How do I get the land to farm? Do I purchase or Lease? This is the next question that I need to answer. Do I want to farm fish? That is something that I need to research more. There is so much to do and decide on to make my business a success.
A Path for finding the right land
One of the questions that I wish people would ask me about my choices is Why?
What drives me to have such a strong desire to want, no “NEED” to farm? Have you felt that way? I feel so strongly about this quest, but I want to be sure that I plan the farm to not only be profitable, but also fun!! So How do I get away from all of the distractions and offers of help or training, to provide what I need to do to reach that goal?
I have had quite a few Gardens, and even picked fruit in the fields growing up in California as a young girl. So I have decided to Interview a few Women that have already started their farms, and are successfully creating an income that sustains them full time, but also allows them time off.
The first thing that every farmer told me about is the relationship that they have with their customers. Something I already know about and believe in.
Customer loyalty can be developed because of three basic areas:
1. Customer Service – This is about how well you deliver the product or service that you sell.
2. Confidence – This comes from the customer knowing what to expect – and getting it. The experience becomes predictable.
3. The product or service works – No matter how nice you are (customer service) if the product doesn’t do what it is supposed to do, you will probably lose the customer.
A recent study conducted by Marco Costa, of the University of Bologna, as reported in the Harvard Business Review (September 2011) sparked an idea that could improve the customer experience, which would further move the customer toward loyalty. Costa’s study indicated that 66% of students observed in lecture halls over a six week period chose the same seat, or an adjacent one, every time. The study, titled “Territorial Behavior in Public Settings,” suggests that restaurants and hotels could boost satisfaction by giving repeat customers the same table or room on each visit. From an internal customer service perspective, the study suggests that companies could reduce worker anxiety by holding recurring meetings in the same conference room.
The idea falls in the area of predictability. More than creating a predictable customer experience through service, which is typically delivered by people, look for ways to repeat a tangible or physical part of the experience. This appeals to the customer’s senses. A repeat of the physical layout, putting the customer at the table they are familiar with, a memorable smell, a familiar type of music in the background; all of these are tangible and add a big layer of consistency.
We work very hard to create a great customer experience. Customers like consistency. They like what they are used to. They like what they have positively experienced in the past, and tend to want a repeat experience. So, what can you consistently do, over and over, that will build a positive and predictable tangible experience for your customers?
This told me that I need to be consistent with the vegetables and fruit that I produce. Tomorrow I will tell you about how I am choosing what I am going to grow.
This all falls into the area of Customer service as well as what do I do for land?
The land has to be affordable, then I need to start building my plans on what the soil is like, as well as what products sell to the customers I serve.
Looking forward to sharing what I find in my property search after this coming weekend! I found a Realtor to help us find what we need. May Barter for Fresh, Organic Food!
Turning Your Dreams into the Life of Your Dreams
Founder hisfarm.org and Ambassador of Natural News and Sustainable Living on How to Live on Purpose.com
