Marketing lessons from The Great British Baking Show

SHAKING THE TREE #60

“On your marks. Get set. Bake!”

If you know, you know, and if you’ve yet to discover the world of claggy mixes, underproofing, and soggy bottoms you are in for a treat.

"The Great British Baking Show," (known as "The Great British Bake Off" in its native UK), is a beloved television competition series that celebrates the art and joy of baking.

Launched in 2010, the show has captivated audiences worldwide with its delightful blend of amateur bakers showcasing their skills, creativity, and passion for pastry, bread, and cake making.

Set in the picturesque British countryside, the show follows a group of amateur bakers through a series of challenges that test their technical abilities, creativity, and precision in baking various confections under the watchful eyes of esteemed judges.

With each episode featuring signature bakes, technical challenges, and showstoppers, contestants strive to impress the judges and avoid being eliminated, while vying for the coveted weekly title of Star Baker and ultimately, the overall champion.

What sets "The Great British Baking Show" apart is its emphasis on camaraderie, encouragement, and the heartwarming interactions between contestants, judges, and hosts, fostering a supportive and wholesome atmosphere.

The show's charm lies in its celebration of baking as a form of art, its mouthwatering creations, and the genuine passion shared by all involved.

While The Great British Baking Show is no place for anyone with an ego, it’s an absolute goldmine of inspiration for anyone searching for off the wall marketing ideas that can be applied to building a business:

Consistency is key: Just like in baking, consistency matters in business. Consistently delivering quality products or services builds trust and a loyal customer base.

Adaptability and innovation: Contestants often adapt recipes or innovate under pressure. In business, being adaptable to market changes and innovating to meet customer needs are crucial for success.

Attention to detail: Baking intricate pastries requires attention to detail. Similarly, in business, paying attention to the finer details, whether it's in customer service, product design, or marketing, can set a company apart.

Resilience and perseverance: Contestants face challenges and failures but keep going. In business, setbacks are inevitable, but resilience and perseverance are essential qualities for overcoming obstacles.

Teamwork and collaboration: Contestants often help each other. In business, collaboration among team members and partners fosters creativity and productivity.

Branding and presentation: The importance of presentation in baking translates to branding in business. How a product or service is presented significantly impacts customer perception and desirability.

Passion and authenticity: Contestants' passion for baking shines through. Similarly, in business, being passionate about the product or service offered and staying true to core values attracts customers.

Feedback and improvement: Contestants receive feedback and improve based on it. Likewise, businesses that actively seek and implement feedback tend to evolve and stay relevant in the market.

While every business is different, and although some of the points here may not apply to you (or may only apply quite loosely), anything that sets you apart or that helps you think about marketing and presentation just that little bit differently is a good thing.

I get it: applying these lessons may not solve all your problems. But every now and then, an alternative viewpoint might help point you in the right direction, helping develop a business strategy that focuses on something you may not have thought of before.

As always, thanks for reading.

Feel free to follow me on Twitter and LinkedIn

If you’ve like what you’ve seen here, why not share this post with a friend?

P.S. Next time on Shaking the Tree … How to save your sanity!