Baking it Down with Sugar Cookie Marketing 🍪
Episode 213: Baking it Down - Hit the Breaks
Release Date: May 27, 2025

I. Introduction

In Episode 213 of the Baking it Down with Sugar Cookie Marketing podcast, hosts Heather and Corrie Miracle delve into the critical topic of managing business breaks. This episode offers valuable insights and actionable strategies for bakers and small business owners looking to navigate periods of downtime without compromising their business growth and customer relationships.

II. Cory's Yearbook Dilemma and Customer Service Lessons

The episode kicks off with a candid discussion about Cory's experience managing a yearbook project amidst unexpected school closures.

• Heather shares:
  "Cory has been working on the yearbook every Saturday for the last 20 weeks, only to find out that the books weren't printed despite receiving payment." (00:15)

• Corrie elaborates on the miscommunication:
  "They took the cash, but no one printed the books. Cory is beside herself." (00:52)

Key Takeaway: Clear communication and setting expectations upfront are paramount when handling orders and services. Heather emphasizes the importance of defining inquiries versus fulfilled orders:
"If someone places an inquiry, you need to say in that email, it is just an inquiry until the money is paid. Once the money is paid, the order is fulfilled." (01:12)

Solution Proposed: Corrie suggests a proactive approach to resolve such issues:
"Get the book shipped to the school, have the principal sign them, and deliver them directly to the students' homes." (02:04)

III. Managing Business Breaks: Impact and Communication Strategies

A significant portion of the episode focuses on the challenges and best practices for taking a business break.

Impact on Business:

• Corrie highlights the competitive landscape:
  "When you take a break, you're giving your competition a chance to gain ground." (03:31)

• Heather adds:
  "Bakers who take regular summer breaks have trained their audience to expect it, reducing frustration." (04:08)

Communication Strategies:

1. Announcement:
   "Make a clear announcement across all platforms about your break, specifying start and return dates." (05:58)

2. Social Media Adjustments:

   • Pinning Posts:
     "Remove all other pinned posts; only have the break announcement pinned to avoid confusion." (08:54)
   • Scheduling Content:
     "Use tools like Facebook Planner to schedule posts that inform customers of your availability." (10:23)

3. Website and Autoresponders:

   • Disabling Order Forms:
     "Disable your order forms to prevent new orders during the break." (15:53)
   • Autoresponder Messages:
     "Update your email and website autoresponders to inform customers of your hiatus and provide alternative contact options." (17:05)

Notable Quote:
"It's better to define things more specifically and get a little pushback than leave things open-ended." – Corrie (08:09)

IV. Upcoming Offers: Midsummer Membership Sale and Cookie College

Heather and Corrie introduce their Midsummer Membership Sale, running from July 27th to August 3rd.

Features:

• Cookie College Discount:
  "Take Cookie College back to $68 for one week." (32:07)
• Additional Promotions:
  "Enjoy 50% off all memberships during the promotional period." (32:20)

Benefits:
Members gain access to comprehensive resources, including class kits for various themes such as Independence Day, Back to School, and Halloween.

Call to Action:
“Visit thecookiecollege.com and sign up to take advantage of these limited-time discounts.” (32:21)

V. Listener Questions: Facebook Page Lockout and Time Management for Side Businesses

1. Facebook Page Lockout:

Question:
A listener, Tiffany from Sweet Southern Treats, lost access to her Facebook page after moving and starting a new page.

Advice:

• Rename New Page:
  "Change the new page name to include 'Official' to differentiate it from the old one." (47:00)

• Update Announcements:
  "Pin a post explaining the situation and direct followers to the new page." (48:28)

• Secure Accounts:
  "Consider using Meta Verify to protect your official page." (49:00)

Notable Quote:
"The old page doesn't matter; focus on building a healthier, engaged new audience." – Heather (47:20)

2. Time Management for Side Businesses:

Question:
A new cookier finds herself pulling all-nighters juggling a full-time job and family.

Advice:

• Price Your Products Appropriately:
  "If you're overwhelmed, consider raising your prices to manage order volume." (52:28)

• Implement Baby Steps:
  "Start with one social media post a week and gradually increase as you build momentum." (38:57)

• Efficient Scheduling:
  "Dedicate specific hours each week to manage baking, decorating, and marketing tasks." (52:34)

Notable Quote:
"It's better to execute a bad plan than to not execute at all." – Corrie (39:24)

VI. Equipment Recommendations: Microphones and Posture Correctors

Microphones:

• Rode Wireless Microphones:
  "Heather recommends the Rode Wireless Micro Ultra Compact 2 for clear audio during content creation." (41:07)

• Usage Tips:
  "For voiceovers, clip the mic to ensure crisp audio without echo." (42:05)

Posture Correctors:

• Upright Necklace:
  "A device that vibrates to remind you to maintain good posture, helping reduce back pain from long hours of baking." (64:25)

• User Experience:
  "While effective, some find these gadgets intrusive. They work best for individuals committed to improving posture." (65:33)

Notable Insight:
Corrie emphasizes balance:
"These gadgets are meant to aid in forming good habits, not to replace physical exercises." (67:09)

VII. Sponsors Overview: Backers Company, Cookie Design Lab, Eddie

1. Backers Company:
A food-safe, waterproof, and scratch-resistant photography backdrop ideal for baking businesses.

• Heather's Testimonial:
  "The Backers backdrop allows me to clean and reuse it without worrying about oils soaking in." (53:29)

2. Cookie Design Lab:
A creative software tool designed for bakeries to design cookie patterns efficiently.

• Corrie's Endorsement:
  "Cookie Design Lab simplifies the design process, making it a must-have tool for custom cookie orders." (54:30)
• Promo Code:
  "Use code 'twins' for a discount on Cookie Design Lab memberships." (55:33)

3. Eddie, the Edible Food Printer:
An advanced edible printer for creating custom designs on cookies.

• Heather's Experience:
  "Using Eddie, I was able to add intricate designs like graduation caps to cookies effortlessly." (55:12)
• Unique Feature:
  "Eddie allows for time-saving designs, reducing the need for manual piping while enhancing creativity." (56:46)

VIII. Handling Order Errors and Customer Service

Heather and Corrie share strategies for managing order mistakes and maintaining excellent customer service.

Scenario:
A customer received vanilla cupcakes instead of the requested funfetti variety.

Response Strategy:

• Immediate Communication:
  "Apologize sincerely and offer a solution, such as a partial refund or replacement." (60:01)

• Proactive Resolution:
  "Even minor errors like incorrect sprinkles should be addressed to maintain trust." (60:54)

Notable Quote:
"By offering above and beyond customer service, you turn mistakes into opportunities to delight your customers." – Corrie (70:57)

IX. Upcoming Facebook Lives

Heather and Corrie announce two upcoming Facebook Live sessions designed to provide deeper insights and training for their listeners.

1. Flip Insurance:

• Date: June 4th, Wednesday
• Topic:
  "Understanding food liability insurance and why it's essential for bakers." (58:07)
• Speaker: Flip Insurance representative

2. Getting Google Reviews with Eddie:

• Date: June 7th, Saturday
• Topic:
  "Leveraging Eddie to boost your Google reviews and enhance your online reputation." (60:02)
• Speaker: Representative from Eddie

Call to Action:
“RSVP on the Sugar Cookie Marketing Facebook Group events page to secure your spot.”

X. Closing Remarks and Final Thoughts

The episode concludes with a blend of humor and heartfelt reflections on personal mishaps and the importance of maintaining professionalism.

• Heather shares a humorous anecdote about spilling chocolate on her jacket, tying it back to the importance of accountability:
  "At the end of the day, the only person who needs to be accountable is me." (73:10)

• Corrie emphasizes resilience:
  "Handling mistakes gracefully is what separates successful bakers from the rest." (70:15)

Final Takeaway:
Maintaining clear communication, setting boundaries, and leveraging the right tools and support systems are essential for navigating business challenges and ensuring sustained growth.

Join Heather and Corrie every Tuesday on the Baking it Down Podcast to gain more insights, tips, and strategies to make your baking business flourish!

Timestamps:

• 00:15:- 00:52: Yearbook Issue
• 01:12:- 02:04: Communication Strategies
• 03:31: Impact of Breaks
• 04:08: Audience Training
• 05:58:- 08:09: Break Announcement
• 08:54:- 15:53: Social Media and Website Adjustments
• 17:05:- 32:07: Website and Autoresponders
• 32:07:- 34:03: Midsummer Sale Details
• 47:00: Facebook Page Lockout
• 52:28: Time Management
• 38:57: Baby Steps for Growth
• 41:07: Microphone Recommendations
• 64:25: Posture Correctors
• 53:29: Backers Company
• 54:30: Cookie Design Lab
• 55:33:- 56:46: Eddie the Printer
• 60:01:- 73:10: Order Errors and Customer Service
• 58:07: Flip Insurance Live
• 60:02: Google Reviews Live
• 73:10: Closing Remarks

Follow Us:

• Facebook Group: Sugar Cookie Marketing
• Website: sugarcookiemarketing.com
• Cookie College: thecookiecollege.com

Connect with Us:

• Email: heather@sugarcookiemarketing.com | corie@sugarcookiemarketing.com

Stay Sweet and Keep Baking! 🍪