Personal Consulting

Did you know?  There are many people who don’t view a home-based baking business as a serious business.  They tend to see it as more of a hobby than a business.  On the flip side, there is a misunderstanding that you cannot legally operate a food business from your home.  There is yet another misconception that you need only to get a business license and you’re officially in business.  Chances are before you started to research the business and read my book you were confused and caught in the maize of misunderstandings.

In response to a growing need for accurate information from an owner/operator’s perspective, I decided to write a book “Bringing Home the Baking” how to start a licensed home-based baking business.  In the process of marketing the book I was offered an unexpected and wonderful opportunity to teach a class, about my book and business, for Clayton State University’s Continuing Education Program, which I appreciatively accepted.  I decided to take this path in hopes of:  reaching a broader audience, clarifying some of the incorrect information, showing you the step-by-step method of starting your business, helping you find alternatives to working from home if necessary, helping you avoid some of the many common mistakes, making your startup simpler and a little easier and the hope of encouraging and being supportive.

Initially, I tried to offer everyone, particularly those who purchased a book, additional information and assistance.  But with the increase of events and demands for help, that extra time and assistance is no longer feasible.  With that in mind, I’ve launched a one-on-one fee-based consulting service that can be purchased in half-hour and one-hour sessions.

When I first considered baking to earn an income, I knew nothing about operating any type of business, much less a home baking business.    It has been a long journey and I’ve absorbed an enormous amount of information along the way.  Every new undertaking has been a learning experience and an opportunity for growth.  What I’ve learned throughout the years and will share with you is that survival and success comes only with:  building a good foundation, proper planning, execution of your plan, an understanding of the industry and your market and last but not least providing quality products and excellent service to your customers.

Unlike many book authors and article writers who write solely from information gathered, but, not from their experiences in the field, I have literally lived this business.  Until a few years ago, my home baking/gourmet gift business was 100% of my income. While my experiences are in many ways different from other home baking owners, I consider my overall perspective to be typical, yet well rounded, and therefore relevant to all bakers entering the home baking field.  Hence, my offer to consult with you about the startup of your home-based baking business.

How Might You Benefit from My Consulting Service?

• Trying to determine if a home-based baking business is right for you?
• Trying to determine if one of the alternative baking startups is right for you?
• Help with distinguishing and understanding the different agencies
  that govern and issue licenses and permits.
• Avoiding some of the many common startup mistakes.
• Understanding and purchasing baking equipment.
• How to make the most of a limited work space.
• Setting and controlling your product line.
• Setting prices to best fit your product and your market.
• Marketing your products, both wholesale and retail.
• Best packaging and delivery of your products.

I can help with advice regarding anything related to the startup of your home baking business.  For in-depth questions concerning bookkeeping/accounting and legal matters, I encourage my clients and students to consult with a specialist in that field.

Here’s How it Works:

1. I highly recommend you first read “Bringing Home the Baking” how to start a licensed
home-based baking business, then read my published article titled “Start Your Home-Based Baking Business” (click on the article title to view in PDF).  You might also browse the Q&A page.  This information may eliminate your need for consulting.

2. If you’re still interested in personal consulting, contact me by e-mail and suggest at least three possible time slots for your session.
My available time frames are Monday-Friday 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM EST and Saturday 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM EST.

3. In your e-mail, include questions or an outline of what you need from consulting.  I recommend
you take a look at where you are now, what your issues or problems are with starting the business and what your goals are.

4. Once your time and date are agreed upon, you will receive an e-mail confirming the details.  You 
Must respond to the e-mail with a simple “Yes I agree” or “Details in the agreement are incorrect” or No I do not wish to continue”.  Payment must be made at least 48 hours in advance of the consulting session.  Sessions will be initiated by the customer and conducted by phone.

5. If it becomes necessary to cancel the consulting session, cancellation must be made at least 24 hours prior to the session date and time in order to receive a refund.  A $5.00 setup fee will be withheld from any cancelled session payments.

Consulting Fees:

In consideration of the current slow economy and the usual financial demands of a startup business, I am offering my personal consulting service at an exceptionally low introductory rate.
Sessions are available in half-hour and one-hour blocks of time.

Introductory Prices:  Half Hour – $30.00 and One Hour – $55.00.
Payment Options:  You can pay with credit card or debit card.

Still Have Questions? If you still have questions about how the home-based baking consulting works click here to contact me.