Simple Pleasures

Previously, I mentioned investigating what others are doing and saying outside your industry in order to get ideas for enhancing your current offerings and be inspired.

Organisers of a conference in Massachusetts, USA, believe many people want to learn about community sustainability – energy, water, materials management, land use, food and transportation.  Attending conferences and workshops, expos and displays, helps people to develop ideas and inspiration to do more in their own homes, businesses and communities.

                        Sustainability Street, Queensland Garden Expo 2011
I recently attended the QLD GARDEN EXPO in Nambour, on the Sunshine Coast. It was inspiring! So many local businesses offering a vast array of products and services from solar cooking to magnificent plants; spas, solar panels, small farm equipment, bee keeping, chicken coops and growing your own vegies. Attendees of all ages were engaged and children were especially fascinated.

           Small chicken coops - Young guests could collect and paint them at Easter time.


I overheard several people say - "I would love to have a go at this but I'm not sure if it would be possible at home".

This got me thinking - farmstays are specialist who are doing a fantastic job of providing a more in-depth rural experience. But what about coastal and city businesses.

If the target market is families for instance, could providing them with an opportunity to participate in simple pleasures such as interacting with a few chickens, hand picking some produce, learning about native bees or frogs, influence the decision of where to take a short break/holiday?

You do not necessarily have to be a rurally located business to participate. Check the local laws on keeping chickens but I found it is possible to keep them in many areas.  

                                   Growing produce does not need a lot of space

The saying goes - when the student is ready, the teacher will appear. Be a teacher. Tell guests what you are doing in your business to be more sustainable. Show them what you are doing so they may get some ideas for their homes and businesses. Start small, have fun and see where it takes you.

Look around at what is happening in your neighbourhood. Are there events and activities that you could attend? Could events like these be included on your social media sites as activities your guests may like to attend during their stay? 

There are expos covering all manner of topics for developing your business. Check your local guides for more information.

The key is to look outside your own industry to get ideas; modify, adapt and develop these ideas and then, implement them.