Much as I am aware that the sequel is rarely as good as the first film (Jaws, Back to the Future, Indiana Jones...etc etc), I am hoping this up-date breaks the mould!
After submitting my written application for a seed funding grant a couple of months ago, I have been invited to attend the 'She Inspires' office and pitch my case for why Wendy Bakes is deserving of being awarded the accolade and financial support. Eeeek and how exciting at the same time! All very 'Apprentice'.
My dilemma is...what pitch should I settle on? There are so many ways i would like to grow the business, I am struggling to know how to prioritise, and as generous as the £500 grant would be - I could probably spend it 10 times over! And that would just be in the first week!
I know that my social media presence could be improved and that might bring in more customers, so training in that area would be beneficial. Likewise, my marketing technique leaves something to be desired, so again that would be money well spent. I would like to attend fayres, fetes and food markets, and could invest in the equipment I would need to display my cakes and still keep them safe from contamination - this would not be cheap either. If I could widen my delivery, by potentially posting my products, then my customer base would broaden, so again, a sensible investment. And of course increasing customer confidence by buying into the Coeliac UK Accreditation scheme makes perfect business sense...
Yesterday, I asked my very wise friend which pitch she would focus on - and she said investing in a professional photographer to stage my bakes and increase their appeal on the website and in other marketing material would be her advice...I don't think I am going to ask anyone else, because that just gives me another topic to consider, rather than narrowing anything down!
If an audience with Lord Sugar is anything to go by, I best get my power dressing vibe on and dust off the shoulder pads. Sadly it is more likely I will rock up wearing my apron, with cake mix in my hair and accompanied by a vague aroma of biscuits! Do you think if I take cake that will be viewed as bribery?
Can't wait to see what Episode 3 of this saga brings!