Branding: How to Bake a Good Impression

       

 

After three years of baking elaborate cakes part-time, Holmes decided to leave his passport control job at Stanstead Airport and devote himself to his business and his new family. Son Benjamin was born March 7.

 

A friend reposted his picture on the social network Instagram and suddenly the new dad was a new celebrity.

 

People love feel-good stories.  They also love to be inspired by talent.  This applies to baking, singing, even political engagement.  Employers and clients love talent, too, but especially these days, they don't want to take it on faith that you're as good as you say you are.  What better reference than a demonstration of your own skill in creative, engaging ways?

 

Chris Holmes clearly loved baking and worked hard to build his business on the side of his day job.  That dedication and a bit of proactive support from some friends has made him an international celebrity who might just have to start thinking about shipping.

 

It wasn't just the talent that helped Mr. Cake go viral - it was the love and detail he put into his work that carried over into how he lived his life:

 

“I wanted to leave on good terms. I enjoyed my time there. But this is something I really love, food and cooking.”

 

He didn't want to let his former employers down, so he relied on his talent to leave on good terms - and in the process, an inspirational story was born.  Oh - and think of the example he is setting for his new baby Cake.  Just gives you goosebumps, doesn't it?

 

There's a lesson in here for people trying to build a brand.  Taking cheap shots at opponents inspires nobody - vision, dedication, creativity and empathy are things we can all feel good about.