Written by: Simon T. Bailey, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
What comes to mind when you hear Strawberries & Cream Bundtlet, Red Velvet Bundtlet, or Key Lime Bundtlet? Better yet, how do you feel when you hear 10,000 bites of joy?
Well, if you have a sweet tooth like me, then you probably know that I am talking about the pure joy of biting into a moist Nothing Bundt Cake (NBC).
For 25 years, Nothing Bundt Cake has continued to Bring the Joy™ to our mouths. Recently, they invited me to share my thoughts during their Cele’bundt’ing You! Cheers to 25 years in Orlando, Florida, along with 1,000+ of their bakery owners. Needless to say, I decided that I needed to sample their products and interview several of their bakery owners.
As much as I went to serve, I walked away with a new appreciation for a brand whose competitive edge is Joy!
Here are some of my key takeaways that you can explore in your own business:
Care About Your Employees
I interviewed Jan Newton, who owns several NBC locations. I asked what her secret sauce was in attracting and retaining talent. She said, to treat them like family. She hired Sean, who told her that he didn’t plan to work there for long. Well, two years later and after several promotions, Sean bought his first home for himself and his family. Jan gave Sean and the rest of the team a hand up instead of a handout.
The picture below is of Jan Newton and her team.
Velcro Yourself to Your Community
I also interviewed Susan See, who was an attorney for 25 years. She decided that she wanted to expand her business portfolio and became an NBC owner. Her active involvement has afforded her the opportunity to be the vice chair of her chamber and to create a Bundt Ferry, which allows her to read to children at a daycare center in her area. Most importantly, she enjoys being seen as a person who brings Joy to any challenging situation by giving away cake.
Give Away a Joy Pin
When I finished my presentation, I decided to stand outside of the ballroom and greet the bakery owners. One NBC bakery owner walked up to me and gave me two pins. This is similar to century-old American military tradition, which gives a person a challenge coin. It’s meant to instill unit pride and to reward hard work and excellence. I was in shock and almost turned red (if you can imagine that) after receiving these two pins.
In your business, what are the ways that you recognize those who go the extra step?
Immediately Celebundt the Right Behaviors
Let me remind you that NBC paid me to collaborate with them. I didn’t expect to receive instant feedback. Just imagine my shock when two bakery owners gave me shoutout cards called “Way to Bring the Joy!”
Both of these brought a smile to my face. In your business, find ways to uplift your team members, grow sales, and always take care of your guests.
Spread the Story of Joy
As a result of this incredible experience with NBC, our team decided to create a video. We realized that we needed to spread the Joy of our experience with them.
NBC doesn’t even have to send us a check for the free advertisement. We will gladly do it because they infused us with their Joy.
Here is the link to the Nothing Bundt Cake experience!
In your business, tell your story, or someone else will do it for you in a Google review. Will it showcase Joy and the difference you make?
Simon T. Bailey, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
SUCCESS magazine calls Simon T. Bailey one of the top 25 people who will help you reach your business and life goals. He joins a list that includes Oprah Winfrey, Brene Brown, and Tony Robbins. Washington Speakers Bureau recognized him as one of the 12 business speakers who emboldened audiences to think big and lead with purpose. Simon was the first Black American sales director for the Disney Institute based at Walt Disney World Resort. Since leaving Disney, he has served more than 2,100 organizations in 50 countries. His three LinkedIn Learning courses have been viewed by 250,000 individuals in 100 countries. He’s also written 10 books and has one of the 100 most-read motivational and successful blogs.
