Starting a business is like baking a cake (but with fewer calories)
Starting a business can feel overwhelming at times, but I like to think of it as baking a cake. A big, delicious cake. One that’s a little messy but oh-so-rewarding when it all comes together.
Just like with cake, there’s a recipe to follow, a dash of creativity involved and plenty of room for a personal touch.
So, grab your apron (or laptop) and let’s get into the mix!
The ingredients to get started
Every cake needs a good recipe, and so does your business. You don’t want to dive in without a plan or the right tools. Otherwise you’ll end up with a lopsided mess.
Here’s a list of some essentials
A dedicated office space:
Whether it’s a room in your house or a corner of your kitchen, your workspace should be separate from your personal area. It’s like separating the dry ingredients from the wet - you don’t want to mix up your Netflix binge with your business emails.
Tools of the trade:
You wouldn’t bake a cake without an oven, right? Well, for your business, you’ll need a computer, phone, printer and a reliable internet connection. These are your non-negotiables, like flour, eggs and butter.
The right apps:
Apps are like the measuring spoons for your business—keeping things precise and organized.
Here are a few must-haves
A way to manage your tasks:
Keeping track of everything in your head is like trying to bake without a recipe - things will get messy fast. Whether you prefer using a task management app like ClickUp or Trello, a simple spreadsheet or even a well-organized calendar, the key is finding a system that works for you. Whatever tool you use, it should help you prioritize, set deadlines and keep everything running smoothly.
Document storage system:
Just like you need a safe place for your secret family recipes, you need a secure spot for all your important business documents. Using an online cloud storage option like Google Drive or Dropbox allows you to store, share and organize your files, so everything is accessible whenever and wherever you need it.
Business bank accounts:
Just like you wouldn’t mix cake batter with mashed potatoes (unless you're making some really interesting fusion cuisine), you shouldn’t mix your personal and business finances. Having a separate business bank account is crucial. It keeps your business expenses and profits from getting tangled up with your personal ones, making it easier to track everything. Plus, it helps you avoid any unnecessary mess when it comes to taxes.
Following the recipe (mostly)
You’ve got your ingredients, but here’s the thing … you can tweak the recipe a little. Add a pinch of this or a little less of that, but don’t go too wild!
Why? Because the core of the recipe is there for a reason - it’s been tested and works.
For example, you might skip the fancy office chair at first (who needs lumbar support when you’ve got determination, right?), but don’t skimp on software that keeps you organized.
Like in baking, some things are non-negotiable. You wouldn’t skip the sugar in your cake, so don’t skip the essentials in your business.
Tip: Stray too far from the recipe and you risk ending up with something inedible, or worse, a business that might fail.
Flavour options: making your business unique
Here’s where you get to have some fun! Just like adding chocolate chips or a dash of cinnamon to a cake, you can infuse your business with a flavour that’s all your own through your branding, services and customer interactions!
Are you the bold espresso shot of the business world, or are you more like a sweet, vanilla classic?
You can offer different variations of your services, just like choosing between chocolate fudge, chocolate or marble. What’s your specialty? What sets you apart from the competition?
Do you offer a no-nonsense, get-the-job-done experience or do you pamper your clients like a five-star dessert?
It’s all about finding your flavour.
Decorating
Finally, the decoration.
This is where you get to show off your creativity and personality, just like adding frosting and sprinkles to your cake. Whether it’s your website design, social media presence, or customer interactions, this is your chance to add flair and make a lasting impression.
Your online presence is usually the first thing people see. Think of it as the icing on your business cake - people eat with their eyes first, after all!
You want to make sure people don’t miss out on your delicious business, just because you skipped out on the decorations.
Final thoughts
Starting a business is a lot like baking a cake.
It takes preparation, the right ingredients, and a bit of creativity.
Follow the core recipe, but don’t be afraid to add your own flavour and style to make it truly yours. And just like with baking, the best part comes when you get to enjoy the final product - your very own business, ready to serve the world.
Now, go bake yourself a business that’s a sweet success!
