🏍 Bakers and Bikers
When it comes to our two-wheeled friends, I started thinking of all of the parallels there between a baking business and motorcycles - weird, I know - but hear me out. Both are HORRIFYING. But wait - there's more!
When you find yourself sweating with an engine between your legs and a bucket on your head, you start to question some of your life choices - and I surmise that sitting in the kitchen, sore lower back and aching neck - the day before pick-up because you had more orders than time might land you in the same head space.
🏍 Look Where You Wann Go.
When you're on a bike, you need to look where you want to go - not at that mattress in the middle of the road you don't want to hit. Why? We don't notice it, but when you look at something long enough while riding, your body begins to make minor adjustments that end up steering the bike right towards that thing you'd love to avoid. So motorcyclists are told to look where they want to go - meaning, if there's a mattress in the road, look past it and to the right - your body will adjust and you'll clear the object and head on your merry way.
Same with bakery businesses - stop staring at your competitor - you're going to head right into their wake, and it won't be good for business. Instead - focus on your goal. Want to teach classes? Look there, not at the other bakers teaching classes. Want to offer spooky-season DIY kits? Focus on getting the best photos of your set - not one what the competitors are offering. Look where YOU want to go. You'll find yourself where you want to be and not about to ride over the "mattress" of business distractions.
🏍 Ride Your Own Ride.
On a motorcycle, it's tempting to try to "keep up with the cool kids." You get invited on a motorcycle ride, there are people with years more of experience than you have - and they ride fast and well. But you (if you're me) aren't good enough to keep up. And attempting to keep up could spell motorcycle disaster. Don't. Ride your own ride - take only the risks you know you can handle.
Same with your business. It's easy to wanna keep up with the marketing fads that hit the group - Target crates, anyone?! Hey - if you're not there yet, it's okay to just ride your own ride. You don't need to jump on every "ride" - ride the ride you want to ride - the one your business can handle right now. Not doing every marketing strategy doesn't make you a bad business owner - it makes you a smart one.
🏍 It's Not If, It's When.
Motorcycle accidents - not fun. Motorcycle accidents - also kinda possible. When you go to a bike meet and you see someone that says "I've NEVER been in a bike accident. It won't happen to me! I'm safe!" you'll also hear someone say, "It's not if you get in an accident, it's when." Not because they hope you'll end up high siding on the interstate, but rather to keep you cautious. The more you're aware of the liability, the safer you'll ride. Invincible riders are just riders asking to be humbled.
Same with your bakery business. Never had a bad review? Never had a client asking for a refund? Never had an irate Facebook comment? It's not if, it's when. And knowing your vulnerabilities can help you prepare for them. Get a stack of good reviews, come up with a refund policy, and learn how to deal with difficult clients. It'll save your butt (and your bike).
Okay - I'll stop bothering you with neat motorcycle catchphrases - but there are a few other gems on the podcast you can annoy your two-wheeled friends with (or better manage your bakery / bikery business).