In the last lesson we discussed accounting and why there is a benefit to not only keeping accurate records but how it can also drive your business forward. It doesn't mean you have to be a trained financial accountant, but knowing where your money is going and how you are getting it in is a big step to realising the potential your business … [Read more...] about Lesson 14: Single or Double Entry Accounting
Permaculture: the Future Local Farmer
The phone rings and as we pick up the receiver we hear: "Earth Calling..." "Planet Earth Calling..." It's taken a little while for us to realise but the earth, and I am talking as if it is a thinking organism, knew all along how to best grow our food and water the lands. How strange it is now that we are talking about the process that … [Read more...] about Permaculture: the Future Local Farmer
TMNSP 006 – Permaculture in Johannesburg
I had the pleasure of meeting Ash Lurie and his mom Adi at their home where Ash has been turning the once barren front garden into a luscious green microcosm of a Food Forest. The area, now landscaped to retain water is allowing plants and trees to thrive in a climate that is dry and harsh. The garden supports up to six people with surplus food … [Read more...] about TMNSP 006 – Permaculture in Johannesburg
Lesson 13: Talking Accounts
If you know your 1+1 then you are sorted for your book keeping. More importantly though is the reason and necessity for keeping records. In Module 4 we will be looking at our Finances, why it matters, how to do it and examples and downloads for you to use. If you have missed any of the other parts of the course, have a look at How to Start a … [Read more...] about Lesson 13: Talking Accounts
Marketplace Stigma
What is it about the Marketplace? When you talk to some people, the marketplace will have the stigma that it is a place for the lower "classes" to mix. Others will say that there is only cheap junk! Why does something so special have such a poor image? Marketplaces have been around since we worked out how to gather one product and sell it … [Read more...] about Marketplace Stigma
TMNSP 005 – Diversity
On a chance drive on Saturday I noticed a sign pointing me to the Walkerville Farmer's Market, in South Africa and pulled in to see what was going on. I met owner and trader Gary Tuchmann and we chatted about running a market and what a new trader needs to get started. I also spoke to Karen Gibbs from the Karen Gibbs Crafts Stall and learned how … [Read more...] about TMNSP 005 – Diversity
Lesson 12: Devil in the Details
The one thing that trips everyone up is the paperwork and the small admin jobs that are required for every business. Whether you are a small producer or a large conglomerate, there is always admin. Now the easiest advice I can give is, hire someone else to do it for you, but that will prevent you from learning some very important business … [Read more...] about Lesson 12: Devil in the Details
Guest Post: Farsley Farmers Market (UK)
This week I have a guest post from Farsley Farmers Market, in Farsley Village in the Yorkshire Dales of England, UK. I was chatting to Jo Reilly about the Farsley Farmers Market and thought it would be great to learn a little about this local Farmers market that promotes homemade products to the local surrounding area. Meeting on the 4th … [Read more...] about Guest Post: Farsley Farmers Market (UK)