Bakery’s Half Dozen e-course

If you read my posts, you know I’m a big fan of BAKERY. I featured them in my Blog Love Week last year. I was lucky enough to be part of the first BAKERY’s Half Dozen e-course this past fall. I can’t tell you how much it has helped me with my business, but I am going to try…

I received a syllabus for the course and the first week was all about business plans. Did I have one? No. It’s almost shameful to admit that, because even though I knew it was more than a good idea, I hadn’t done diddly to create one. Here was my chance. The BAKERY gals, Jaime and Erin, provided very helpful business plan downloads, as well as going over in detail what each section of a business plan can and should contain. On Wednesday of that week, we were treated to a video about the benefits of a business plan from Kelly + Olive, an interior design firm. Also, everyone taking the class was able to ask any question at any time. And that first week, the questions were flying! Besides all the great information and links that Erin and Jaime provided, we could ask any question at all, and faster than you can say Baby needs a Business Plan, the ladies would have an answer. I had some quirky questions and I received thoughtful responses every time. I could tell that they took the time to get familiar with my business to give me that response.

Each week was the same schedule with posts on Mondays, Wednesdays (plus a video) and Fridays. I found the Marketing and Advertising weeks the most rewarding, as I feel the most challenged in those areas. I was able to actually feel like I was in control of how to market my business and what would be the best advertising for me. Other weeks also included Media Kits and Press Kits (sadly, I didn’t know the difference), PR and networking.

There was also a Twitter list of classmates and a Google group that we can all still access. Quite a few people didn’t get to commit the time they wanted to during the holidays, so the group will remain active.

Now, I’m in the nitty gritty of it and committed to finishing my business plan by January 31. I also have a step-by-step plan on how to make my business run more intelligently and efficiently and cater to my customer’s needs in a more thoughtful way. Much, much work ahead and I’m looking forward to it all!

Thank you so much Erin and Jaime for a superior experience that will only have positive effects on my business. I have seen that BAKERY is offering another Half Dozen e-course that begins February 1. You can register for that here. Seriously, click it! It may be one of the best business decisions you make this year.