Predict the future

The marketplace can be hectic! I remember selling my first batch of strawberries in a Colombian market called a "Portillo." It was cold and noisy, and sales were high. It seemed everybody wanted strawberries

I will try to keep this post super short! I really love to write, but there is SO much to talk about! Below is a quick spiel about choosing a market.

As I began, I would harvest about 10 crates of berries that weighed 20 kilos each (pictured above). Believe me, I sold out quickly. Luckily for me, I so happened to choose the correct agricultural product - strawberries. Furthermore, Colombia is a tropical country creating a pristine climate to harvest strawberries year-round. However, The hardship that came in successfully harvesting strawberries was difficult and saddening, due to greed. Often, not all the time will there be someone who will try to take the "market" for themselves.

When choosing what you want in the market place it is important to understand sales and greed. By greed, I mean taking profits. Higher sales = higher profits = more greed. According to Merriam-Webster, greed is defined as "a selfish & excessive desire for more of something (such as money) than is needed. Depending on your idea of "excessive" we can discuss if too much is too much - but would you drink water in excess all at once? Probably not as this has dire consequences...

Too much at once of anything for anyone is bad. This idea can be applied to any situation. Nevertheless, we as humans often forget where we once were in the past. This was due to no sales. Let's face it, no sales means 0 dollars and no business can thrive on this model.

What is a market?

• A market is a place where buyers and sellers meet to facilitate the exchange/transaction of goods and services.

• Markets can be physical or online

• Markets establish the prices of goods and services

• Market determined by supply and demand.

How can I find a better market?

1. Research customer base - who is already here/who is not

2. Assess competition - is the competitor big? or small? - Amazon? or a corner store?

3. Analyze your product/service - which unique features set you apart/ what is missing

4. Choose specific demographics to target - millenials who love gaming

5. Location - is my business taking advantage of free publicity? ie foot traffic.

6. Evaluate your decision - remember that there are many options with the same benefits

7. Additional resources - research is key, even if it means talking to the local community

Now if you run an online business as I do, then the above still apply. However, an online business provides a huge benefit in that it does not require a physical location. All you need is a computer!