There’s a curious similarity between client acquisition and growing vegetables. Like planting sprouts and seeds in hopes to take part in the full bounty of vegetables, entrepreneurs perform a very similar action when acquiring new clients. And, like gardening, our efforts often produce unexpected surprise.
Farming in the Dell
Having grown up in farming country, I had a front row seat to the complexities of planting and harvesting. My grandmother’s farm, famously known as the IDeal Farm, was the epicenter of a variety of farming activities.
From furrowing, planting, fertilizing, and growing a variety of grains, the hands of every available grandson and granddaughter was needed. And, when it came to time to harvest, a “thrashing crew” appeared to assist.
With the large number of “hired hands” to feed, the farm was the “ideal” place to produce a bountiful vegetable garden to feed everyone. As an urban farmer, I continue to employ my gardening prowess.
What recently happened amazed me!
Late Bloomers
I planted a variety of vegetables last summer. Even though I had missed the ideal window for planting, I enjoyed a nice harvest of several vegetables including green beans, cucumbers, peas, swiss chard, and bok choy. It was fabulous!
After several weeks, the growing season ended. Then, this happened…
Following a well needed, albeit small amount of rain in southern California, seeds germinated from the earlier planting season. Carrots, bok choy, peas, and swiss chard seeds, planted 5 months earlier, began producing. Shocker!
Be Patient With Client Acquisition Seeds
My “late blooming” veggies were a good reminder of our lead generation and client acquisition efforts as entrepreneurs – and how they produce.
We plant, and nurture our marketing seeds. After a short time, we harvest the bounty of our efforts. When the immediate yield is less than expected – or anticipated – it can be discouraging. As evidenced by many a vegetable garden, it doesn’t mean that lead generation efforts weren’t productive.
Seeds planted – on a farm, in a garden, and in business – continue to incubate. Take time. Be patient. And, allow your efforts to yield results.
Small business networking, whether conducted online or offline, is the lifeline for new business during the 
When it comes to gaining clients for your small enterprise, there are two approaches from which to choose. You can “push” your message at your potential buyer with traditional marketing methods, or provide helpful information to assist with their buying decisions and “pull” them your way. Which approach is best for you? Well, that depends…
My Dad became an entrepreneur late in his life. I spent my childhood surrounded by farmers, not commonly referred to as entrepreneurs, but as hard-working and risk-oriented as any entrepreneur I’ve ever known. My drive for freedom and flexibility germinated my path to entrepreneurship.
