3 Keys to Starting A Successful Permaculture Based Business

February 9, 2015

NOTE: Images in this archived article have been removed.

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Key Takeaways:

  • Instead of looking at business as the enemy, look at green business. Use business to support yourself, fix the planet and create community.
  • There is so much opportunity out there – “Find the intersection between your passions and your strengths and problems that need solving.”
  • Permaculture is unique. It gives you a way to stand alone amongst peers.
  • When marketing clarify your communication. ‘A confused mind says no.’
  • Selling shouldn’t be hard. You aren’t pitching or hard selling. Is what I have to offer a fit? If it is them people will buy it.
  • The value of mentors and coaches in huge. They can open your eyes to things that aren’t even on your radar, saving you time and money down the road.
  • Conferences are an amazing place to gather intelligence. Use those opportunities to gather business models and share ideas. Think – What is being done outside your region that you could do?

 

3 Keys to Starting A Successful Permaculture Based Business:

  1. Gathering Intelligence. What’s the right business – are you solving a problem?
  2. Designing your business. Setting the business up in a way to increase the odds of success.
  3. Communicating it. Marketing. Are you clearly communicating what you do?

 

7 Things to Pay Attention to When Starting a Permaculture Business:

  1. Find a business with a low capital cost start-up.
  2. Is the business scalable?
  3. Is the risk of that business asymmetrical? The upfront risk is low, but the downside opportunity is high.
  4. Is your business anti-fragile? Does it do well in good times and bad?
  5. Can you stack in other businesses or services onto the central business down the road?
  6. Can your market afford you, your product and your services?
  7. Manage your risks. Do you have enough money set aside so you can get through the start-up stages?

 

Verge Permaculture’s Growing Good Business Series – Part 1: Success

 Verge Permaculture’s Growing Good Business Series – Part 2: Mistakes & Barriers

Verge Permaculture’s Growing Good Business Series – Part 3: Opportunities

Rob Avis

Rob Avis is a petroleum engineer turned permaculture teacher, designer and public speaker. He graduated from the University of Alberta and also have international training and certifications in renewable energy and regenerative design. He and his wife Michelle have been running Verge Permaculture in Calgary for the past 5 years.

Tags: new economy, permaculture, permaculture businesses, sustainable business