What you can learn from a strawberry farmer

It's strawberry picking time here in east Tennessee and I love it. I eat strawberries throughout the year, but there is nothing better than fresh picked balls of goodness that melt in your mouth. The best part is supporting local farmers- the backbone of our society.

One of the area's largest farms is Scott's Strawberry and Tomato Farm in Unicoi County, Tennessee. This is a family farm known for their sweet strawberries, but they also grow tomatoes, green beans, corn and squash.

So, what marketing lesson can you learn from a farm in small, rural town Tennessee? If your customers can't make it to you, then you must go to them.

I was in west Knoxville yesterday and past by West Town Mall. In front of the main mall entrance, at one on of the busiest intersections in all of Knox County, was a Scott's Farm stand with a big sign that read, "fresh strawberries." Wouldn't you know, there was a line of folks waiting to spend money for fresh produce.

If your ideal clients can't find you or can't come to you, then you have to get out of your office (aka your comfort zone) and go after them.

Knowing where your clients are means you have to by crystal clear on WHO your clients are. Think outside the box and away from typical networking events. What do your current clients have in common? Ask them what meetings they attend and what organizations they belong to. Ask them what websites they visit and which magazines they read. Find the common thread in your current ideal clients and then reach new clients through those avenues.

Don't be afraid to meet your clients where they are. Most people are fishing in an empty pond with a crowd of fisherman. Why not find your own pond to fish in.