When worlds collide. Grow Hard Garden Centre in Bomaderry on the South Coast of New South Wales is placing an emphasis on combining the traditional business model of selling plants and garden related products with education, technology and…mmmm, beer.
Owner Johny Vynes had found himself at a cross road. On his way to inspect a pending property investment he came across a sign advertising a commercial plot of land for sale. Before he knew it, Johny had called the number and began enquiring about zoning and other regulations.
With what no doubt felt like a blink of an eye, the concept and vision of what would lead to Grow Hard Garden Centre became a reality.
In what has only been a few months since opening, Johny has created an innovative and exciting business that has combined his experience in horticulture with cutting edge technology and an awareness of the ongoing changes in customer demand. When I caught up with Johny at the Garden Centre, we spoke about his embrace of initiatives such as wifi/mobile irrigation, an upcoming mobile app for customers and a liquor lounge due to open in early 2018.
Long gone are the days of simply selling plants and Grow Hard Garden Centre is ensuring that customers get the ultimate bang-for-buck.
What did you get out of this episode? Here’s what I learnt;
1. Telling Your Story – A big focus was placed on creating the story and journey from the early inception of the business. By sharing the journey with the community they were able to build support but also gain valuable feedback along the way to ensure that they were creating a business that the local area was truly in need of.
2. Public Accountability – A great bonus of publicly sharing your journey is that it adds a sense of accountability to what you do. Johny felt the pressure (in a good way) from the local area which kept him on track and focused to reach his goals.
3. Educating Customers – Purchasing an item is only the beginning. Providing an avenue and resource to educate customers and the wider area adds a greater value to what you do. Johny ensures that his customers have access to as much information as possible when it comes to not only the basic art of growing plants, but eco-living and healthy well being. This approach is leading the business towards the launch of an app due out in 2018 which will no doubt add further value to his customers and ultimately the business.
4. Invest in Yourself – Johny made an effort of attending various business courses and boot camps to equip him with the skills he needed to build and launch his business. While it isn’t mandatory to get out there and attend business seminars or any form of training, it should be a critical consideration to always find the time to invest in yourself. This is includes any form of up-skill ranging from courses, training as well as inexpensive and often free online content.
Show notes
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Bomaderry – 3 Worthington Way, Bomaderry NSW 2541
