Starting my senior year of high school, I began a business called The Rolling Pin, and immediately I was a salesperson, not just a baker. Besides telling people about it and social media, I was not considering myself a sales person. However, in different ways I had to sell as anyone else. I have learned to listen to peoples suggestions (Prospecting), My fear in selling my baked goods is that I will pressure people. However, I am also solving a problem. This is not a problem that people thinks they have, but do. As an entrepreneur, my job is to find out what people should want and give it to them. Quality of baked goods are a luxury that make selling them difficult yet still possible to do as a honest salesperson.
I don’t want anyone ever to feel pressured to make a purchase so I swing to the opposite side of the pendulum frequently. However, engaging people in conversation and speaking to them about my products can be opening doors for realizing their longing for quality baked goods. To ovoid any type of pressure, I would just let the quality of my good to speak for itself, yet I now see the importance of using conversation to reveal problems which my baking can solve. As scones and macarons at a coffee shop are just a luxury of life and not a necessity, the problem which leads to their purchase is a lack of eating food with inherent beauty in it. When I communicate their worthwhile value, I am offering a solution to their problem. And thus, I will be moving people to part with their resources in ways which adds value to their lives.
BoweryJE22
This is really cool to see you gaining confidence of selling over your experience. Making a difference in your users lives is a very good work, even if its through baking baked goods! Excited to see where your business goes!
I think its awesome to gain this experience and confidence in sales. I really like your story, almost as much as i like baked goods! Good luck with your business and bring in some for class!
Wow you just made me hungry for a macaroon, Caroline. Thanks for showing us a real life example of the nuance of pushing too hard and not mentioning it at all !
It is amazing that you started your own business as a senior in high school! I also think it is awesome that you understand the ways that you don’t want to sell, and that is being “pushy.” Since you recognize that, you are already ahead of the game! You have an awesome business and treat everyone with kindness and tat is the best way to sell. 🙂