When having a home baking business you might be doing a lot of the leg work on your own but any successful business needs connections and support from other industry leaders. Here are a few professional connections that will help your business take off!
And let's be honest there is nothing better than strong, like-minded women coming together to support each others' businesses. My husband is always surprised with the way that women are able to support each other, I guess they don't have that on the other side! Shocked? Me to!
Who do I make professional connections with?
Wedding Planners
Wedding planners are an amazing connection to make for your baking business. It is a lot easier to have a strong relationship with one person or (one team) than constantly be on the lookout for couples.
Working with wedding planners is great once you are able to show that you are a trustworthy professional they will continue to bring couples to you trusting that you will make their couples happy again.
They win by having a go-to baker for their clients, knowing you will provide an amazing experience which = a good review for them as well.
Party Planners
Perfect for baby showers and kids' parties! Just like wedding planners, it is great to be on their preferred vendor list to provide desserts for all of their events.
Picnic Planners
Picnics are huge right now! Many picnic planners are booked every single weekend multiple days of the week. While these orders will be smaller they can serve as a consistent flow of income.
Venue Owners
Many venues have a preferred vendor list. After the theme, budget, and date venue comes next in the planning process. Many times when planning a party clients will ask the venue if they have any recommendations for other elements of the party. Parties are a lot of work and the less work, searching, and vetting that the client has to do the better.
Other Bakers
That make the same thing:
This is important for times when you are 1. Overbooked 2. Sick 3. Asked for a technique you don’t like to do. 4. Need to hire help 5. Need to learn a new technique
Other bakers in your area are not competition. They aren't. So let’s leave that idea behind… in the trash… and burn it.
There will come a time when you need help, kid got the flu, or you are stuck with a technique and want to pull your hair out. Whatever the situation is having a baking friend can be a lifesaver!
Other Bakers
That make other things
Having connections with bakers that make other items is also helpful for your business. I don’t make cake pops or sugar cookies. But I have had multiple people ask for cookies to go with their cake whether it is a 1st birthday party or a wedding; I have had clients ask for items I don’t make. Do I say no I don’t make that? Nope! I just place an order with a fellow baker.
Real Estate Offices
I like working with real estate offices. They always need gifts for their clients and desserts for their open house. They always share your work on Instagram because that serves as content for them as well. Agents have A LOT of parties. Whether it is a personal event or work-related there is always something to celebrate. Being the go-to can be a big plus.
Airbnb Hosts
It is great to work with Airbnb hosts to provide treats as welcome gifts for their guests. This again allows for consistent repeat orders!
Photographer
I don’t think you need professional photos for every order. That is a huge investment to purchase all of the equipment and time investment to learn how to use it!! BUT professional photos do sell your product. I recommend having a photographer that you work with for photos for your website and other selling platforms, photos of non-customized desserts, and headshots. Professional photos make you look just that… professional.
A coach
Ok you had to of known this would be on the list! But yes a coach!!!! There is no better way to grow your business than with a great mentor who has your best interest at heart. They are there to make sure you push yourself to your goals and keep you on track to make that happen.
That is what I do with all of my clients. Each and every client is different which is the great part about being able to work with them 1-1. They all have different goals and different projects that they are working on, but I am able to guide them through their individual journey.
Coaching provides a very personalized experience. I wish I had known about coaches when I first started my business. Things would have been so much easier if I didn’t have to learn everything on my own. Now I am constantly investing in myself by working with a coach.
If you are interested in learning more about how my coaching program can benefit you and your business apply for a call. It’s a no-pressure call to see if we would be a great fit for each other and what you need for your business!
How to find these connections?
Do an Instagram search of #weddingplanner(yourcity) follow the ones you connect with the most and engage with their content and then reach out to them. Join Facebook groups. Do an Airbnb search of your area and offer your services.
If you implement any of these strategies and find success I want to hear about it!! Make sure to comment below, and send an email or dm. If you have any questions about how to level up your baking business also make sure to reach out! I love to help
Happy baking!!
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