How Much Experience Should You Have.....
Business By MakeItYours Updated 29 May 2006 , 4:31pm by Pootchi
How much experience should you have before you start your own business or buy an existing bakery? I have a friend who would like to start a bridal shop/wedding cake type store within the next year. I would love to do it, I just feel like it is too soon. But I also feel like if I don't have someone like her push me into this, than I may never do it. What would you do if you had an opportunity like this? And how much experience would you personally feel comfortable with? Any suggestions or comments are greatly appreciated!
Thanks,
Dawn
my opinion: when an opportunity knocks, you should take it. i would jump at a opportunity like this. you have a year to get a lot of practice in. another thing to think about, if you do decide to go in on this and after 6 or so months you decide its not for you can you back out?
as far as experiance, i don't think it really matters. you have to start somewhere.
I agree with amylynn if opportunity is knocking take it .You be surprised what you can learn in a year!!
Good luck!
I don't think it matters how much experience you have. What matters is how your cakes look and tastes. I have seen first time cakes and they are beautiful and I have seen other other cakes by "professionals" - not so good. So, what really matters is how your cakes look. And you do have a year to practice. Believe in yourself! Hope this helps. Good luck!
Thanks for your input! I like the positive responses but does anyone have any negative thoughts for me to consider?
I think it all depends on a few things..
Are you putting your own money into it?
Will you guys be partners or is she buying it & you will work with her?
Do you guys have any experience with the financial side or do you plan to hire someone who does?
Is this something you want to put every spare minute of your time into?
Do you feel comfortable going into business with a friend?
This is in no way trying to discourage or be negative...just thought maybe a little more background would help us to give you some advice.
As far as how much experience in baking/decorating...thats all up to you. As long as you would have a good customer base to work with & can provide people with a good service I think you will start off fine...you always have time to practice & learn more.
Just make sure you learn everything there is to know about the business aspect... doesnt matter what your cakes look like if you cant run the business it wont be a success... Arm yourself with knowledge and resources.. look into a small business organization that can walk you through it.. i think its called SCORE and write out a business plan!!! There are tons of books at the library... then you need to consider marketing.. etc.. just get ready to do a lot of research on top of mastering your craft.
I agree with the others. If opportunity is knocking, it might be a good idea to answer. Are you in a place financially where you can afford to go into business? Can you afford for that business to break even or not turn a profit? Unfortunately, that is the reality of business. Do you have time to devote to nurturing and developing this business? Good luck!
I agree with the others who have mentioned the skills needed behind the scenes. I had a home-based business before doing soaps, lotions etc., and I can't stress enough the need for 1) organizational skills, 2)book keeping skills, 3)business skills. By business, I mean planning, marketing, positioning, sales, etc. All of those things are made simpler by having a very good business plan, so don't take doing that lightly.
Judging from your pics, I think your decorating skills are fine, and you'll only improve as you do more. Make a list of every strength and weakness between you and your friend. Make clear, WRITTEN decisions about who will be responsible for different aspects of the business based on your lists. Don't think that because you're friends, everything will just work out. Knowing exactly what you expect of each other ahead of time will save SO many arguements.
Good luck with your decision!! 
I had a florist/gift shop. A bridal shop asked to come in. What a great combo. We split the utilities and shop upkeep, but kept our businesses seperate. That way we had no concerns about how each one was spending their money. As exciting as it is going in.... please remember to have an exit plan in place at the beginning. That may seem almost like planning for a split, but when one person is ready or needing to move on, you can still remain friends, because the business was set up correctly.
Good Luck and grab this opportunity!
I don't think it matters how much experience you have. What matters is how your cakes look and tastes. I have seen first time cakes and they are beautiful and I have seen other other cakes by "professionals" - not so good. So, what really matters is how your cakes look. And you do have a year to practice. Believe in yourself! Hope this helps. Good luck!
Amen!
Thank you for all of your input. You have given me many things to think about before just jumping in. I will update everyone if this ends up going anywhere.
I agree with everyone here: when opportunity knocks ANSWER!! I started my own business when I saw that everything was growing a little too much to just do this like a side-line. I didn't want to get 'caught' and pay big fees because I was illegal. So now everything is in order and I'm not afraid to do some publicity, and alk about my big contracts, openly. But, if it wasn't for my friends that pushed me into selling my cakes, I wouldn't be there right now.
Have fun and keep us posted!!!
Lorris
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