Every day I get emails from folks requesting a quote on a specific cake or a cake to feed X amount of people. I send them the best quote I can, based on the information given to me, and many times, I never hear back from them. Obviously some of these folks can choose other bakers, but I have a feeling many of these inquiries end up not ordering a cake at all because of the price. Yes, sometimes budgets and desires are so out of line that it is impossible to offer an alternative, but other times, if folks just asked or discussed their budget, something on a smaller scale could work. Sure you might not get that life-sized teddy bear you saw on Ace of Cakes, but you may still be able to get something cute and unique and not break the bank.
Budget... I hate to keep talking the cost of cakes, but this is for customers and potential customers out there. I had a customer call me the other day, asking for a 3-tier cake with a carved cake as the top tier, fondant, the works. I quoted her a price and her response was "She's not getting married!" I giggled on the phone with her and asked her what her budget was. She politely responded and we continued to discuss some options. Eventually we came up with a few possibilities within her budget and she set off to discuss it with her daughter. The next day, she ordered the cake!
Every day I get emails from folks requesting a quote on a specific cake or a cake to feed X amount of people. I send them the best quote I can, based on the information given to me, and many times, I never hear back from them. Obviously some of these folks can choose other bakers, but I have a feeling many of these inquiries end up not ordering a cake at all because of the price. Yes, sometimes budgets and desires are so out of line that it is impossible to offer an alternative, but other times, if folks just asked or discussed their budget, something on a smaller scale could work. Sure you might not get that life-sized teddy bear you saw on Ace of Cakes, but you may still be able to get something cute and unique and not break the bank.
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Discounts, coupons, promos...
At a cake delivery this month, I started chatting with the DJ who was setting up. We started talking about the wedding and he mentioned to me that he was booked just 2 or so months before. He also mentioned that he gave the couple a 35% discount since he still had availability and it was short notice. He said he either got the gig or spent the day watching football.
This got me thinking... how many other wedding/special event vendors did this? Is this something that is suggested on wedding planning sites and magazines? I don't know the answer, but I wonder if that is why I get a lot of "last minute" wedding cake requests.
I guess I am different than a lot of folks out there... I don't give discounts, don't do coupons, or run any promos/specials. It's not that I don't think they are a good idea, but at this time, I think I am busy enough. If I don't have cakes to make one weekend... I am thrilled! That's not to say I don't want any business, it's just an extra opportunity for me to recharge and spend some extra time with my family.
This got me thinking... how many other wedding/special event vendors did this? Is this something that is suggested on wedding planning sites and magazines? I don't know the answer, but I wonder if that is why I get a lot of "last minute" wedding cake requests.
I guess I am different than a lot of folks out there... I don't give discounts, don't do coupons, or run any promos/specials. It's not that I don't think they are a good idea, but at this time, I think I am busy enough. If I don't have cakes to make one weekend... I am thrilled! That's not to say I don't want any business, it's just an extra opportunity for me to recharge and spend some extra time with my family.
Monday, September 19, 2011
How to order a custom cake
I know this may seem like a "duh" post, but you would be how many vague, last-minute, interesting, etc calls/emails I get. Plus I remember when my husband and I ordered the groom's cake for our wedding... we went in told them the date of the reception, what cake flavor we wanted, and handed them the funny bride and groom topper. I remember them asking if we wanted a square cake, but that is about it. I am sure they asked a few more questions, but I gave them no design ideas. Of course that was before cakes became the "in" thing.
So to save yourself and some cakers out there some grief, make sure you do or have thought about the following items before contacting someone to order a custom cake.
1. Budget - Think about this before you even start contacting folks about estimates/ordering. Custom cakes do cost more than grocery store cakes. Remember that the more complicated and/or time-consuming the cake, the more it's going to cost. The more servings you need... the more it is going to cost.
2. Check Websites - So after deciding on a budget, I recommend going to custom bakers websites. You can see the type of work they do and whether or not you think you will be happy with their work. You may also be able to see some prices, learn about the baker, and some other important info. Not all cakers are created equal!
3. Order Early - I have talked about this one before... the earlier you can order the cake the better. Calling me late on a Sunday afternoon and asked me how early a cake can be picked up if it was ordered today isn't going to work (Yes... this is a phone call I got today). Some large custom shops may be able to accommodate orders with only a few days notice, but why risk it?
4. Give the Specifics of the Event - Nothing bugs me more than an email telling me, "I need a cake for my daughter's birthday. Can you help?" Well maybe... it might help if you tell me when you need this cake, how many people you need to feed, whether the cake will be indoors or out, etc. To me, the more info you can give me the better.
5. Have an Idea of What Kind of Cake You Want... both inside and out - Half of the people that contact me are really good about this and send me a picture of the inspiration item or the cake they want replicated. The other half... well... have no idea. While I appreciate allowing me to be creative, I need some sort of direction. Colors, interests, hobbies... something to go off of... You also need to think about the style of cake you would like... 2 or more tiers, topsy turvy, carved, sheet, etc? Fondant covered or iced in buttercream? What cake flavors and fillings? I need to know all these things to give you a price range for you to make a decision and hopefully make you cake.
6. Be Prepared to Pay - Most custom cake designers do not take orders without at least a deposit, and some require payment in full. And most of us do not consider a cake to be "ordered" until payment is received, so have a credit card ready or a pen and paper (for those of us who use PayPal to process credit card payments or accept checks).
Well there is my PSA for the day... hopefully it reaches the masses :)
So to save yourself and some cakers out there some grief, make sure you do or have thought about the following items before contacting someone to order a custom cake.
1. Budget - Think about this before you even start contacting folks about estimates/ordering. Custom cakes do cost more than grocery store cakes. Remember that the more complicated and/or time-consuming the cake, the more it's going to cost. The more servings you need... the more it is going to cost.
2. Check Websites - So after deciding on a budget, I recommend going to custom bakers websites. You can see the type of work they do and whether or not you think you will be happy with their work. You may also be able to see some prices, learn about the baker, and some other important info. Not all cakers are created equal!
3. Order Early - I have talked about this one before... the earlier you can order the cake the better. Calling me late on a Sunday afternoon and asked me how early a cake can be picked up if it was ordered today isn't going to work (Yes... this is a phone call I got today). Some large custom shops may be able to accommodate orders with only a few days notice, but why risk it?
4. Give the Specifics of the Event - Nothing bugs me more than an email telling me, "I need a cake for my daughter's birthday. Can you help?" Well maybe... it might help if you tell me when you need this cake, how many people you need to feed, whether the cake will be indoors or out, etc. To me, the more info you can give me the better.
5. Have an Idea of What Kind of Cake You Want... both inside and out - Half of the people that contact me are really good about this and send me a picture of the inspiration item or the cake they want replicated. The other half... well... have no idea. While I appreciate allowing me to be creative, I need some sort of direction. Colors, interests, hobbies... something to go off of... You also need to think about the style of cake you would like... 2 or more tiers, topsy turvy, carved, sheet, etc? Fondant covered or iced in buttercream? What cake flavors and fillings? I need to know all these things to give you a price range for you to make a decision and hopefully make you cake.
6. Be Prepared to Pay - Most custom cake designers do not take orders without at least a deposit, and some require payment in full. And most of us do not consider a cake to be "ordered" until payment is received, so have a credit card ready or a pen and paper (for those of us who use PayPal to process credit card payments or accept checks).
Well there is my PSA for the day... hopefully it reaches the masses :)
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
It's all about being a "lister"
Some of my friends and acquaintances ask me how I run a business and have two little ones at home with me. The short answer is I am crazy and would need to be committed if I didn't have something other than being with the kids. I was always this way.... I loved to be involved in activities in school, worked several jobs throughout high school and college, etc. Once I graduated college and started working "a real job", I slowed down quite a bit and enjoyed relaxing after working 10-12 hour days, but I still needed to do something with myself while relaxing. I baked, did counted cross stitch, and scrapbooked. If I wasn't doing one of those, I was trying to figure out what I should do next.
When I got pregnant with my first son, I was commuting to Richmond 4 times a week, which was about 9-10 hours in the car, on top of my 45-50 hours at work. I decided I was going to give my career a break and just be a stay-at-home mom. Yeah... that lasted about 2 months... as I started cleaning out closets by listing things on ebay. After that I got involved in some local mom groups and finally started making some mommy friends. Of course, at the same time I was getting phone calls from work asking me to come back. I resisted the first 2 or 3, but not surprisingly, I decided to go back. It was only part-time from home, and I mostly worked during naps. How could I turn that down? Of course that wasn't enough for me... so I started taking cake decorating classes too... and well I guess that is how all this started. At one point, I was running the business and working my "real job". I finally left the real job when number 2 was born, because I knew I couldn't handle doing both with 2 little boys.
So how do I get everything done? It's really quite simple... I make lists... very detailed lists. Everything from sharpening dowels, to putting couplers on bags, to making buttercream and fillings... it all is on there. When I have a spare minute, aka the baby ... er... toddler... is engrossed in something, I dig out the tools I am going to be using, wash a pan or two, respond to emails, blog, etc. I get most things done while Reid naps, and after the kids go to bed, but weekends, federal holidays and after dinner time when Daddy is home to watch them, I try to sneak some hours in as well.
Besides listing, I also TRY to stay on top of things and get ahead... so if I need to batches of buttercream this week and two for next week, I try to make all 4 at one time. I also try to combine like things... so I don't need to dig out and wash tools multiple times. This is also why I don't take orders without a minimum of a week notice. If I already made buttercream for the next two weeks, I now need to dig out the mixer again, the ingredients again, etc. to complete the new order. It's just not worth it for me at this time. I would rather be as ahead as possible and take a day off, than try to squeeze in one more order. I am crazy, but not THAT crazy.
One would think with all this I would be as thin as a rail... but alas... as my name suggests... I am not...
When I got pregnant with my first son, I was commuting to Richmond 4 times a week, which was about 9-10 hours in the car, on top of my 45-50 hours at work. I decided I was going to give my career a break and just be a stay-at-home mom. Yeah... that lasted about 2 months... as I started cleaning out closets by listing things on ebay. After that I got involved in some local mom groups and finally started making some mommy friends. Of course, at the same time I was getting phone calls from work asking me to come back. I resisted the first 2 or 3, but not surprisingly, I decided to go back. It was only part-time from home, and I mostly worked during naps. How could I turn that down? Of course that wasn't enough for me... so I started taking cake decorating classes too... and well I guess that is how all this started. At one point, I was running the business and working my "real job". I finally left the real job when number 2 was born, because I knew I couldn't handle doing both with 2 little boys.
So how do I get everything done? It's really quite simple... I make lists... very detailed lists. Everything from sharpening dowels, to putting couplers on bags, to making buttercream and fillings... it all is on there. When I have a spare minute, aka the baby ... er... toddler... is engrossed in something, I dig out the tools I am going to be using, wash a pan or two, respond to emails, blog, etc. I get most things done while Reid naps, and after the kids go to bed, but weekends, federal holidays and after dinner time when Daddy is home to watch them, I try to sneak some hours in as well.
Besides listing, I also TRY to stay on top of things and get ahead... so if I need to batches of buttercream this week and two for next week, I try to make all 4 at one time. I also try to combine like things... so I don't need to dig out and wash tools multiple times. This is also why I don't take orders without a minimum of a week notice. If I already made buttercream for the next two weeks, I now need to dig out the mixer again, the ingredients again, etc. to complete the new order. It's just not worth it for me at this time. I would rather be as ahead as possible and take a day off, than try to squeeze in one more order. I am crazy, but not THAT crazy.
One would think with all this I would be as thin as a rail... but alas... as my name suggests... I am not...
Monday, September 5, 2011
Facebook "Networking"
I am a "fan" of several local pages that are either interest-based, such as being a mom, or have some sort of local publication or group. I follow them to see what is going on around town, as I rarely read the local newspaper.
I saw several local businesses post on the walls of these types of pages promoting their business. "Need a photographer? Check out ABC Photography!" "Best Burgers in town at Big Burger!" Etc.
While I see the opportunity as some free advertising, I don't do it. Why? I don't know... there is just something about it that seems a bit "off" to me. I will gladly self-promote myself if a page is asking for pictures/info from fans, but to just do it to do it... eh... maybe it is just me and my personality. It's like me at networking events... I usually hang back and chat with whomever I already know or who I am really interested in meeting, not necessarily who I should be talking to because they would get me business or new business.
Along these same lines, I don't go to TV cake designers pages and say, "Check out my work!" in hopes of gaining new fans or recognition from them personally. Sure I would love to have Kerry Vincent say that I do awesome work, but I don't do anything that at least half of the cake designers in the world do, and I am sure at least half of those designers do those things better than I do.
So what are your thoughts on promoting yourself/business on other Facebook pages? I am out of my mind and over-thinking things (wouldn't be the first time)?
I saw several local businesses post on the walls of these types of pages promoting their business. "Need a photographer? Check out ABC Photography!" "Best Burgers in town at Big Burger!" Etc.
While I see the opportunity as some free advertising, I don't do it. Why? I don't know... there is just something about it that seems a bit "off" to me. I will gladly self-promote myself if a page is asking for pictures/info from fans, but to just do it to do it... eh... maybe it is just me and my personality. It's like me at networking events... I usually hang back and chat with whomever I already know or who I am really interested in meeting, not necessarily who I should be talking to because they would get me business or new business.
Along these same lines, I don't go to TV cake designers pages and say, "Check out my work!" in hopes of gaining new fans or recognition from them personally. Sure I would love to have Kerry Vincent say that I do awesome work, but I don't do anything that at least half of the cake designers in the world do, and I am sure at least half of those designers do those things better than I do.
So what are your thoughts on promoting yourself/business on other Facebook pages? I am out of my mind and over-thinking things (wouldn't be the first time)?
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
It's always good to feel confident in your choice
Not too long ago I got a call from a frantic woman who was hosting a small bridal show downtown. Apparently, the baker who was providing the cake could not be reached (bells and whistles start going off in my head). I got this call after 6pm, and she needed a cake, any cake, as a donation, for the next morning. She tried to entice me by saying over 20 brides would be tasting and see my cake. I am all for more folks tasting my cake and seeing my work, but I had just completed and delivered two labor intensive wedding cakes and had my own bridal show to attend and prep for the following day.
I had a customer who contacted me several times about a small party cake. In my mind, she was a bit obsessive about a small cake. She stopped by to drop something off for the cake, and we chatted for a bit. It was at this point I realized why she was checking in on me. She had ordered a cake in a previous year from someone who was opening her own cake business. She decided to help her out and placed an order, but never got a cake after paying and repeated phone calls. Another year she placed an order somewhere else, and while I don't remember the specific she was disappointed again and was without the ordered cake.
The moral of the stories? Pick out a baker who is reputable. They may be more expensive than that person on craigslist, but you won't be scrambling for a cake at the last minute.
I had a customer who contacted me several times about a small party cake. In my mind, she was a bit obsessive about a small cake. She stopped by to drop something off for the cake, and we chatted for a bit. It was at this point I realized why she was checking in on me. She had ordered a cake in a previous year from someone who was opening her own cake business. She decided to help her out and placed an order, but never got a cake after paying and repeated phone calls. Another year she placed an order somewhere else, and while I don't remember the specific she was disappointed again and was without the ordered cake.
The moral of the stories? Pick out a baker who is reputable. They may be more expensive than that person on craigslist, but you won't be scrambling for a cake at the last minute.
Monday, August 8, 2011
Sometimes all you want to do is dive in head first
I have a problem... I have a lot of ideas .... from cake designs I would like to create to launching a product line to just sitting and playing with a new tool or technique. And after this weekend at the 2011 ICES Convention, I have a million and one more things I want to do. Unfortunately, there are only so many hours in the day, and well as I think I mentioned a few million times before I have those two little munchkins at home with me and orders I must complete.
For me, one of the hardest things to do is wait... wait until the boys are older so I can have my time to really work on my business. I know my boys are only small once, and that is why I gave up my original career as a Senior Business Analyst/SME (Subject Matter Expert) with a huge IT firm to be at home with them. I wasn't looking to start a business, but it found me. I am thankful for that. So I will try to be patient, at least as patient as I can be, and wait for my time to shine.
For me, one of the hardest things to do is wait... wait until the boys are older so I can have my time to really work on my business. I know my boys are only small once, and that is why I gave up my original career as a Senior Business Analyst/SME (Subject Matter Expert) with a huge IT firm to be at home with them. I wasn't looking to start a business, but it found me. I am thankful for that. So I will try to be patient, at least as patient as I can be, and wait for my time to shine.
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