Entrepreneurship is like gardening where you plant and nurture your business so that it grows and bears fruit. It takes a lot of labour, notwithstanding external factors, to achieve the result you envision. Nevertheless, you till the ground, water the plant and care for it until it yields its produce for a good harvest.
Gardening is a therapeutic activity for busy entrepreneurs. There is nothing better than to feel nature in your hands. Also, it brings many good lessons that you can apply in founding and managing a venture.
1.) Know your soil
There are different kinds of soil – clay, chalky, peaty, sandy, silty, and loamy, the last being the ideal one. Determine the type of soil in your garden to know the plants that can survive and grow in such an environment. In the business setting, there are plenty of industries and markets to penetrate when you start an enterprise. Take a look at trends and players in the field and study how you will fit in such space.
2.) Select your seeds
Depending on your soil and environment, you have to choose the kind of plants you want to grow. Will it be flowers, vegetables, ornamental plants or fruit-bearing trees? Learn which plants complement each other and which ones would be disadvantageous if placed in the same area. Similarly, be strategic in the products and services you want to focus on your business. Make sure they address a particular need and provide a solution to a specific problem.
3.) Layout your location
When you have identified the seeds that go in a particular soil type, layout your garden. Decide the plants that should go together and those that you will place under the sun or in the shade. Location is crucial in business. It is ideal for your office or shop to be near your target market. Make your interiors a pleasing environment for your team and customers.
4.) Ready your tools
You need gardening tools to get you started. Plus, you need to get your hands dirty. When you build and run an enterprise, you need to have the right tools to manage it well, such as equipment, materials, skills, systems and software. At the initial stage of the business, you have to be hands-on with every aspect of the operation to familiarise yourself to the whole process and take care of your finances. Join professional groups like EO Melbourne to expand your learning and help you accelerate the growth of your business.
5.) Plant the seeds
Seeds are delicate, so you must handle them with extra care. Dig deep enough for the seeds to germinate. Be mindful of the distance between plants. Also, to avoid confusion, label your seeds. When everything is ready, it’s time to invest in your business and plant your brand in the mindset of your clients and prospects. Let your brand stand out from the rest. Establish and maintain good relations with them.
6.) Nurture according to their needs
The right amount of soil, water, sunlight, air and other minerals will help your seeds to sprout and grow. Never overdo them or else they will die. If you know your seeds well, you must know the amount of care they need to make them sturdy. In business, engage your customers and communicate with them. If you know exactly their needs and wants and deliver that kind of product or service to them, you will gain their trust and loyalty.
7.) Take out weeds and protect them from pests
To protect your plants against harmful factors, you have to weed out the grass, create boundaries against animals, and look out for pests and insects. As an entrepreneur, review your books regularly and avoid unnecessary spending. Hire and retain good employees, but don’t hesitate to let go of those that do not fit your standard and corporate culture.
Indulge yourself in this interesting hobby. It’s a good way to reflect and nurture your creativity where you get to spend some alone time with nature. You will find the activity not only relaxing but also insightful as you can pick lessons that you can bring to your entrepreneurial journey.