Podcast Summary: Baking it Down - How the Grinch Saved Christmas (Episode 190)
Episode Information:
- Title: Baking it Down - How the Grinch Saved Christmas
- Release Date: December 17, 2024
- Hosts: Heather and Corrie Miracle
Introduction
In Episode 190 of the Baking it Down with Sugar Cookie Marketing 🍪 podcast, hosts Heather and Corrie Miracle delve into the high-stress holiday season for bakers, drawing parallels to the classic tale of the Grinch. They explore the challenges of managing a surge in orders, maintaining customer relationships, and preserving personal well-being during the busiest time of the year.
Personal Anecdotes and Setting the Tone (00:00 – 01:15)
Heather begins by sharing a personal update about her cat, Frank, who recovered from an inner ear infection. This light-hearted introduction sets a relatable and empathetic tone for the episode.
- Heather: "[...] Frank is my cat. I adopted him back in May at Cory's behest [...]" (00:09)
The Holiday Rush: A Baker's Super Bowl (01:15 – 04:23)
Heather and Corrie describe December as the “Super Bowl” for bakers, highlighting the drastic increase in demand for sugar cookies, evidenced by a spike in Google searches by 5 to 10 times compared to other months.
- Heather: "If you look up trends.google.com and you type in sugar cookies, the spike in searches [...]." (01:17)
They discuss the overwhelming number of orders, the necessity of turning some away, and the emotional toll this can take on bakers, often leading to feelings of resentment akin to the Grinch.
- Corrie: "It can be overwhelming where we almost get resentful towards them." (02:44)
Managing Customer Expectations and Communication (04:23 – 12:45)
A significant portion of the episode focuses on effective communication strategies during peak seasons. The hosts emphasize the importance of setting clear expectations with customers to prevent frustration and preserve relationships.
- Heather: "Give yourself 24 hours before you reply to an upset client." (05:44)
- Corrie: "You can say, I will follow up with you in 24 hours to sound like a really happy baker." (07:05)
They advise using tools like funnels and forms to manage customer inquiries efficiently, avoiding platforms where messages can easily get lost, such as Facebook Messenger.
- Corrie: "You just kind of funnel them to that form." (09:00)
Maintaining a Positive Attitude: Channeling Sasha Fierce (12:45 – 22:46)
Heather and Corrie discuss the importance of maintaining a positive and professional demeanor, even when exhausted. They suggest adopting a persona, akin to Beyoncé's Sasha Fierce, to ensure that each customer interaction is pleasant and memorable.
- Heather: "If you have to channel your own Sasha Fierce, this is going to be the best experience [...]" (19:02)
- Corrie: "Don't let it stop in Christmas and cost yourself sales next year." (32:37)
The duo shares personal strategies for managing stress, such as implementing a rewards-based system to stay motivated during the hectic season.
- Corrie: "If I can get the next five emails caught up, give yourself a little something." (31:32)
Handling Last-Minute Orders and Setting Boundaries (22:46 – 31:32)
The conversation shifts to managing last-minute orders, a common occurrence during the holidays. Heather and Corrie recommend offering alternatives, such as directing clients to other bakers or providing DIY kits, to handle orders without overextending themselves.
- Corrie: "If someone places a last minute order, you can say, hey, I'm totally booked, but thank you so much for reaching out." (26:53)
They caution against venting frustrations in public forums, highlighting the risks of damaging professional reputations and client relationships.
- Heather: "Don't post any identifying details ever. And then Corey and I added the extra layer: don't client bash." (30:04)
Expanding Business Horizons: Sourdough Sellers Group (31:32 – 36:43)
Heather and Corrie introduce a new initiative to support bakers who specialize in sourdough, differentiating it from sugar cookie baking. They announce the creation of the Sourdough Sellers Facebook group, aiming to provide tailored marketing strategies for bread bakers.
- Corrie: "We're in the same house. We're in two different rooms. So she, we started this group Sourdough Sellers." (34:26)
Promoting the Cookie College and Upcoming Classes (36:43 – 43:43)
The hosts discuss their Cookie College membership program, detailing pricing strategies and the benefits of consistent marketing efforts. They emphasize the importance of planning and scheduling to ensure sustained business growth beyond the holiday season.
- Heather: "If you sign up today, you get all the 2024 classes for 61 times $63." (37:07)
Sponsorships and Community Engagement (43:43 – 58:50)
Heather and Corrie highlight their sponsors, including Backers Co., a food-safe backdrop company, and Bake Bake, a brand offering high-quality meringue powder. They discuss how these products support their baking businesses and enhance customer experiences.
- Corrie: "Bake Bake is the best meringue powder I have ever used in my life." (45:23)
Additionally, the hosts share personal stories about gift exchanges and community interactions, reinforcing the sense of camaraderie within the baking community.
Conclusion: Embracing the Holiday Spirit Without the Grinch (58:50 – End)
As the episode wraps up, Heather and Corrie encourage bakers to maintain a positive outlook, manage their stress effectively, and prioritize customer satisfaction to ensure long-term success.
- Corrie: "Have a less Grinchmas heart and a more Christmas spirit." (58:31)
They tease the next episode, promising to continue supporting their listeners through the ongoing holiday challenges.
Notable Quotes with Timestamps
- Heather: "Frank is my cat. I adopted him back in May at Cory's behest [...]" (00:09)
- Corrie: "It can be overwhelming where we almost get resentful towards them." (02:44)
- Heather: "Give yourself 24 hours before you reply to an upset client." (05:44)
- Corrie: "You can say, I will follow up with you in 24 hours to sound like a really happy baker." (07:05)
- Heather: "If you have to channel your own Sasha Fierce, this is going to be the best experience [...]" (19:02)
- Corrie: "Don't let it stop in Christmas and cost yourself sales next year." (32:37)
- Corrie: "If someone places a last minute order, you can say, hey, I'm totally booked, but thank you so much for reaching out." (26:53)
- Heather: "Don't post any identifying details ever. And then Corey and I added the extra layer: don't client bash." (30:04)
- Corrie: "Bake Bake is the best meringue powder I have ever used in my life." (45:23)
- Corrie: "Have a less Grinchmas heart and a more Christmas spirit." (58:31)
Key Takeaways
- Effective Communication: Setting clear expectations with customers can mitigate frustration and maintain positive relationships during peak seasons.
- Personal Well-being: Implementing strategies like rewards systems and adopting positive personas help manage stress and prevent burnout.
- Boundary Setting: It's crucial to handle last-minute orders gracefully by offering alternatives, thus preserving personal time and business integrity.
- Community Support: Engaging with specialized groups, such as the newly formed Sourdough Sellers, provides targeted support and resources.
- Continuous Learning: Programs like the Cookie College offer ongoing education and marketing strategies to ensure sustained business growth.
Conclusion
Episode 190 of Baking it Down provides a comprehensive look into the challenges and strategies for managing a successful baking business during the bustling holiday season. Through personal anecdotes, practical advice, and a touch of humor, Heather and Corrie Miracle offer valuable insights to help bakers navigate the festive rush without turning into the Grinch.