Ever encountered someone who was successful pursuing their creative hobby as a business? it can be done.
Baking, for many of today's households, is simply a normal activity, but people who take time to create very delectable baked goods and love giving them to relatives and friends, will soon learn that this can be a very profitable and satisfying business opportunity - in every sense of the word.
While the actual baking process may be your favorite part, selling baked goodies and being able to grow it into a company, if you chose to, would require some activities that would prohibit time in the house.
• Visit your regional school and inquire if you may offer cakes for the scheduled bake sale.
This could be a natural occasion to introduce your baked goodies initially to your community.
• Visit your local bed and breakfast and ask if you can give them a small offering of your baked treats and see if there's a market.
This could be your first attempt to sell 'commercially'.
Remember to use good wrapping and really consider the dollar amount you will ask for it.
• Go to small shops who also have baked items at the check-out.
A good indicator and a quick approach to see how your consumer base reacts.
As easy as picking it up, you don't have to advertise as the baked goods just might sell without help.
• A lot of folks love organic products, so if you use organic, don't forget to say so.
You may also offer some sugar-free products for diabetics.
Point out what's best or what separates yours from regular cookies or cakes.
• Start a website Use available media to reach people outside your home-town.
You can always work in the comfort of your home without leasing out a counter space in the mall or in the supermarket.
• Spring for some business cards/flyers.
Nobody knows you're out there! Place contact information and product offerings so they'll be easy to find whenever customer's sweet tooth calls.
Prepare to answer phone calls and internet orders once you decide to have fliers.
A person's first contact with your business should be hassle-free so they are certain you can truly deliver the type of merchandise and quality you are selling.
• Ask for referrals.
The absolute best advertising is word of mouth advertising.
Having someone who recommends and refers your business can really bring a lot of long-term customers right to your doorstep.
A variety of self-made treats wrapped with good marketing and sales techniques can most assuredly bring you a fun and profitable business.
Just never negate the quality of your product and don't forget to appreciate the loyal customers that you have and soon you will be the favorite 'baker' for a lot of people.
Remember to add a a pinch of passion and whisk together with good will and you won't be able to avoid sweet success - literally and figuratively.