Reflecting back on the last two months, I realize how intense it’s been managing two markets in under 30 days, each with its own unique demands and products. There’s so much to learn from experiencing these events firsthand, and though not everything went according to plan, each lesson brought valuable insights.
Let's explore some things I've learned over the past few months.
Time Management Matters:
Preparation is everything, and I underestimated the impact of starting early. Balancing two distinct events so close together meant that each product—caramel apple muffins for Apple Fest and brownie jars for Coffee Fest—needed its own prep, inventory, and setup plan. If I had started just a few weeks earlier, I could have alleviated some stress and created a smoother process for myself.
Overbaking Realizations:
Sometimes you bake more than you sell. I learned the importance of having a backup plan for overbaked items. When weather and attendance are unpredictable, it’s wise to prepare for low traffic, whether it's through planned partnerships with local businesses or special post-event sales.
"If baking is any labor at all, it's a labor of love. A love that gets passed from generation to generation."
– Regina Brett
Staffing and Communication:
These events reminded me of how crucial it is to find the right amount of help and clearly define everyone’s roles. For each fest, the needs varied, and making sure everyone knew the expectations would have streamlined our setup and helped things run more smoothly.
Follow-Up and Client Engagement:
A key takeaway from both events was the need for follow-up. With so many new faces and potential clients, following up promptly can make all the difference in securing future events or establishing new relationships. I plan to prioritize this aspect by setting up systems for faster follow-ups right after each event.
Capturing Contact Information:
It’s clear that I need a better method to capture emails and contact information for those who are interested in staying connected. Building this network is invaluable, so finding an efficient way to gather and organize emails at future events is a must.
Celebrate Wins, Let Go of What Didn’t Work:
Finally, I’m learning to focus on the successes and celebrate each win—like the smiles on people’s faces when they tried a caramel apple muffin for the first time. There’s power in acknowledging what went well and releasing the things that didn’t meet expectations.
Each event is an opportunity to grow, both in business and in life. While the road may be bumpy, I’m grateful for the journey and am excited to bring these lessons into my next steps. Thank you to everyone who supported us at the Country Apple Fest and Coffee Fest! Here’s to many more sweet adventures ahead.
Leave a comment and let me know how you plan for big events in life or business.
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