Having grown up on an Iowa farm and now owning my own business, it has occurred to me how much of an influence one had on the other. Following is my top 10 list of “What I learned on an Iowa farm that helps in business.” Consider how these lessons may impact your business.

1. You can see farther from the top of the apple tree.

   Sometimes, the best place to try and solve a problem was the top of an old apple tree. Everything looked different, it was quiet, and I could think.

   If you're facing a tough business problem, leave the office and find a place where you can think and view things differently.

2. Make friends of your neighbors

   There were six farms within a mile of ours and we knew everyone, their children and their dogs. But more importantly, we were there to help each other however we could.

   Know your business neighbors and your close competition. Develop a neighborly relationship that encourages mutual respect and willingness to help.

3. Always close the gate behind you

   Few things caused panic in my father's eyes like seeing his herd wandering through the front yard toward the road — the result of a gate left open or unlocked.

   Leaving the gate open in business can also cause dreaded results. When one situation ends, close the gate on it; don't look back no matter what it is. If you have to terminate an employee, do it gracefully and close the gate behind you.

4. If you want your dog to do what you say, she has to understand what you want

   Dad loved his Border Collies and spent time training them to respond to hand signals from 100 yards away. The dogs knew exactly what he expected because of the constant training and reinforcement.

   Communicate to your employees so everyone knows what you expect. Reinforce and encourage positive behavior.

5. Weeds can choke out crops

   Dad was a stickler for having weed-free fields because, not only did weeds make for an ugly field, they caused economic loss.

   In your business, people with poor attitudes are like weeds. These negative attitudes crowd out the positive attitudes, and before long, you have a negative company. Take steps to hire positive people and help keep their attitudes positive.

6. Driving on a gravel road makes you a better driver.

   A gravel road forces a young driver to learn to compensate for shifting gravel, to control speed and to stay on the road.

   Learn to be aware when business footings begin to shift and do something to compensate. Slow down and devise a plan to compensate and recover.

7. No one cares as much about your farm as you do.

   And no employee cares as much about your business as you do either. That doesn't mean, however, that you shouldn't set up systems and expectations for your employees to help ensure the success of your business.

8. Watch the sky if a tornado is in the forecast

   Portions of many nights were spent in our farmhouse basement peering out the small basement windows as heavy winds and, in some cases, tornados roared around us.

   There will always be storms in business, but the key is watching and listening for the signs. Read all the business news you can find and take the appropriate action even if it means “hiding in the basement” for a little while.

9. Complex problems don't always require complex solutions

   A good friend grew up in the hills of North Carolina and relates the seeming complexities of hunting squirrel. His solution: Think like a squirrel.

   When you're faced with a difficult business problem, try to think simply, using common sense. Break the problem down and mentally put yourself into various aspects of the situation.

10. Watch where you step

    Having animal herds — dairy cattle, beef cattle and hogs — meant that if you didn't watch where you stepped, you'd stumble or, worse, carry the smell into the house and incur Mom's wrath.

In business, you have to watch where you step to keep from stumbling or stepping in or on something that should be avoided!

There you have it — 10 things I learned on a farm that help in business today. If you have other lessons, fax them to me at 636/394-6979.

June Van Klaveren, Compelling Communications Inc., author of The Edge Up, offers marketing and customer service to help her customers attract more clients. She can be reached at 800/779-0067 or through the Web site www.compelcom.com.

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