Running a cake business is more than just baking.
Running a small business is a challenge for most Americans. While the benefits are fantastic -- no boss, controlling your future and doing things your way -- there are certain internal strengths required. A cake business, whether run from your home or a shop, needs the same internal strengths to be competitive as any other small business venture does.
Smart Marketing Methods
Networking is the most potent marketing method available to small business owners, and a strong internal strength. You can make cakes for friends and family to serve at their parties, and tell them to let everyone know who made the cake. A discount can be offered to people who are willing to hand out your business card at their own party. You can use social media networks to post pictures of your cakes and reach more people. Continuously put your information out there and ask your family and friends to do the same.
Product Development
You need to continuously develop new products and be flexible with existing products. Happy customers create new customers so be friendly and willing to step outside your comfort zone in cake design. The bakery that caters to customers is the bakery that rises above the competition. Flexibility and consistent product development are internal strengths that work to the advantage of a bakery.
Respect Computer Systems
A surprising internal strength to help you beat the competition is respect for your computer system. You need to take the time to back up your computer system onto disks at least once a week. Surge protectors need to be used with all of the plugs. Keep the records vigorously updated. In the case of a power outage or other electronic tragedy, you will have your customer records -- like cake preferences and future orders -- when the competition has lost all of their information.
Become An Accountant
In the beginning, it is difficult to look at those bottom line numbers. A great internal strength is to detach yourself from your cake business and evaluate your financial numbers. You can begin to see patterns where expenses can be cut and money can be saved. Perhaps there is a frosting that is ordered for the business, but has not been used consistently; it can be cut from the expenses. Review the trends in your orders and supply purchasing and cut those purchases that are unpopular or go unused.
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