Baking as a Business

It's 2013, Christmas. I'm back on my home turf (Trivandrum). All around, the sights and sounds are bit familiar. Most houses have stars outside, few people have Christmas tree and some have crib. Outside, there's an air of glee.

All bakeries in my locality, ( Jayram bakery, Cookies and bites) are lined with cakes and more cakes. But the disappointing factor is the kind of cakes sold in these bakeries.in all most all popular bakeries in Trivandum.

I wonder why they only follow one or design template. Either it's the usual plum cake or Black Forest cake. All these cakes lack novelty. Just a usual replica from a factory! SAD.

Baking Opportunity for Women in Trivandrum Kerala!

Why don't you seize this opportunity? Here's my suggestion:

• Prepare for a plan for 2014, starting from today
• Learn traditional recipe and other variation
• Prepare cake mix well in advance ( rum and nuts)
• Bake Christmas cake with raisins, nuts and fruits
• Try different design ( Search Google for images)
•  Package it different themes, designs
• Also, package cookies in containers

 Ideal Business Ideas for Women

Just imagine you can make more than 30k during Christmas. No joke. How you can make yourself different and attract customers?

1) Cake should be special ( no ordinary taste or mix)
2) Bake different cakes ( Rich plum, Chocolate, Icing, etc)
3) Promote through online channels ( Facebook or blog)
4) Package the cake differently
( Not just in plastic containers, but make unique Xmas packs)

Xmas Wishes to All Budding Small Business Owners!

P.S: Mail or call me iff you need my inputs on any of these. I'll glad to give my thoughts and I could also source packaging material from Bangalore.

You can also directly procure cake baking containers, liners, boxes from Bakers Nest, Bangalore. (wholesale Shop at Chickpet, Bangalore)

Start a Swimming Academy in Kerala

I'm just back after my Calcutta trip. During the train journey from Calcutta to Bangalore, in Howrah Yesvantpur super fast train, I met this army guy from Kerala. And during the long conversation with him, he was telling about his his future plan to construct a 25 mtr swimming pool in his hometown. As a professional swimming coach, he is looking forward to take voluntary retirement from army and start something of his own.

As of now, one of his friend has agreed to join together in his venture. They are not scouting for a investor for supporting this venture.

So, what's the small business plan here. Build a swimming pool. Only hitch is the investment. I think it would take around 20 to 45 lakhs to create a build a full fledged 25 meter swimming pool.

Additional monetizing through swimming pool:

• Open the pool to public ( Certain hours of the day)
• Specific time for ladies
• Water based aerobic classes for ladies
• Summer coaching camp for school kids
• Attractive short-term packages for NRI's
• Body slimming packages 

In addition, you can start:

1. A spa along with this facility
2. Probably train a girls water aerobics 
3. Shop selling swim wear, accessories, goggles, air bed, etc ( you can source from Decathlon shop)
4. Additional shop selling tender coconut, juice, and healthy drinks
5. ( after a swim people are terribly hungry) 

What you require to start:

• Coaching knowledge on swimming, training, etc
• Investor 
• Proper infrastructure and safety measures

 And if you need further inspiration, read this well written post about a swimming facility in Pala, Kerala. Thoppan’s Swimming Academy, at Pala in Kottayam district, Kerala is a perfect example to emulate.