Who are you
Who are you is a question I ask at many farmers markets. I find their are two types of farmers market vendors. 1. The vendor who has decided that the farmers market is an easy way to make quick money. This vendor add new items all the time. Sometimes there is no rhyme or reason for their product mix. Theses vendors come and go because they soon learn the farmers market is a lot of work. The other type of vendor is the serious vendor that has established a business and is trying top grow their business. in this group their are also those who try to sell anything they think customers will buy and sometimes this groups sticks it out and finds their way but they often also fade away. Finally my people the ones that have a business are focused on growing their business and withstand the ups and downs of the market redefining who they are and focusing in on their brand.
If you desire to be the later you will need to put in the work. You cannot market your business successfully if you don’t know who you are. As a market vendor you need what your business is, who you are and everything you choose to do within that business must tie back to that or you will be scattered chasing after things that don’t belong in your business.
I think who you are as a business can be crazy and out there but it must ultimately make sense in some way. I have a flower farm that also grows herbs and tomatoes and I throw in culinary knowledge. In some ways a interesting combination but I am a fifth generation farmer with over twenty five years of culinary experience. When I started my farm I wanted to keep true to me culinary background. It works for me and my customers.
Another important part of me business I selling only what I produce. A caveat here, I do share me booth several months of the year with a farmer friend. I have been approached to sell many items from individuals but decline not because the locally produced item is not good but because it is out of line with what I say my farm is. At the same time when I cam looking to do something new on my farm or at the farmers market I ask myself and my family if it ties into what I say me farm is. For my farm everything I sell must be from my farm or made by me. I want to provide the best quality product. I want to stay focused. If I decide to add to my farm it must add value to my brand overall. Until next time, start small, think big and bring your best to the booth.