I just got back from a mini 4-day vacation. I went camping. I know what some of you are thinking…
Camping isn’t a vacation!
For some of us, we actually enjoy the connection with nature, the slower pace of life, sitting around a campfire and yes, even giving up your creature comforts for a while.
While I was camping, I tried my best to check-out from the real world and from thinking about geographic farming, but a few things popped in my head while I was away. What I realized while I was driving home from my trip is that camping is a lot like farming.
How the heck is it like farming you might ask?! I realized they both have the “4 P’s” in common. Allow me to explain.
Plan
If you’ve ever gone camping before you know how important it is to plan out your trip. To get the best experience you want to plan out where you are going, what you are going to do and what you need to bring.
When it comes to farming, planning is critical to your success. One of the biggest reasons agents fail in their farm is they fail to plan. The right plan properly executed can massively increase your chances of success, just like when you go camping.
Prepare
Like planning, its important to think ahead. You need to prepare for the “What if’s”. When I was camping, we forgot the fly for the top of the tent. (Don’t ask…)
Luckily, we were prepared with extra tarps and rope. It poured rain but we were protected.
When it comes to your farm, you need to be prepared as well. Technology evolves, rules change, competition increases, markets shift, strategies become less effective etc., so you need to be prepared for these changes as best you can.
If you aren’t prepared for these changes then you could have your entire farm ripped out from under you.
There is good news and bad news.
The bad news is that many times its unexpected.
The good news is that most other agents aren’t expecting it either!
If you prepare, you can eliminate a lot of the issues that can arise that take you off guard. Just being prepared can be the difference between success and failure. Or at least save you a lot of stress along the way.
(In case you were wondering, here is a picture of my MacGyver skills making sure our tent stayed dry!)
Partner
When you go camping, if you go alone, you are responsible for everything. If you camp with a group, you can spread things out between everyone. Some people are more skilled at certain things you may not be, others may have resources you may not plus sharing the workload can make it a lot easier and more enjoyable.
(Ever try setting up a tent on your own? It’s a lot easier with two or more people!)
Like farming, working with the right people can make it so much easier and more efficient. Sharing resources and splitting the workload can dramatically increase your chances of succeeding and decrease your chances of failing!
When you find the right balance of support to partner with, it can make your farming experience so much more enjoyable and profitable. So be sure to work with the right preferred vendors and partnerships if you want to grow your farm to next levels!
Party
What would camping be without some fun. Unless you are camping just to survive, it’s important to take time to enjoy your experience camping. Some of you may not see the fun in camping, and that’s ok, but for those of us who do, it’s a great way to connect with family and friends and nature AND have some fun while doing it.
Like farming, if you don’t take time to enjoy the fruits of your labor, it may weigh down on you and add a lot of stress. Farming should be fun and not just be focused on the transaction. You must take time to enjoy your accomplishments and reflect on the good you are doing for the community.
When you learn to enjoy what you are doing in your farm you are able to achieve more and stick with it when things get tough.
Conclusion
If you have ever camped before, you might get what I mean, if you haven’t, make sure you take some time to connect with nature. Or at least connect with your farm!
What ever it is you do to relax and unwind, be sure you plan, prepare, partner and party when you are out and about in your farm to increase your chances of succeeding!
Happy Farming!
Ryan Smith – Founder/Creator
Launch Your Farm
Be sure to check back on our blog and show to get awesome information about geographic farming!
Blog – http://www.LaunchYourFarm.com/Blog
Show – http://launchyourfarm.com/category/interviews
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