Are you looking to build your self-confidence in your baking business? This page provides four steps to help you do just that. Learn how to take a class, practice, earn a certification, and support others to boost your self-confidence and succeed in your baking business.
With graduation season in full swing, I’ve been reminded of the range of emotions that come with being a new professional straight out of college. There’s the excitement of starting a new chapter mixed with the fear of not being prepared. It doesn’t matter whether you’re self-taught or a classically trained pastry chef, everyone has struggled with having confidence at some point in their career. In times of adversity and self doubt, it’s natural to feel overwhelmed. However, there is a solution to most internal struggles, and building confidence is no different.
If you’re struggling with confidence in your skills or an area of business, I have provided four steps to help boost your confidence.
Step 1: Take a Class
If you’re determined to learn a new skill or a “better way” to execute an old skill, not much can beat receiving instructions from a professional. Of course, many of us are students of YouTube University, but pre-recorded videos are only going to take you so far if you don’t have access to an instructor to help you with follow up questions.
There are plenty of online cake decorating and business programs on the internet which are hosted by excellent instructors. I recommend researching your favorite decorators or looking into a local program to see if you can find that extra support. I can assure you. Once you’ve had the chance to attend a good class, take notes and ask questions, you’ll be on the right track and ready to take on the next step.
Step 2: Practice
Practice makes perfect. I know it sounds cliché, but when it comes to any skill this phrase couldn’t be truer. One of the comments I hear very often from new decorators is that they want to learn how to achieve sharp edges on their cakes. Quite a few folks make it sound like there is ONE magic answer that will explain how to decorate a cake with sharp clean lines. However, in reality, there are so many ways to achieve this look on a cake.
It doesn’t matter if you use the upside down method or acrylic discs, at the end of the day it is all going to boil down to practice. The more that you practice the faster you’ll get because you will build muscle memory. The same is true with cake carving and making sugar flowers. The more you do it, the better you’ll get! So, if you’re lacking confidence and you’ve already taken a class on the topic, get in the lab and start practicing so that you can continue to build your skills.
Oh…and if you’re shy on camera! This goes for you too. Sign up for a public speaking class and start practicing in the mirror. How are you going to close that next big deal if you don’t know how to deliver a solid pitch?
Step 3: Earn a Certification
Most professional fields have a certification process to publicly confirm that an individual has met a certain standard and/or requirements that would be expected of a professional in that field. Thanks to the Retail Bakers of America, the same is also true in our industry. Did you realize that the RBA has a Certification Program?
If you’re lacking confidence and you’re looking for ways to validate to yourself and others (i.e. future clients) that you are a professional in the industry, I recommend digging into the RBA Certification Program. With five different certifications available in the areas of baking and decorating, there is sure to be a program that connects with your career goals.
According to the RBA, “The purpose of the RBA Certification Program is to verify professional competency in the baking industry. Certification establishes a peer-evaluated level of knowledge about professional baking. When a baker chooses to certify, she or he chooses to enhance their influence, credibility, and effectiveness in an organization.” When you receive your certification from the RBA you will gain a competitive edge, increase your earning potential, receive exposure to current skills & techniques, and build your professional credibility.
Step 4: Support Others
Finally, once you’ve taken the previous steps and put some time behind you, that last boost to your confidence is going to come through helping others. Whether you realize it or not, you have knowledge and a perspective that is unique to you. Many bakers would be thankful to learn from you. In fact, someone may be looking to learn from you right now! I’m not saying that you need to start a mentor program today. However, if you’re in an online group or someone reaches out to you for help, help them out if you have the answer and the time to spare.
Conclusion
Later down the road, if you feel so inspired, you could start a coaching program or sell tutorials online. The sky's the limit. You might be surprised to discover just how much helping others can end up helping you.
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