Lesson 1: Introduction


ASSESSING A MARKET

Major concerns when starting any new business:

  • Is there a demand for this product in my area?
  • Who do I sell to?
  • How do I go about finding customers?
  • How stiff is my competition?  
  • Is there any competition?
  • Are there enough customers near me to make this venture viable?
  • A big portion of answering the above question gets back to Diego's segment on assessing your current and future financial needs.


Understanding the existing market already near your farm:

  • The first thing to do is to follow the existing trails of sales streams blazed by similar businesses in your “area”.
  • Understand that if there is any local food scene happening in your area, you simply need to 'hack' the work of those who have gone before you.
  • Begin by researching the competitors in your area.
  • Your “area” is defined as a 1.5-2 hour radius around any areas (urban or rural) you intend to market into.
  • Typically you'll need to focus on urban areas only.
  • This is NOT a 1.5-2 hour radius around your farm.


Complete and Continue