REJECTION is a Part of Business & How We GROW From It
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- čas přidán 11. 07. 2024
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One local farm advertised "Make your own bouquet" event for 3-4 hours in afternoon; they provide a flower vase, generic vase from Dollar Store and cutters, pouch of the bouquet powder; and visitors can go to the flower beds and cut as many as it fits in the vase. They had several zinnias and ornamental sunflowers, and, I think, it was 35 for a vase. And they had pretty good amount of the guests, and they had a stand with their goods, jams, jellies, veggies. We got that bouquet as a "get well soon" gift, it was enjoyable.
Miss your videos, keep working on your farm. God Bless
You go girl! I love your spirit of prevail anyways! Best of luck❤
I appreciate the realness of this video!!
I always want to be real!
Thanks 🙏
Hope all is well with you and the family . miss your videos
You’re awesome, and doing awesome things. Y’all will get there with time.
Best vlog ever... Thank you
I’m glad it was helpful!
Ditto, I feel the same way about composting. Thanks for the shout out.
We love everything we’ve gotten from y’all!
Keep growing ❤
Love your flower garden! It's nicely laid out and shows your dedication to gardening. Just an FYI, that beetle looks like it may be a striped cucumber beetle, as the flea beetle is no bigger than about 1/32-1/16th of an inch and only leaves pinholes on the plant leaves. I've learned the hard way that by the time you notice the damage it's almost too late to recover from it. So now I religiously use yellow and blue sticky traps to alarm me of any nasty's entering the garden. Cheers!
Don’t beat yourself up too much. I honestly think it’s the economy and not you! Some people are having to pick and choose where to spend extra money. My family decided not to do certain things this summer to save and buy extra food because the prices (for everything) keep increasing with no end in sight. Praying you are able to sell your flowers 💚🌱 Thanks for sharing!
I think you’re probably right!
Good luck on your new adventure. I hope you do great..
Thank you!
Thank you for the common sense advice! 🌸
Where did you buy the metal garden hoops for your flower beds?
Suggestion(s):
- Survey the florists, stores for what they are in need of or want or usually have a hard time finding that you can grow in your area.
- check withe event centers in your area who may need flower arrangements
- some small businesses/restaurants in your area may like to have fresh flowers
Also keep a binder of floral arrangements you have made present/past to show when going to the florists/stores. It is nothing against you with the rejection. Ask them why (general feedback). Network with other in your community (like you are) also do other research on growers in other areas outside your immediate community. Find out what your strengths, weakness, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) are and grow from them. If you have a website, you may also ask for customers for reviews that can be posted and tell other who you are and what your farm is all about. Think about diversifying into more than flowers (especially if you go to farmers markets). These are suggestions, because I am a small business and can fully understand where you are coming from. Resections and back reviews do hit hard but do not take them too personally. You can grow from this in a positive way. You can rock this out and come out ahead and maybe in a different way than what you thought.
Yes, these are all very good recommendations and I would add to learn to make decorations for weddings and parties that way you could sell many flowers+vases at a time.
Thank you for taking the time to offer so many valuable suggestions! I will say that, after posting this video, one of the florists I reached out to did end up contacting me back and they are interested in buying my flowers!
@@BerkeleyFarms That is great news! I know as a small business owner myself it is hard to get started and make the connections.
Thank you so much for making this video
Thank you for watching!
PS… Just subscribe to all your videos thanks for wonderful Contant oh, and I shared your video with the nonprofit founder with whom I am doing the fundraising with!
I saw this the other day but thought I'd pop back by to say that after a conversation we had in our house, I'm just about positive it's the economy. Gas is high and groceries are high, so discretionary money just isn't being spent. We live in a tourism area, and my fellas are in the pizza business. They're experiencing a 27% decrease in customers, and the occupancy rate of the condos is at 80%, when it was 100% this time last year. You're good at pivoting, and there are plenty of edible/consumables people need, so I'm sure you'll do well through it!
I just love your sun hat 👒 😍
Thank you!
It’s just the economy. So much more money is needed to fill the gas tank now than last year. Wish I were in Arkansas and could buy a bunch of your flowers. They’re beautiful!
We need you to come visit
This has been a tough couple of weeks for me too and the heat makes everything seem worse. Thank you for your willingness to be vulnerable and truthful. That dose of truth will help many people. God bless.
I’m sorry it’s been rough for you, too!
My parents had a presents store with artificial flowers for years. As a teenager working at the store and later as sales rep I can tell you that most people and retail stores like to buy the standard classic flowers like roses, daises, geraniums, tulips, tiny white bridal to mix in bouquets, and less than 5,% would buy exotic single artificial flowers like bird of paradise or country side mixed up wild flowers. I live in Brazil and this business lasted almost 5 years but financial+family issues get it dissolved.
The additional thing that kept it going was decorations for restaurants, offices, and some weddings. Therefore research beyond the flowers and maybe expanding into decorating can help out.
Very good advice. Thank you for taking the time to comment!
Thank you for being real. You did a great job of sharing the negative without dwelling on the negative 👏 Great job!
Thank you for watching!
I sold flowers the past two years at my farmers market. Two years ago they sold very well. Last year it was very hit or miss. Sometimes I would sell out, and sometimes I would bring almost all of them home or just give them to other vendor. I got really frustrated and started just making small little bouquets for say a powder room, or a kitchen table or an end table and putting them into small jars or even Vegetable cans. I would sell them for six bucks and they would fly off the shelf. Something about the $10-$15 mark really bothered my customers with just a few exceptions. I think with everything becoming so expensive people were putting flowers on the back burner, but they were willing to pop that five or six bucks just to keep themselves happy and brighten your kitchen for a week. It really took the stress off me and I will still be selling some flower bunches and a few regular size bouquets, but I have pretty much resigned myself to the little table top bouquets because I also sell vegetables, Herb, Jan, and freeze dried candy. The flowers will become a no sweat thing for me this year, but I’m hoping they will still bring the pollinators and at least pay for their real estate while they are here. I have built a number of new raised beds in my flower area and will be planting tons of greens there. I like your stick with it attitude! Keep it that way and you will be successful. I am 66 years old, so not really depending on this, but I love my garden and I love being outside and I love the market. So this is just fine for me.
We are all struggling for sure. Keep going! Maybe give some small bouquets to older folks in your community. Two or 3 fresh flowers always brought a smile to my mom. Her nursing center bought table size bouquets for everyday use and especially on holidays. Give Knox a big Hello for me!
Love that idea!
I will tell Knox you said “hello”!
Someone kept ripping my plant sale flyers off the boards and putting their own because I was cheaper than them.😂
I just want to say thank you so much for posting this. This was such a wealth of information, it inspired me and gave me so many ideas, totally rekindled my spirit. It's so odd I had no idea what I was expecting when I clicked on your video and I was so pleasantly surprised. I had to pull out a notepad it was so good. I've always believed everything happens for a reason so I have faith there are great things ahead for y'all especially with that spirit of determination.
I’m so glad it was helpful to you!
This was a good video. It echoed things I learned in my Vet to CEO course. The pushing forward and "don't let the no's stop you from trying to find a yes". As an Army veteran failure is not something we take lightly, but getting back up is trained to be part of our strength. You echoed some of that in your video and I think it was really good to put out there for people, to help them know to keep pushing towards their goals if it is what they really want to accomplish. The flowers look amazing! I finalized my house up in the foothills of NC yesterday and I can't wait to get back out there. In the field out my front door there are baby cows and some horses and mules. I'm stoked to get out there and start seeing that every morning instead of buildings and city streets. Hamptonville, North Carolina here I come! Keep cool and keep going strong; thanks for the video! 💯♥️🇺🇸
Absolutely! Gotta keep pushing past those “no’s”
Go for your goals! I am surprised with what you grow, can be sold? I grow that much just randomly in my beds, green stalk and other places. I never thought of selling them, I just enjoy them and sharing with my family. I figured a flower farm being an acre of just flowers! :)
You don’t need much space to grow just about anything!
Thanks for keeping it real🥰
Always!
Thank you for a great video! Maybe check out Flower Hill Farm, might be some ideas there! Hang in there!
Will do! Thank you
Your videos seem to be coming at the right time! I am going to 2 restaurants today to see if they want to partner with us for lettuce varieties and also am meeting with a lady at a local farmer's market for a spot to sell our produce! It seems we have many similar points on our gardening endeavors - starting seeds with soil blocks, starting a garden business from the ground up, having a baby (ours came in May) and now facing all the NOs just to get to a YES! Action replaces fear! And we're pivoting and taking action today with the good Lord on our side! He's with you too! God speed!
I’m so glad it was encouraging to you!
God blessings to your family. Everyone eats lettuce and you will find buyers. Maybe approaching large restaurants can also help diversifying.
Thank you! We will have to try the bigger restaurants!
Thanks Lauren. I'm embarking on a new project and this was a good reminder of how I can set myself back if I've been disappointed about an outcome. I'm keeping this video on file as a tutorial on resetting myself and following those little ideas that you mentioned. Glad your on your way again.
I’m so glad it was helpful!
Thank you for being so vulnerable! I am sure there are a lot of people who needed to hear this. I sent you an email- hope you get a chance to see it! Great ideas for moving out some of those flowers. Good luck on your venture :)
Thank you for taking the time to email me:)
I, for one, am thankful that you went ahead and made this video. This year has been a huge struggle for us. We are not at the point where we are trying to turn a profit; we are shooting for food sustainability and preparedness more than anything right now. Luckily my husband and I both have very good jobs so money has not been an issue but we’ve had more pest problems this year than any other year that I can remember. Im honestly just glad that we’re not in the boat alone because it has been feeling like that. I am truly sorry that the flowers aren’t as profitable as you need, or want, then to be but, as a hobby farmer, I’m kinda glad to know that folks like you don’t have it all together. I love your channel! Keep being real with us, please and thank you 😊
I’m sorry it has been a struggle but I’m glad the video was an encouragement to you!
We all broke right now.
So true 💸💸💸
Id imagine with inflation, recession n depression upon us, that flowers not being a essential need for most, will be taking a backseat for a while.
Definitely something to consider!
I've been self-employed for almost 20 years. I've seen the ups and downs and we're heading into one of the largest downturns since the 1980s. It's not you it's the economy. The FED continues to tighten and small business and the self-employed are going to bear most of the brunt of those effects for the next 24 months or so. You have to love what you do and you're going to have to be creative and endure the hardships to make it. This community loves you guys. 💯 If you can't sell what you're growing, grow something else and might I suggest looking into aeroponics, hydroponics in a controlled environment such as a pole barn or other similar structure for year-round tomato production, possibly leafy greens and microgreens for restaurants as well. Let me know if you ever need any insight or advice I would be happy to help. 👍 Best of luck to you and your family and stay strong 💪(Founder: LeiLaRay Consulting and Gold Label Growers)
Thank you for the insight. I’ve not ever considered those growing methods mainly bc I don’t know anything about them. I know people have really good success with them though!
@@BerkeleyFarms My family farmed in Iowa since the 1800s and if I don't know the answer I can get someone who does. Let me know if you have any questions. I have a few very useful extensive agricultural playlists on my CZcams profile you can save/bookmark. I would be more than happy to help you or anyone anytime. 👍 Just let me know. My Social Media profile links are on my channel also. You'll be alright. Don't be afraid to ask and be vulnerable. Remember for every 20 No's you get you'll receive a meaningful Yes 💯 Hang in there 👍
@@BerkeleyFarms 🤔 Also, a few great books that I would recommend. DIY Hydroponics System Builders Guide by John P Hennessy, Mini Farming by Brent L Markham, The Market Gardener by John Martin Fortier, the Urban Farmer by Curtis Stone, The Easy Guide to Aeroponics Hydroponics and Aquaponics by Bob long. That should get you started 👍 I have more but those are a great place to start and will be useful references.
To me it seems like with this whole economy thing the more money is availble the more some try to get from the economy making supplies and living cost more and then small businesses have to charge more for their products. Like a feedback loop, and no matter how much we issue to the economy there will be more of the feedback loop happening when someone sees that there is more money to take and starts up the process of increased prices. Some things I see are harder to make now with everything going on, but some things I've read about like labor are given increase simply because of the demand. I read an article in the New York Times about teenagers charging extream amounts for summer jobs knowing that there is a labor shortage. At 37 years old I have a lot more experience, but I make way less. Not only are prices of imported supplies raising and families have less avaible to spend, but the demand for workers is increasing the price of getting anything done. It seems like a little snow ball effect going on and I say one of the most "profitable" things right now would be farming to stay on top of basic essentials for the future in case the things keep building up. For me I think learning how to use a sowing machine to make functional yet stylish enough clothes for my self or the kids isn't a bad idea, just incase, as a back up plan. I have a couple sowing machines I got randomly a few years back. During the depression a person that could stitch together clothes from pieces at least had wearable clothing I reckon. I hope the economy picks up though, I'm a jack of many trades, and an expert of none. I was in medical science for the military, but no civilian license. Other than manual labor I really rely on the treasury, local economies, and luxury jobs such as food delivery service to feel comfortable with my financial situation.
Sorry to see your are encountering headwinds with your flower marketing. Unfortunately with $5/gallon gas (and getting higher by the day) , 8.5% general inflation, and disastrous policies of all kinds coming out of Washington DC,I think many people are really tightening their belts and hunkering down.
It’s definitely tough times right now.
I think people are more concerned about having enough food. I grew more food than flowers this year and I miss the pretty flowers.
You’re probably right!
It is kinda hard to explain huh I've told people I like giving away what I produce but i go to a farmers market and think wow idk if I would do it for that price. When u monetize stuff it's an entirely different animal
Absolutely
I've joked that all the people who hopped onto the "photographer" bandwagon back in 2010 because they got a decent digital camera have switched to the flower farmer bandwagon. We had MAYBE one cut flower vendor locally for years and now they are everywhere, markets, hardware stores, coffee shops. As a consumer, I can only purchase so many bouquets.
There are definitely a lot more growers right now.
I live in Brazil and the natural flower shops continue to be rare. I am curious to know in what city is that happening?
@@noticiaouprofecia659 I live in Arkansas. But, I would agree with Jennifer that it seems cut flowers are sort of a “trendy” thing right now in much of the US.