[happygolucky]

But we all need help with ideas sometimes

[doganjo]

I have lost count of the number of businesses I have tried to help over the years that were founded on what seemed to be 'oideas'  The best idea is the one you know about - or learn a lot about before launching time and money into a project.  Sorry if I seem too practical - I am!

List your hobbies and see if they could be attractive to prospective purchasers (either a service you can provide or goods you can make)

List your strengths and weaknesses so you can see in advance where you could improve.

There is no way for instance that I could run a B & B as I like being free to come and go from my home as I please, and I HATE housework!

I am good at accounts because I enjoy numbers and love playing with spreadsheets.  I made a good auditor as I am naturally suspicious and can spot outliers.

Can you see what I mean?   HesterF has the right idea.

[claire123]

Thank you for all your comments  youve all given me a lot to think about xx

[MelRice]

A lot also depends on where your plot is....If its at the end of a long dusty farm track then direct sales is not as easy as a plot with in walking distance of parking and people.
Near me a café would be great (but I cant be bothered with the hassle)

[happygolucky]

Good point that just came to me is research...know what would fit in and what suits that location..how you would market the business and the produce etc......... I love hearing others ideas as they inspire me......, not sure quinoa ( or something ) ?would grow on the 4 acres but that's a crop that's hit the high selling stakes, a new super food....Ideas and inspiration from other people are what help make life more exciting


Just checked, it is quinola.     

[plumseverywhere]

Personally I think it helps to hear others ideas, just for inspiration if nothing else.
For me, it was a case of what we had here in abundance and finding an outlet to make use of it - plum wine and soap it was then 
It does need to be something you enjoy doing, something you can feel passionate about and something that there is a gap in the market for though or it could just become an expensive hobby.

[the great composto]

you still didnt answer how money much you need to make from your land - there is a big difference between trying to cover the land cost and making a decent living.

if you were to set aside a small area (one quarter of an acre) for soft fruit and tree fruit(plum / apricots etc) - you could make speciality products - I find that strawberrry and rhubarb jam is popular and also there is quite a demand for Gooseberry jam too. 
This isnt the total solution but its an easy one!      Should contribute about a 1000 to your income ( should cover the land costs at least).

A small plant nursery might provide part of your income too.

[deepinthewoods]

nowadays, most small buisness models that prove succesful all seem to be based around finding a niche market for a high value product. i agree with what doganjo says, find something you love first, then see if you can turn it into a product or service that adds value to be profitable, ideally, if you are responsible for the supply of your own raw materials, you can cut out any reliance on other people.

[the great composto]

I have always been taught NOT to have a business using something you are passionate about because your passion gets in the way of the business decisions that are required.   
A mechanic who loves repairing cars is not the best person to run a garage.

The business should fund the passion!

[deepinthewoods]

well, it definitely works for me!!

[plumseverywhere]

Me too.  Running an ethical business based on what I believe to be right seems to be working and I do believe that you do a better job if you enjoy your work.

[happygolucky]

For some people the challenge of doing something new is enjoyable, however , we are all different.

[the great composto]

for me its the difference between a hobby business and a serious attempt at making money - you are absolutely right at the hobby end of the scale

[plumseverywhere]

And you know that how exactly?

[deepinthewoods]

eh?

my hobby keeps me fully employed on a fair tradesmans rate, and two other tradesmen. just got a new van, keeps a workshop running full time, business due to turn 150k this financial yr.