I cook more than I bake. There is a reason for that. I like to be able to pivot and compromise if something isn’t working out. That’s a little bit harder to do when you’re baking as everything is always so precise. Let’s just say baking doesn’t work with my personality.
Today’s newsletter shares some insights on having some control over the final outcome.
A few weeks back I made some banana oatmeal cookies, and I forgot to put in baking powder. The cookies came out like tortillas and at that point I wanted to throw out the cookies and the oven.
I like to think that I really couldn’t compromise in this situation. There wasn’t a way out. At least not one that was obvious. I was stuck with the banana oatmeal tortillas. New Invention? Perhaps (though it would be a hard sell). My dogs though, are always supportive. They found it to be very tasty.
Around that same week, I decided to make some Spicy Thai Coconut Soup. The recipe called for baby corn, which I didn’t have. I was able to substitute it with carrots. It was so delicious. A winner.
No headache.
No meltdown.
Just a little tweak and adjustment.
This was me creating my own “recipe” for success.
All this to say that as solo professionals, we get to decide how we want to run our business. We get to set the rules. Yes, there are many proven business models out there all packaged up nicely, but they lack personalization. What works for one may not work for the other.
What I love about having the Chef’s Choice and how I find it useful when it comes to running my business:
1. Decision Making
You have the authority to set the direction and to shape your business. Here is where you can be strategic and pivot when you need to. This can include things like adding/removing services and even deciding when to increase rates.
2. Find Your Competitive Advantage
This gives you the power to find your unique spot in the market. You get to decide if you want to niche down or provide general services. This is going to be a lot more challenging if you’re following someone else’s model.
3. Flexibility
My family was very satisfied with my Thai Soup because it showed that I was able to quickly adapt. This created even more trust showing that I knew what I was doing in the kitchen. In this same way, you can tailor your services to meet a client’s specific needs.
Here’s the bottom line:
At the end of the day, you need to embrace your own recipe for success. Having the ability to adapt and make decisions on the fly can make all the difference.
Just like how I substituted corn with carrots and still made a successful dish, you can take those challenges in your business and see how you can pivot. After all, it’s your business. It’s your “Chef’s Choice.”
Chuckle of the day! 😂
What do you call a chef who’s always calm under pressure?
“A seasoned professional!”
Shamayne Brown is a virtual assistant and the founder of Camp Virtual Assistance.
She works with solo professionals and small business owners who are ready to invest in their business and need the support that she offers.
She specializes in creating email newsletters as well as other admin and creative design tasks.
Click here to connect on LinkedIn.
Click here to set up a discovery call.
