When I started baking, I never thought it would have anything to do with business networking. But the more I showed up at networking events, the more I realized — it’s actually the same thing.

For example, patience. A cake needs its own time in the oven. No amount of peeking or tapping on the pan makes it bake faster. People are like that too. You can’t force trust or expect relationships to click on day one. You just keep showing up, and eventually things rise on their own.

Layering is another. A single sponge is fine, but when you add cream, then maybe chocolate, then a little crunch — suddenly it becomes something people remember. Networking feels the same. One chat turns into a follow-up, then a collaboration, and before you know it, you’ve built something layered and strong.

And presentation? Let’s be honest — even the tastiest cake gets ignored if it looks sloppy. In business, how you carry yourself matters. A genuine smile, the way you listen, the way you present your work — it’s your frosting. It makes people stop and take notice.

Baking taught me patience and detail. Networking taught me consistency and showing up. Both together taught me this: growth isn’t instant, but if you put in the right ingredients and care, it always pays off.