Week 12 Part A: Using Business Specific Online Tools

 This week, I explored several online tools to see which ones would help support and grow Iomi Bake, my small baking brand originally created in Colombia. Even though I’m not currently operating the business due to visa limitations, I want to keep building its digital presence and staying connected to customers and the baking community.

 Online Collaboration Tools – Slack & Trello

Iomi Bake may be a one-woman brand, but collaboration tools like Slack and Trello could help me in the future when I work with freelance designers, photographers, or even delivery partners. I like how Slack allows for easy messaging and sharing of files, and how Trello helps visually organize content planning or order timelines. I would definitely use both tools when I grow the team or manage larger orders.

 LinkedIn Groups

At first, I thought LinkedIn was just for corporate jobs, but I’ve discovered groups focused on women entrepreneurs, small business owners, and even food business professionals. It’s an inspiring space to ask questions, learn about marketing strategies, and build connections that may help Iomi Bake collaborate with other businesses in the future. I joined a group called “Latinas in Business” and plan to participate in the discussions.

 MeetUp – Women Entrepreneurs Group

I joined a local group for women entrepreneurs on MeetUp. The meetings offer a chance to talk about business struggles and wins, and I think this could help me feel supported, especially being a Latina immigrant trying to grow something in a new country. I haven’t attended an event yet, but I will — it’s a great way to meet other passionate people and maybe find collaborators for content creation.

 Yelp & Google Reviews

Customer feedback is one of the most powerful marketing tools for a baking business. If I return to selling cakes in the U.S., I would definitely claim my Yelp and Google My Business pages to manage reviews. Happy clients often forget to leave feedback unless asked — so having a strategy to invite reviews will help build trust with new customers. I also like that people can upload photos of their cakes — it adds authenticity.

 TikTok & Live Streaming

I believe that TikTok and Instagram Reels are powerful for brands like mine. Baking is visual, and people love to watch cake decorating videos. If Iomi Bake comes back, I will use these tools to show the behind-the-scenes of cake creation, share tips, and create emotional, aesthetic content that connects with viewers. Even now, I can use it to keep the brand alive and start building a community.

Conclusion

These tools made me feel excited about what’s possible for Iomi Bake. Even if I’m not baking professionally right now, using social media, collaboration platforms, and professional networks helps me prepare for the future. Building a brand is not only about selling — it’s about showing up, connecting, and learning. These tools will be a big part of that journey.

Comments

  1. ASterlingApril 20, 2025 at 2:02 PM

    Wow, what an inspiring post! I love how you’re thinking ahead and keeping the spirit of Iomi Bake alive even while you're on pause — that kind of dedication really shows your passion. The tools you picked are so thoughtful and strategic! I especially liked what you said about LinkedIn and MeetUp — building community and support is everything, especially when you're building something from the ground up in a new place. And your ideas for TikTok and Reels? So spot-on! I can already picture those beautiful cakes coming to life on screen. Can’t wait to see Iomi Bake shine again when the time is right!

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  2. Robert GApril 22, 2025 at 12:23 PM

    It was interesting to see that you went into just about every avenue you could for your business. I think you could benefit from both physical and digital promotion. And could very much grow using both in a combination. Being able to meet up with a group and have them test samples or pool ideas is a huge benefit for this type of business. The digital side of it is also a huge boon as you can promote new items, give out helpful home tips or create a interactive feeling with the customer base.

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  3. Coco DryMay 6, 2025 at 2:33 PM

    I really loved reading this, especially how you’re staying committed to Iomi Bake’s growth even during a pause in operations. It’s inspiring to see how intentional you’re being about laying the foundation for future success. I hadn’t thought of using LinkedIn Groups for creative businesses like baking, but now I’m curious to explore some myself—thanks for that insight! Also, your plan to combine visual content on TikTok with live streaming sounds like the perfect fit for a brand that’s as hands-on and beautiful as yours. I’m excited to see how your community grows—you’ve clearly got both passion and strategy on your side. 💛

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