If you are reading this article you're probably a passionate cake decorator and possibly wanting to start your own cake decorating business - working from home. Starting a business from home can be the start of a fabulous journey but you need to be prepared in advance so that you get the most out of it right from the very beginning.

There are many things you need to take into consideration before starting any business, but I believe that one of the most important things is your marketing plan.

The marketing side of the business is one of the most important elements of a business. If you think about it - if you don't have customers there's no need for anything else. You don't need equipment, you don't need a work space and you don't need to buy in any special ingredients.

I believe that in any business you really must have the marketing well under control, even before you start operating your business as a going concern.

The other 'side of the coin' is that when starting a new venture the budget is pretty well always stretched, so having a strategy in place that will minimise the amount of money you spent on marketing is a must.

Several things you can do for very little money are:-

. Ask if you can put up a flyer on the local school, community centre, or church notice board.

. Do a demonstration at a local club, school or community centre. Enlist the help of the local community to get your name out there and promote your services.

. Do some 'freebies' for friends, neighbours and colleagues - but the most important thing when doing this is to take photos of the finished product and of the person you did it for, if possible. Next get them to give you a testimonial. You will then be able to use this in your marketing material.

You will see the results of your efforts and within a short time and your sales will start to come in by work of mouth automatically.

Remember - concentrate on your marketing first!!!

Best of Luck!!

Copyright 2006 Sigrid Gangsoy