Farmers, Entrepreneurs and the Lessons of a Dad

I'm a southerner. I grew up in North Carolina. My family roots go back to the mid-1700's and I am quite familiar(I know how to use a hoe, a maul and how to grind sausage) with the agrarian ways of my ancestors. In fact, from my father all the way back to Dr. John Pritchett (Planter, Chemist, Patriot), we Pritchetts have toiled in the soil. Though, I do it today in my own suburban yard as a form of cathartic relief from my business life. It's a small way to keep the link to the earth that I feel in my bones. Don't get me wrong, I never wanted to be a farmer. I did the math at an early age and decided I was going to do something else for a living. However, I will say that some of the most important lessons in my early life came at the side of my father as we worked the land. Trust me, farmers know a level of work ethic that is virtually unmatched by any businesses I have ever seen. Farming, before government subsidies, was the essence of being an entrepreneur. Here is why.

Farmers have to get up early and take advantage of the daylight. As most farmers know, "burning daylight" is a sin. The same is true for entrepreneurs. A "first mover" position is critical to most successful business ventures.

Farmers have to adapt to the changing weather. No matter how much we might try (even with help from the Farmer's Almanac), we just can't predict the weather. The same is true for entrepreneurs. No matter how solid the business plan, market conditions change and businesses need to be nimble and adaptive.

Farmers treat their neighbors, suppliers and "hands" well. You never know when you might need to borrow a tractor, a ton of fertilizer or a bushel of beans. The same is true for entrepreneurs. Treating suppliers, community cohorts and employees well will build up a reservoir of good will that you may need to tap one day.

So, using a little "plain speaking" here, the message is simple. Get in early; Be prepared for anything; Treat people with respect. May your corn be sweet and your profits even sweeter!